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Model reliability

Citroen C5 reliability

The Citroen C5 fails its MOT about as often as most cars up to 5 years old: 15.4% of 11,824 tests failed in 2023, against 14% on average.

Up to 5 years old
15.4% failed their MOT
About average
From 11,824 MOT tests of Citroen C5s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 34% more oftenTyre condition4.3% vs 3.2%Fix about £90
Fails 12× as oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)3.5% vs 0.3%Fix about £30
Fails 39% more oftenMechanical brake components2.5% vs 1.8%
Fails 41% more oftenHeadlamp aim2.4% vs 1.7%Fix about £30
Advised 40% more oftenMechanical brake components16.9% vs 12.1%
Advised 11× as oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)5.3% vs 0.5%Fix about £30
6 to 10 years old
27.8% failed their MOT
About average
From 915 MOT tests of Citroen C5s this age. A small sample, so take it as a rough guide: a few cars either way can move these figures.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 8× as oftenTransmission6.8% vs 0.9%
Fails 4× as oftenStop lamp6.3% vs 1.5%Fix about £30
Fails 40% more oftenHeadlamp aim3.5% vs 2.5%Fix about £30
Fails 76% more oftenHeadlamps3% vs 1.7%Fix about £30
Advised 5× as oftenAnti-roll bars6.8% vs 1.5%
Advised 2× as oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)4.4% vs 2.1%Fix about £30
Over 10 years old
42.3% failed their MOT
About average
From 9,230 MOT tests of Citroen C5s this age.
Where it does worse than other cars this age
Fails 4× as oftenTransmission9.7% vs 2.6%
Fails 49% more oftenPosition lamps7.9% vs 5.3%Fix about £30
Fails 56% more oftenStop lamp6.1% vs 3.9%Fix about £30
Fails 31% more oftenWashers4.6% vs 3.5%
Advised 36% more oftenMechanical brake components23% vs 16.9%
Advised 53% more oftenFluid leaks15.5% vs 10.1%
Advised 88% more oftenAnti-roll bars11.3% vs 6%
Advised 48% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)7.7% vs 5.2%Fix about £30
Safety recalls

45 DVSA recalls for the Citroen C5

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.

R/2026/16224 Apr 2026Built 2026MCU inverter

On affected vehicles the Motor Control Unit (MCU) Inverter may have a manufacturing deviation which could lead to gearbox malfunctions and the risk of an internal electrical short circuit leading to overheating or a fire.

Fix: Replace the MCU Inverter.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS V2 · 1 vehicles

R/2026/15820 Apr 2026Built 2025Body Height sensor

Affected vehicles may exhibit improper headlamp levelling due to an incorrectly assembled Body Height Sensor.

Fix: Change the body height sensor.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 5 vehicles

R/2026/02121 Jan 2026Built 2025Citroen Cross carline Fuel injection common rail.

On affected vehicles a non-conformity issue with the fuel injection common rail may lead to a loosening of the nut and a potential fuel leak.

Fix: Check the fuel injection common rail and if necessary replace the rail and high-pressure fuel pipes.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 249 vehicles

R/2025/41729 Sept 2025Built 2023–2025Citroen C5 Aircross BCM software Stop/Start system.

On affected vehicles the engine will run all the time and will not shut off in start/stop mode due to incorrect Body Control Module coding.

Fix: Update the Body Control Module software.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 1,024 vehicles

R/2025/3818 Sept 2025Built 2020–2021Citroen C5 Aircross Traction Battery.

Affected vehicles may have a fault in the High Voltage Battery which could potentially lead to it overheating and in the worst case a battery or vehicle fire. Customers are advised to stop any plug-in charging and eSave charging until the vehicle is reworked.

Fix: Update the battery management software or replace the High Voltage Battery if necessary.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 384 vehicles

R/2025/34618 Aug 2025Built 2018–2022Emission recall – On Board Diagnostics

Vehicles may be affected by incorrect performance of the On-Board-Diagnostics related to Selective Catalytic Reduction system and/or Diesel Particle Filter. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may not illuminate in the event of a malfunction and therefore does not comply with emission regulations.

Fix: Update the Engine Control Unit software to ensure compliance to regulations.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 452 vehicles

R/2025/28318 Jul 2025Built 2022–2025Citroen Fuel Pipe

On affected vehicles there there may be loose connections between a high-pressure fuel pipe and the engine fuel rail which potentially could lead to a leak and risk of fire.

