2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Citroen C3 MOT pass rate and common faults

900 MOT tests in 2024. 50.6% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

87Well below average
Passed first time50.6%
Failed or needed repairs49.4%
Typical mileage at test87,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 900 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect8.7%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.8%
  3. Coil spring: fractured or broken6.4%
  4. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.8%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.1%
  6. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.6%
  7. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.4%
    51 marked dangerous
  8. Side repeaters: incorrect colour3.2%
  9. Position lamp: not working3.2%
  10. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases3.0%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Lights & electrics48.4%
  2. Suspension32.9%
  3. Brakes18.4%
  4. Body & chassis10.7%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.2%
  6. Tyres8.6%
  7. Emissions & leaks7.8%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.3%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm16.2%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure14.4%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened14.1%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All C3 years2003 C3 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2002 Citroen C3?

In 2024, 50.6% of 2002 Citroen C3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 900 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2002 Citroen C3?

The most common failure reasons were headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; coil spring: fractured or broken. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Citroen C3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 87, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).