2018 Citroen C3 Aircross diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross diesel than on all cars registered in 2018.

• Brake discs2.6× usual
  Citroen C3 Aircross

  25.3% All 2018 cars

  9.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.2%, against 0.5% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Exhaust system19.6× usual
  Citroen C3 Aircross

  15.7% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.8%, against 0.2% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints7.6× usual
  Citroen C3 Aircross

  6.1% All 2018 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.3%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Braking performance2.8× usual
  Citroen C3 Aircross

  3.3% All 2018 cars

  1.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.2%, against 0.4% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Engine oil leaks2.4× usual
  Citroen C3 Aircross

  2.4% All 2018 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2018 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Brakes
  30% 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.

• Tyres
  27% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  7% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Driveshafts and joints
  6% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Suspension
  5% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 19.6× as often on the 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 7.6× as often on the 2018 Citroen C3 Aircross diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?