Fix: Retighten the affected connections.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 1,559 vehicles

R/2025/2473 Jul 2025Built 2018–2023Citroen DV5R Engines Camshaft Chain.

Vehicles may be affected by premature wearing of the camshaft drive chain leading to abnormal noise or to a breakage of the chain in the worst case.

Fix: Update the software to improve oil pressure and reduce wear. Check the engine noise and replace the chain if required. If no problem found change the oil to one with higher viscosity and special anti-wear additives.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 6,123 vehicles

R/2025/07014 Feb 2025Built 2024Citroen Automomous Telematics Box.

Affected vehicles may experience an autonomous telematic box that cannot connect to the remote server making it not possible to make calls or use other connected services.

Fix: Disconnect the 12V battery and reconnect it after 15 seconds then check for a trouble code.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 3 vehicles

R/2025/05613 Feb 2025Built 2023–2024Citroen C5 Aircross C5X Fuel Pipe Leakage.

Affected vehicles may face potential leakage of the under-bonnet fuel pipe due to a weakness of its crimping.

Fix: Change the fuel pipe.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 47 vehicles

R/2024/2731 Jul 2024Built 2020–2021Citroen C5 Aircross PHEV Traction Battery

On affected vehicles there is a fault in the High Voltage (HV) Battery which could potentially lead to a breakdown charging issue and/or overheating and in a worst-case scenario a High Voltage Battery or vehicle fire.

Fix: Replace the High Voltage Battery.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS PHEV · 83 vehicles

R/2024/13613 Mar 2024Built 2022Cross carline Engine software

On affected vehicles below 12500 miles under certain conditions engine emissions may lead to a non-compliance to regulatory requirements.

Fix: Check the mileage of the vehicle and update the ECU (Engine Control Unit) calibration on vehicles below 12500 miles.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 618 vehicles

R/2023/1006 Apr 2023Built 2020–2023Affected vehicles may face the risk of perforation of the HV battery reinforcing plate/battery cover over the vehicle lifetime due to water intrusion.

Affected vehicles may face the risk of perforation of the HV battery reinforcing plate/battery cover over the vehicle lifetime due to water intrusion.

Fix: A protective wax will be applied between HV battery reinforcing plate and battery cover.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS PHEV · 448 vehicles

R/2023/1105 Apr 2023Built 2020–2021Affected vehicles may experience HV Battery overheating that may lead to a HV Battery thermal runaway and in a worst case to a battery or vehicle fire.

Affected vehicles may experience HV Battery overheating that may lead to a HV Battery thermal runaway and in a worst case to a battery or vehicle fire.

Fix: The BMS (Battery Management System) will be reprogrammed with enhanced battery monitoring software.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS PHEV FWD · 1,197 vehicles

R/2023/1074 Apr 2023Built 2020–2021Affected vehicles may experience HV Battery overheating that may lead to a HV Battery thermal runaway and in a worst case to a battery or vehicle fire.

Affected vehicles may experience HV Battery overheating that may lead to a HV Battery thermal runaway and in a worst case to a battery or vehicle fire.

Fix: The BMS (Battery Management System) will be reprogrammed with enhanced battery monitoring software.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS PHEV FWD · 830 vehicles

R/2022/23426 Jul 2022Built 2018–2020The engine management software calibration could be incorrect.

The engine management software calibration could be incorrect causing engine stall.

Fix: Upload updated engine management software.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 1,323 vehicles

R/2021/0765 Mar 2021Built 2018–2021The welding of the individual components of the towbar might not meet the correct specification

The welding of the individual components of the towbar might not meet the correct specification.

Fix: Check the identity label and replace the tow bar if affected.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 23 vehicles

R/2021/04021 Jan 2021Built 2020The welding of the individual components of the towbar might not meet the correct specification

The welding of some components to the towbar assembly may not meet specification.

Fix: The replacement of the towbar.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 13 vehicles

R/2020/33013 Nov 2020Built 2019The filtering performance of the diesel particulate filter may not meet the required specification

The filtering performance of the Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) may not meet the required specification.

