2002 Citroen Xsara: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2002 Citroen Xsaras, from 949 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2002 Citroen Xsaras than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Exhaust system1.8× usualCitroen Xsara17.4% All 2002 cars9.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 2.5% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Individual direction indicators2.5× usualCitroen Xsara8.1% All 2002 cars3.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.4% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Rust in key structural areas3.8× usualCitroen Xsara6.1% All 2002 cars1.6%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 1.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£250 our estimateAt the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.
- Side repeaters4× usualCitroen Xsara6% All 2002 cars1.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 0.8% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Steering rack2.8× usualCitroen Xsara5.4% All 2002 cars1.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
Sub-frame: 2.1% here, against 5.3% of all 2002 cars.
By area
The share of 2002 Citroen Xsara MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension43% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics40% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes38% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres38% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks22% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Exhaust and emissions20% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 992 | Suspension 41% |
| 2009 | 1,893 | Suspension 41% |
| 2008 | 2,058 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 2007 | 3,546 | Suspension 44% |
| 2006 | 3,724 | Suspension 43% |
| 2005 | 2,218 | Suspension 48% |
| 2004 | 1,912 | Suspension 52% |
| 2003 | 1,299 | Suspension 48% |
| 2001 | 589 | Lights and electrics 44% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2002 Citroen Xsaras registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score