2008 · 16 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2008 Citroen C3 MOT pass rate and common faults

4,781 MOT tests in 2024. 51.2% passed first time, compared with 56.9% for all cars the same age.

90Well below average
Passed first time51.2%
Failed or needed repairs48.8%
Typical mileage at test77,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 4,781 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.2%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.5%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.5%
  4. Stop lamp: not working4.2%
  5. Coil spring: fractured or broken4.2%
  6. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.9%
  7. Headlamp: not working on dipped beam3.8%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.7%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.6%
    252 marked dangerous
  10. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics39.2%
  2. Suspension27.3%
  3. Body & chassis16.8%
  4. Brakes14.1%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.7%
  6. Tyres9.6%
  7. Emissions & leaks7.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags3.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm18.1%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine17.2%
  3. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.8%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened13.2%
  5. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened9.2%

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: joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2008 Citroen C3?

In 2024, 51.2% of 2008 Citroen C3 cars passed their MOT first time, across 4,781 tests. The average for all 16-year-old cars was 56.9%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2008 Citroen C3?

The most common failure reasons were joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2008 Citroen C3 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 90, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).