2000 · 24 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2000 Citroen Xsara MOT pass rate and common faults

231 MOT tests in 2024. 52.4% passed first time, compared with 61.5% for all cars the same age.

85Well below average
Passed first time52.4%
Failed or needed repairs47.6%
Typical mileage at test102,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 231 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively7.8%
  2. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.4%
  3. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases6.1%
  4. Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits5.2%
  5. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn5.2%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.8%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.9%
  8. Catalyst emissions: carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle exceeds manufacturer's specified limits3.5%
  9. Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play3.5%
  10. Position lamp: not working3.5%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics33.8%
  2. Emissions & leaks24.2%
  3. Brakes23.4%
  4. Suspension22.1%
  5. Body & chassis21.6%
  6. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)15.2%
  7. Steering10.8%
  8. Tyres7.8%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine22.5%
  2. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure17.7%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded16.0%
  4. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases13.4%
  5. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm13.0%

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: wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All Xsara years2001 Xsara →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2000 Citroen Xsara?

In 2024, 52.4% of 2000 Citroen Xsara cars passed their MOT first time, across 231 tests. The average for all 24-year-old cars was 61.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2000 Citroen Xsara?

The most common failure reasons were wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively; joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2000 Citroen Xsara reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 85, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).