2002 · 22 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2002 Citroen Saxo MOT pass rate and common faults

876 MOT tests in 2024. 53.5% passed first time, compared with 58.1% for all cars the same age.

92Below average
Passed first time53.5%
Failed or needed repairs46.5%
Typical mileage at test72,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 876 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Service brake imbalance: across an axle6.5%
  2. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.3%
  3. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements5.1%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.1%
  5. Stop lamp: not working4.7%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.7%
  7. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.6%
  8. Position lamp: not working4.3%
  9. Horn: not working4.3%
  10. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.2%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics36.8%
  2. Brakes27.7%
  3. Body & chassis18.0%
  4. Emissions & leaks15.6%
  5. Suspension14.0%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.4%
  7. Steering5.9%
  8. Tyres4.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure15.0%
  2. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.6%
  3. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened11.1%
  4. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm11.1%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.4%

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: service brake imbalance: across an axle. 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 2002 Citroen Saxo?

In 2024, 53.5% of 2002 Citroen Saxo cars passed their MOT first time, across 876 tests. The average for all 22-year-old cars was 58.1%.

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

The most common failure reasons were service brake imbalance: across an axle; catalyst emissions: lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits; service brake performance: efficiency below requirements. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2002 Citroen Saxo reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 92, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).