Citroen C5 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Citroen C5?

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 2012–2026 · 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)

Common Citroen C5 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 2025.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2019 and 2020.

  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.

• Number plate lights

  up to 13.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Anti-roll bar link joints

  up to 3.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009 and 2010.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Diesel smoke emissions

  up to 5.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009 and 2010.

  Rough price £175–£900 (catalytic converter) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Look for smoke when revving the warm engine and for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Brake pads

  up to 1.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Citroen C5 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2021 Citroen C5 did best (86% passed first time, 1 point below all 2021 cars) and the 2009 did worst (53%, 5 points below all 2009 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 C5

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. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 7× as often on the Citroen C5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 13.9× as often on the Citroen C5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the Citroen C5 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?