2011 Citroen C3: petrol or diesel?
Petrol, diesel and hybrid versions go wrong in different ways, so each has its own figures from the MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Pick the one you’re looking at: the fuel is on the logbook and in the car’s MOT history.
Hybrid versions had too few MOTs for figures of their own, or weren’t sold.
Known faults on every 2011 Citroen C3
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All engines
Alternator failure
Headlights that brighten and dim are an early sign of a failing alternator, which will then flatten the battery.
At the viewing: Watch the lights with the engine idling, and ask whether the battery keeps going flat.
If it needs doing: Alternator, about £150–£400. ClickMechanic
- All engines
Brake light switch
A faulty brake light switch can leave the brake lights on or stop cruise control working.
At the viewing: Ask someone to watch the brake lights as you press and release the pedal.
- All engines
Seized handbrake
The rear drum handbrake lever can seize, so the handbrake won't hold or won't release fully.
At the viewing: Test that the handbrake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.
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Other years
Every year of the Citroen C3 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | 494 | Brakes 8% |
| 2022 | 7,503 | Brakes 17% |
| 2021 | 16,790 | Brakes 18% |
| 2020 | 23,584 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 40,241 | Tyres 30% |
| 2018 | 46,341 | Tyres 31% |
| 2017 | 46,394 | Tyres 31% |
| 2016 | 26,339 | Tyres 32% |
| 2015 | 36,347 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 41,253 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 40,210 | Tyres 34% |
| 2012 | 44,452 | Lights and electrics 36% |
| 2010 | 54,555 | Suspension 46% |
| 2009 | 28,276 | Suspension 43% |
| 2008 | 14,738 | Suspension 42% |
| 2007 | 16,063 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 2006 | 14,306 | Lights and electrics 46% |
| 2005 | 12,405 | Lights and electrics 49% |
| 2004 | 10,033 | Lights and electrics 51% |
| 2003 | 8,039 | Suspension 49% |
| 2002 | 2,872 | Lights and electrics 51% |