Citroen C1 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Citroen C1?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (PureTech petrol)

  Cars registered 2014–2022 · 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol

  The 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines use a timing belt that runs in the engine oil (a “wet belt”). It can break down early and shed rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some also burn too much oil. Stellantis now covers earlier engines for belt and oil-burning problems for up to 10 years or 112,000 miles, as long as the car has been serviced on schedule.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history showing the right oil, and when the belt was last checked or changed. Check the oil level on the dipstick, and that no oil-pressure or engine warning light stays on.

  Source: Parkers: Stellantis wet belt compensation, and the cars at risk, Stellantis: compensation policy for earlier PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines (7 May 2025)

• Squeaking or failing clutch

  Cars registered 2005–2013 · Manual gearbox

  A squeak from underneath as you let the clutch out, with a stiff gear change, points to a worn clutch.

  At the viewing: Listen as you pull away, and try every gear.

  If it needs doing: Clutch replacement, about £250–£600. ClickMechanic

  Source: Haynes: Toyota Aygo Mk1 common problems

• Gear cable that can snap

  Cars registered 2005–2013 · Manual gearbox

  One of the gear cables can fail suddenly, leaving no gears at all.

  At the viewing: Make sure every gear goes in cleanly, including reverse.

  Source: Haynes: Toyota Aygo Mk1 common problems

• Steering column recall (very early cars)

  Cars registered 2014–2015 · Built Sept to Oct 2014

  A small batch of cars built in September and October 2014 was recalled because the steering column could collapse.

  At the viewing: If the car was built in late 2014, ask a dealer to check the VIN for the recall.

  Source: Auto Express: used Peugeot 108 review

• Heavy steering

  Cars registered 2005–2013 · All

  Heavy steering can mean a failing power steering control unit, which is replaced as a whole.

  At the viewing: Turn the wheel at a standstill and at low speed: it should feel light.

  Source: Haynes: Toyota Aygo Mk1 common problems

• Clunky 2-Tronic automatic

  Cars registered 2014–2022 · 2-Tronic / x-shift automatic

  The optional 2-Tronic is an automated manual, not a true automatic. It can feel jerky and owners rate it poorly.

  At the viewing: Drive it in traffic and pull away several times. Make sure you can live with how it changes gear.

  Source: Auto Express: used Peugeot 108 review

• Engine turns over but won't start

  Cars registered 2014–2022 · All engines

  Some owners report the engine cranking without firing. A tired battery is the usual cause.

  At the viewing: Start the car from cold yourself and watch for slow cranking.

  Source: Auto Express: used Peugeot 108 review

Common Citroen C1 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Anti-roll bar link bushes

  up to 34.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £100–£280 (pair of drop links) Checkatrade

  At the viewing: Drive slowly over bumps and listen for a knock or rattle from the front. Worn anti-roll bar links are a cheap fix.

• Rigid brake pipes

  up to 4.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.

  Rough price £100–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask to see underneath, or check the MOT advisories: corroded brake or fuel pipes get worse every year and fail the MOT when they do.

• Exhaust system

  up to 3.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2016 and 2017.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Braking performance

  up to 2.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Wheels

  up to 3.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Sub-frame

  up to 3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

Citroen C1 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2014 Citroen C1 did best (75% passed first time, 5 points above all 2014 cars) and the 2005 did worst (52%, 5 points below all 2005 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Citroen C1

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. When was the timing belt last checked or changed, and has it had the right oil at every service? Is the car still within Stellantis’ extended PureTech cover?
2. Has the clutch been replaced?
3. Have the gear cables been replaced?
4. Has all the recall work been done?
5. Has the steering had any work?
6. Has the gearbox or clutch had any work?