2009 Citroen C5: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2009 Citroen C5?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2009 Citroen C5 than on all cars registered in 2009.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4.5× usual
  Citroen C5

  24.1% All 2009 cars

  5.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 14.2%, against 2.4% of all 2009 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.

• Engine oil leaks2× usual
  Citroen C5

  21.1% All 2009 cars

  10.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.3% of all 2009 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.

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

  10.7% All 2009 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.6% of all 2009 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.

• Diesel smoke emissions4.9× usual
  Citroen C5

  4.4% All 2009 cars

  0.9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.4%, against 0.8% of all 2009 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.

Common 2009 Citroen C5 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2009 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.

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  35% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  24% 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
  24% 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 2009 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 4.5× as often on the 2009 Citroen C5 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2009 Citroen C5 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2009 Citroen C5 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?