Citroen Xsara reliability
The Citroen Xsara fails its MOT more often than most cars over 10 years old: 49.6% of 34,679 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
8 DVSA recalls for the Citroen Xsara
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.
Rear damper may become insecure
The rear dampers lower fixing bolts may become loose.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to check conformity of damper lower fixing bolt and replace if necessary
Recalled models: XSARA · 54 vehicles
Seatbelt restraining ability may be affected
Welding on front R/H seat frame may not be robust enough by the seat buckle. Restraining ability may be impaired in an impact.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to check and replace seat frame if in affected batch.
Recalled models: XSARA · 238 vehicles
Accelerator pedal may work loose
The accelerator pedal plate may have been fitted with nuts that are not of the correct specification. In time the nuts may work loose making the pedal feel insecure.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the three accelerator pedal plate fixing nuts.
Recalled models: XSARA · 30 vehicles
Brake servo vacuum pipe may detach
Vacuum Servo Pipe may become detached resulting in loss of servo assistance
Fix: Replace vacuum pipe
Recalled models: XSARA · 202 vehicles
Potential loss of brake vacuum assistance
Possibility of failure of the vacuum pump drive dog leading to a loss of brake assistance.
Fix: Recall the potentially affected range of vehicles and replace the drive dog on those equipped with a Magneti Marelli vacuum pump.
Recalled models: XSARA · 2,611 vehicles
Suspension ball joint may disengage
There is a possibility that due to incorrect machining of the suspension ball joint clamp bolt hole on the pivot the ball joint may disengage.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check and replace pivot if necessary.
Recalled models: XSARA · 3,648 vehicles
The passenger air bag might remain active when the deactivate mode has been selected
Due to a possible fault within the control switch the passenger air bag may not be deactivated when the switch is in the off position.
Fix: Likely to be affected vehicles will be recalled and the function of the deactivation control switch checked. Should a defective switch be found it will be replaced with a quality assured unit.
Recalled models: XSARA · 569 vehicles
Possibility 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: XSARA · 9,088 vehicles
Checking a Citroen Xsara 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.