2004 · 20 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2004 Citroen Xsara MOT pass rate and common faults

2,751 MOT tests in 2024. 49.6% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

88Well below average
Passed first time49.6%
Failed or needed repairs50.4%
Typical mileage at test109,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 2,751 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Position lamp: not working5.0%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.7%
  3. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.5%
  4. Stop lamp: not working4.1%
  5. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced4.1%
  6. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded4.0%
  7. Suspension arms - ball joint: ball joint excessively worn3.8%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.7%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.5%
    138 marked dangerous
  10. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.1%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics43.7%
  2. Suspension25.1%
  3. Brakes18.2%
  4. Body & chassis14.0%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)11.3%
  6. Tyres9.7%
  7. Emissions & leaks8.6%
  8. Steering7.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm20.6%
  2. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded17.7%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine14.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.6%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened10.5%

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: position lamp: not working. 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 2004 Citroen Xsara?

In 2024, 49.6% of 2004 Citroen Xsara cars passed their MOT first time, across 2,751 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Citroen Xsara?

The most common failure reasons were position lamp: not working; 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 2004 Citroen Xsara reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 88, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).