2008 Citroen C5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Citroen C5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Citroen C5 than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.2× usual
  Citroen C5

  20.8% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.6%, against 3% of all 2008 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.5× usual
  Citroen C5

  10.6% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 1.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

• Steering rack4.3× usual
  Citroen C5

  4.3% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 0.6% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Diesel smoke emissions4.5× usual
  Citroen C5

  2.7% All 2008 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.5% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Petrol or diesel: does it make a difference?

The same figures for each fuel on its own. Check which one the car you're looking at is: it's on the logbook and in its MOT history.

Common 2008 Citroen C5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Citroen C5 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  44% 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 electrics
  34% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  34% 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
  34% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  21% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Oil and fluid leaks
  21% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Citroen C5

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.2× as often on the 2008 Citroen C5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2008 Citroen C5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack? (Flagged at MOT 4.3× as often on the 2008 Citroen C5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?