Citroen C1 reliability
The Citroen C1 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 38.9% of 79,660 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
12 DVSA recalls for the Citroen C1
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
The stitching pattern used on the rear seat belt material is not to correct specification
On affected vehicles some rear seat belts may have incorrect stitching on the belt material to connect the buckle to the anchor plate.
Fix: Check seat belts and relace if necessary.
Recalled models: C1 · 3 vehicles
The bonding of the rear door window glass to the hinge assemblies may not conform to specification
On the affected vehicles the bonding of the rear door window glass to the hinge assemblies may not conform to specification.
Fix: Check and if necessary replace the rear window or re- bond the rear window glass hinges.
Recalled models: C1 · 51,349 vehicles
Steering column may fail unexpectedly
A component of the steering column may not be to specification and could fail. If this occurs there would be a loss of directional control.
Fix: The manufacturer will contact keepers of affected vehicles and advise not to use the vehicle. Examine vehicles and on those with the affected component replace the steering column.
Recalled models: C1 · 342 vehicles
Bumper may not perform as designed in a collision
Affected vehicles may have a small defect in the front bumper frame. This may affect its impact absorption in the even of a collision.
Fix: If required replace front bumper frame.
Recalled models: C1 · 3 vehicles
Loss of control
The front shock absorber rod may have an internal fault which could cause it to brake. This could have an adverse affect on the front suspension and the driver's ability to control the vehicle.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace both front shock absorbers.
Recalled models: C1 · 1,518 vehicles
Rear cross-member may fail and cause driver to lose control
On subject vehicles a weld on the rear cross member might be non-compliant and eventually cause the weld between the cross member and the vehicle body to break. This may lead to a partial detachment of the axle and cause the driver to lose control.
Fix: Contact keepers using DVLA and manufacturer's records. Check the compliance of the weld on the O/S/R and if necessary replace the cross member.
Recalled models: C1 · 358 vehicles
Engine may fail
It has been established that the con-rod (big end) shell bearings may not have been manufactured to specification. This could lead to premature deterioration of the shells and if not identified it could result in engine failure.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace con-rod shell bearings.
Recalled models: C1 · 1,169 vehicles
Suspension may fail
The left hand side front chassis may have a nonconformity which may lead to a risk of poor securing of the suspension arm.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the left hand side front chassis member.
Recalled models: C1 · 6 vehicles
Engine may fail
Due to incorrect machining it is possible that the crankshaft is not to the correct specification which can lead to insufficient lubrication of the crankshaft and subsequent engine failure.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the engine.
Recalled models: C1 · 72 vehicles
Accelerator pedal may fail to return to idle
It has been identified that within the mechanism of the accelerator pedal there is a friction lever which interacts with a sliding surface. Over time and under certain conditionsthe contact surfaces may generated excessive friction and latterly the movement of the accelerator pedal. This over time and under certain conditions will result in the accelerator pedal becoming intermittently more difficult to push; or slower to return. In rare instances the accelerator pedal can remain in the partially depressed position.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have a reinforcing plate fitted within the accelerator pedal mechanism which will ensure continued correct functionality.
Recalled models: C1 · 34 vehicles
Wheel studs may become loose
A possible substandard tapping of one or more of the wheel stud holes may result in a reduction of the wheel stud to hub torque setting.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace hubs.
Recalled models: C1 · 169 vehicles
Possibility of fuel leak
It has been identified that during the fuel tank production process the joint between the tank and the fuel supply pipe assembly may not have been produced to the correct standard. Should this indeed be the case leakage from the supply pipe area of the fuel tank might occur.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the fuel tank inspected and replaced as necessary.
Recalled models: C1 · 33 vehicles
Checking a Citroen C1 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.