2005 · 19 years old at test · Petrol mostly

2005 Citroen Xsara MOT pass rate and common faults

3,072 MOT tests in 2024. 47.7% passed first time, compared with 56.5% for all cars the same age.

84Well below average
Passed first time47.7%
Failed or needed repairs52.3%
Typical mileage at test105,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 3,072 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced6.3%
  2. Stop lamp: not working5.8%
  3. Position lamp: not working5.7%
  4. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.4%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength4.3%
  6. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.8%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.7%
  8. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded3.7%
  9. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn3.6%
  10. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Lights & electrics42.5%
  2. Suspension25.3%
  3. Brakes20.2%
  4. Body & chassis17.3%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)9.9%
  6. Tyres8.9%
  7. Emissions & leaks8.5%
  8. Seat belts & airbags8.2%

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 corroded14.9%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine12.5%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure12.4%
  5. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened8.7%

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: seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced. 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 2005 Citroen Xsara?

In 2024, 47.7% of 2005 Citroen Xsara cars passed their MOT first time, across 3,072 tests. The average for all 19-year-old cars was 56.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2005 Citroen Xsara?

The most common failure reasons were seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced; stop lamp: not working; position lamp: not working. The biggest problem area was lights & electrics.

Is the 2005 Citroen Xsara reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 84, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).