Model reliability

Citroen Saxo reliability

The Citroen Saxo fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 45.8% of 4,469 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

45.8% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 4,469 MOT tests of Citroen Saxos this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenBrake performance12.5% vs 5.8%

Fails 2× as oftenExhaust emissions12.4% vs 5.1%Fix about £150

Fails 2× as oftenTransmission6.3% vs 2.6%

Fails 62% more oftenStop lamp6.3% vs 3.9%Fix about £30

Advised 68% more oftenFluid leaks17% vs 10.1%

Advised 44% more oftenTyre condition15% vs 10.4%Fix about £90

Advised 87% more oftenExhaust system9.9% vs 5.3%Fix about £150

Advised 2× as oftenDirection indicators5.7% vs 2.4%

Safety recalls

3 DVSA recalls for the Citroen Saxo

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/2001/0968 Aug 2001Built 2001Parking brake efficiency may be reduced

A potential defect in the rear brake caliper may cause the parking brake efficiency to be reduced.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles to check the operation of each brake caliper and replacement of the caliper if necessary.

Recalled models: SAXO · 484 vehicles

R/2000/0051 Feb 2000Built 1999Possibility of loss of brake servo assistance

There is a possibility that the brake servo valve may not function correctly resulting in loss of servo assistance to the braking system.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles for the inspection and possible replacement of the brake servo valve.

Recalled models: SAXO · 9,088 vehicles

R/1997/01111 Apr 1997Built 1996Possible disengagement of driving seat catch

There is a risk of disengagement of the drivers seat catch allowing the seat to move on its runners.

Fix: The recall operation will check the security of the seat runner which will be replaced if necessary. In some cases replacement of the seat frame will be required.

Recalled models: SAXO · 7,309 vehicles

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

Checking a Citroen Saxo 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 Saxo reliability

3 DVSA recalls for the Citroen Saxo

Checking a Citroen Saxo before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.