Citroen C8 reliability
The Citroen C8 fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 53.9% of 1,309 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
20 DVSA recalls for the Citroen C8
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.
Fuel 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: C8 · 9,483 vehicles
Loss of steering
The steering column to steering wheel shaft may not have been assembled correctly. If not corrected noise and play will become apparent and if these warnings are not acted on eventually steering control could be lost.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary refit the steering column correctly to the steering wheel shaft.
Recalled models: C8 · 37 vehicles
Tyre may deflate
Some tyres may have suffered superficial damage when the vehicle was being transported. The front Left hand tyre may have localised damage on the tread or the inner side. The tyre may rip and deflate.
Fix: Carry out a visual check of the condition of the tyre in the affected areas and replace the tyre if necessary.
Recalled models: C8 · 17 vehicles
Power steering assistance may fail
It is possible that the wiring harness for the power assisted steering motor may come in contact with other components in the engine bay. Should this occur then it is possible that the power steering assistance on this large vehicle may become affected.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit protection to the wiring harness.
Recalled models: C8 · 1,357 vehicles
Fuel may leak
It is possible that the fuel return pipe may chaff on the diesel fuel filter support in the engine compartment. This can if not identified result in a fuel leak.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles for the addition of a protective sleeve to the return pipe.
Recalled models: C8 · 33 vehicles
Lights may fail without warning
It has been identified that the position of the exterior lighting control ring may not be detected by the lighting management system and the lights may switch off without warning.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the lighting management software updated.
Recalled models: C8 · 12,950 vehicles
Braking efficiency may be compromised
The threaded portion of the brake linkage rod in the brake control system may not be to conformity. This could result in a reduction of braking efficiency.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to check rod and replace if found not to meet conformity.
Recalled models: C8 · 630 vehicles
Vehicle exterior lights may fail without warning
The lighting management system may incorrectly detect the position of the exterior lighting control switch. This may cause the exterior light to switch off without warning.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and install a new version of the exterior lighting management software to the vehicle.
Recalled models: C8 · 592 vehicles
Possible 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: C8 · 1,611 vehicles
Vacuum braking assistance may reduce.
It has been identified that the check valve within the brake assistance vacuum pump may suffer from a non-conformity which in time may reduce the braking assistance.
Fix: Recalled vehicles as a preventative measure will have the subject valve replaced. At the same time certain vehicles will also have the air dosing unit replaced.
Recalled models: C8 · 307 vehicles
Possibility of extended brake pedal travel
It has been identified that a brake hose may become worn as a result of rubbing contact against the heat shield protecting the exhaust system. This may lead in extreme cases to a leak from a brake circuit which manifests itself in increased brake pedal travel.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the exhaust heat shield adjusted in order to maintain the correct distance from the subject brake hose. Should the hose display signs of wear it will be replaced.
Recalled models: C8 · 18 vehicles
Braking may be affected
Braking assistance could be adversely affected by freezing of moisture that may accumulate in the vacuum circuit.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that may be affected and fit a separate air vent complete with filter to each electro valve fitted to the vacuum circuit.
Recalled models: C8 · 5,062 vehicles
Seatbelt may not operate as designed
The seat belt locking action may not be as fast as it is designed to be.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that may be affecte check the date of manufacture of the seat belts and where necessary replace the seat belts.
Recalled models: C8 · 39 vehicles
Fuel may leak into engine
A potential fault within the engine management system could cause an internal engine fuel leak via one or more of the injectors following engine switch off. The engine would then not restart because of the excess fuel present in the inlet manifold or cylinders.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the engine management unit software updated.
Recalled models: C8 · 502 vehicles
Brake fluid may leak
There is a possibility of a brake pipe contacting the clip of the turbo-charger air inlet union. In extreme cases this could lead to a loss of brake fluid causing the brake warning lamp to come on.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and where necessary reposition the clip of the turbo-charger air inlet union. If the brake pipe shows traces of wear it will need to be replaced.
Recalled models: C8 · 2,305 vehicles
Airbag light may come on inadvertently
Due to draining of the condensation from the air conditioning system into the passenger compartment the air bag warning light may activate unintentionally. This in extreme cases may cause the air bag system to malfunction.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the sealing of the pipe which drains the condensation from the air conditioning system improved.
Recalled models: C8 · 5,628 vehicles
The engine protection tray may detach
The fixings for the under engine protection tray could deteriorate which could lead in some cases to the tray falling whilst the vehicle is in motion.
Fix: Recalled vehicles will have the engine under protection tray fixings replaced.
Recalled models: C8 · 5,218 vehicles
Heater blower module - risk of fire
There is a possibility of defective components in the heater blower which could cause a short circuit and a loss of ventilation of the passenger compartment and in an extreme condition could set fire to the wiring harness.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace heater blower module.
Recalled models: C8 · 25 vehicles
Water ingress into the airbag ecu
Water ingress into the airbag electronic control unit (ECU) could result in illumination of the warning light and in the worst case unintentional deployment of the airbag.
Fix: Seal the airbag ECU compartment.
Recalled models: C8 · 118 vehicles
Electrical signal could neutralise the sliding door safety lock.
When the vehicle is moving an electrical signal could neutralise the sliding door safety lock and allow the door to open unintentionally.
Fix: Fit a replacement electronic control unit to the door.
Recalled models: C8 · 269 vehicles
Checking a Citroen C8 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.