Fix: Replace the DPF on affected vehicles.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 432 vehicles

R/2020/24419 Aug 2020Built 2019–2020THE UREA INJECTOR MAY BLOCK AND LEAD TO NOx EMISSIONS GOING OUT OF REGULATORY LIMITS

The vehicles may be affected by a defect in the urea injector which might block and lead to NOx emissions going out of the regulatory limits.

Fix: Updating the ECU software to avoid the gradual blocking of the urea injector

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 1,689 vehicles

R/2019/4073 Feb 2020Built 2019The trailer tow ball may not be correct to specification

Some trailer tow ball fixing bolts may be damaged.

Fix: Replace the two tow ball fixing bolts.

Recalled models: C5 AIRCROSS · 10 vehicles

R/2018/04913 Feb 2018Built 2014–2015Engine may overheat

The engine electronic cooling management control strategy and the maximum temperature alert threshold could cause the engine to overheat. This could result in a warning light and a message being displayed on the instrument panel.

Fix: On affected vehicles download a new engine management software in order to modify the cooling management parameters to improve the control of the engine operating temperature.

Recalled models: C5 · 2,098 vehicles

R/2017/2086 Jul 2017Built 2013–2017Starter supply wire may chafe

The positioning of the starter motor supply terminal may not conform to specification. Contact with a neighbouring component could cause a short circuit.

Fix: On affected vehicles check the position of the terminal and where necessary reposition. Replace damaged components if necessary.

Recalled models: C5 · 2,014 vehicles

R/2016/17120 Jul 2016Built 2016Airbag may incorrectly deploy

On affected vehicles the driver's air bag inflation device may not conform to specification. As a result may not deploy correctly during an impact.

Fix: Replace the driver's air bag module on affected vehicles

Recalled models: C5 · 967 vehicles

R/2015/2438 Dec 2015Built 2012–2014Fuel may leak

The fuel filter's integrated heater may be defective and could cause the cover to distort. This could cause air ingress and fuel egress. Either could cause poor starting and a warning light should illuminate

Fix: On affected vehicles replace fuel heater cover. Check and if necessary replace connector.

Recalled models: C5 · 9,483 vehicles

R/2013/10827 Sept 2013Built 2012–2013Fuel may leak onto engine

It is possible that a leak can occur between the injector spill rail connection and the plastic fuel return pipe. This can cause leakage of fuel which can either pool on the engine cylinder head and then become deposited onto the road surface where it could cause a skid risk to other motorist or if the fuel comes into contact with extremely hot engine components an exhaust manifold for instance it is possible that an under bonnet fire could ensue.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the sealing of the fuel return pipe connection on each injector and if necessary replace the injectors as well as the fuel return pipes.

Recalled models: C5 · 30 vehicles

R/2011/0805 Jul 2011Built 2009–2011Engine may stall

It is possible for the engine to stall due to incorrect reading of oil levels during harsh and prolonged braking.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to download new software to the engine ECU.

Recalled models: C5 · 157 vehicles

R/2011/03231 Mar 2011Built 2009Windscreen wiper motor may fail

On affected vehicles an internal nonconformity in the drivers side windscreen wiper motor may lead over time to the failure of the windscreen wiper mechanism.

Fix: Replacement of drivers side windscreen wiper motor.

Recalled models: C5 · 4,271 vehicles

R/2010/22317 Dec 2010Built 2006–2009Braking assistance may not perform correctly

In very rare circumstances the vacuum pump one way valve may not function correctly which could affect the level of braking assistance.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the brake vacuum pump one way valve.

Recalled models: C5 · 20,089 vehicles

R/2010/1895 Nov 2010Built 2009–2010Parking brake may fail

It has been identified that due to the Non-Conformity of the handbrake adjustment system in the handbrake mechanism it is possible that there can be a reduction in the efficiency of the parking brake.

Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the replacement of the handbrake lever mechanism.

Recalled models: C5 · 957 vehicles

R/2009/1381 Dec 2009Built 2009Rear screen may not remain in open position.

The ball mountings for the rear screen support struts may dislocate and the screen will not remain in open position

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check security/tightness of strut mounting balls and replace any that are damaged.

Recalled models: C5 · 1,012 vehicles

R/2009/12913 Nov 2009Built 2008–2009Windscreen trim may detach

It has been identified that one of the windscreen side trims is not compliant. This may lead to the side trim moving position and in rare cases detaching.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will be checked for windscreen trim compliance. Should a non-compliance be identified the side trims will be replaced.

