Model reliability

Citroen Nemo reliability

The Citroen Nemo fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 43.5% of 8,704 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

6 to 10 years old

41.3% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 6,729 MOT tests of Citroen Nemos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 5× as oftenSprings11.2% vs 2.4%Fix about £150

Fails 10× as oftenShock absorbers7.7% vs 0.8%Fix about £200

Fails 86% more oftenTyre condition6.5% vs 3.5%Fix about £90

Fails 3× as oftenPosition lamps5.2% vs 1.5%Fix about £30

Advised 41% more oftenTyre tread depth25.1% vs 17.8%Fix about £90

Advised 6× as oftenFluid leaks12.2% vs 2.2%

Advised 3× as oftenShock absorbers8.6% vs 3%Fix about £200

Advised 3× as oftenCondition of glass6.9% vs 2.1%

Over 10 years old

43.5% failed their MOT

About average

From 8,704 MOT tests of Citroen Nemos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenSprings8.6% vs 4.1%Fix about £150

Fails 4× as oftenShock absorbers7.4% vs 1.8%Fix about £200

Fails 57% more oftenWashers5.5% vs 3.5%

Fails 48% more oftenTyre tread depth4.6% vs 3.1%Fix about £90

Advised 52% more oftenFluid leaks15.4% vs 10.1%

Advised 2× as oftenShock absorbers10.5% vs 5%Fix about £200

Advised 2× as oftenCondition of glass7.8% vs 3.2%

Advised 44% more oftenRegistration plate lamp(s)7.5% vs 5.2%Fix about £30

Safety recalls

5 DVSA recalls for the Citroen Nemo

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/2013/1061 Oct 2013Built 2008–2010Inability to change gear

Over time partial wear of the gearbox control harnesses may occur due to contact with surrounding components. Gear selection may be affected as a result of electrical faults in some rare cases including the lighting of the warning lamp on the instrument panel and the driveability of the vehicle may be compromised.

Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the condition of the gearbox control harness and where necessary fit additional protection.

Recalled models: NEMO · 809 vehicles

R/2013/00215 Jan 2013Built 2012Braking assistance may be reduced

One of the vacuum hose unions in the braking system may not be to specification. This could cause a reduction in braking assistance.

Fix: Check and if necessary replace the hose.

Recalled models: NEMO · 618 vehicles

R/2012/12914 Nov 2012Built 2010Engine 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: NEMO · 1,169 vehicles

R/2012/09922 Oct 2012Built 2008–2010Rear cross member may crack

Over a period of time a small crack can appear on the rear axle cross member particularly under conditions of repeated maximum suspension travel. The small crack could increase in size and eventually lead to the rear wheel rubbing on the wheel arch.

Fix: Replace the rear axle cross member and suspension bump stops.

Recalled models: NEMO · 4,350 vehicles

R/2010/1925 Nov 2010Built 2010Engine 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: NEMO · 72 vehicles

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

Checking a Citroen Nemo 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.

Citroen Nemo reliability

5 DVSA recalls for the Citroen Nemo

Checking a Citroen Nemo before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.