Recalled models: C5 · 5,142 vehicles

R/2009/02125 Feb 2009Fuel may leak

It has been identified that a batch of fuel injector pumps supplied as spare parts may have covers manufactured from a defective material. This could cause the pump covers to develop fissures which over time may lead to fuel leakage.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the fuel injector pump replaced.

Recalled models: C5 · 27 vehicles

R/2008/19924 Dec 2008Built 2008Wipers / lights/ battery charging may be affected.

An incorrect engine relay unit may have been fitted. This ECU could deteriorate and cause operating faults and perhaps failure of certain equipment

Fix: Recall affected vehicles check Engine Relay Unit and replace if not correct specification.

Recalled models: C5 · 6,031 vehicles

R/2008/11528 Jul 2008Built 2006–2008Possible leakage from the diesel return pipe fixed to the intake manifold.

It has been identified that the diesel fuel return pipe which is fixed to the inlet manifold may be abraded to the extent that if left undetected will leak.

Fix: Recalled vehicles as a preventative measure will have the pipe inspected for damage. If any is found the pipe will be replaced. In cases where the pipe remains undamaged it will be fitted with reinforcement.

Recalled models: C5 · 1,611 vehicles

R/2008/07315 May 2008Built 2007–2008Engine may stall

It has been identified that there is a risk of the engine stalling under very firm braking conditions.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the engine ECU software upgraded.

Recalled models: C5 · 1,427 vehicles

R/2008/0516 May 2008Built 2006–2007The brake pedal could become stiff thereby reducing braking assistance

The brake pedal might feel stiff and the braking distances extended as a result of a defect in the vacuum pump.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the valve in the vacuum pump.

Recalled models: C5 · 2,557 vehicles

R/2008/0175 Feb 2008Built 2005Possibility of reduced braking performance

It has been identified that vehicles fitted with 2I HDI engines may have been fitted a vacuum pump which may not be to specification. This could lead to a decrease in braking assistance.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the vacuum pump replaced.

Recalled models: C5 · 520 vehicles

R/2006/03023 Feb 2006Built 2004–2005Fuel leaking into engine

It has been identified that a potential fault in the engine management system could cause an internal fuel leak via one or more of the fuel injectors after switching off. This would result in a failure to restart because of excess fuel present in the inlet manifold or cylinders.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the engine management unit software upgraded.

Recalled models: C5 · 257 vehicles

R/2005/05725 Apr 2005Built 2004Diesel fuel return pipe may leak

The diesel fuel return pipe of the injection system for 1.6 HDI ( DV6) engines carries the risk that over time seeping of fuel may occur due to nonconformity in manufacture.

Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the return pipe replaced with a quality assured item.

Recalled models: C5 · 1,286 vehicles

R/2004/0967 Jun 2004Built 2003–2004Engine may revert to back up mode.brake assistance may reduce

The original ECU software could generate an excessive vibration of the injection butterfly. In very rare cases the butterfly upper stop may fail causing the engine to go to back up mode which may result in a drop of brake assistance efficiency

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and download new engine ECU software and initialisation of the ECU.

Recalled models: C5 · 3,562 vehicles

R/2003/1513 Oct 2003Built 2001–2003Possible cracking of road wheel

Under severe operating conditions and high mileage the pressed aluminium road wheels may crack around the wheel fixing holes. This could ultimately result in the detachment of a wheel.

Fix: Replace the wheels with a modified type.

Recalled models: C5 · 14,110 vehicles

R/2002/09016 Aug 2002Built 2001–2002Abs control unit may overheat

The anti lock brake control unit may overheat and cause the footbrake to revert to none anti lock mode.

Fix: Check the ABS control unit identification number and replace the control unit where found necessary.

Recalled models: C5 · 878 vehicles

R/2002/08416 Aug 2002Built 2001Replacement of handbrake lever

There is a possibility that the handbrake will not hold the vehicle stationary if it is not fully applied.

Fix: Fit a modified handbrake lever designed to ensure that an effective brake application is always made

Recalled models: C5 · 16,061 vehicles

R/2002/00923 Jan 2002Built 2000Antilock brake system concern

A defect in the ABS (Antilock Brake) ring on the front wheel bearings may cause a malfunction of the Antilock Brake System.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit new front wheel bearings.

Recalled models: C5 · 2,373 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Citroen C5 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.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.
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