MOT failure data · 2025
Citroen C1 MOT problems
Across every Citroen C1 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was service brake performance excessively binding, on 5.64% of failure items. The broadest problem area was brakes at 24.03%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.
Most common Citroen C1 MOT failures
| # | Recorded defect | Area | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Service brake performance excessively binding | Brakes | 5.64% |
| 2 | Tread depth tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 4.56% |
| 3 | Position lamp not working | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.06% |
| 4 | Rigid brake pipes excessively corroded | Brakes | 3.96% |
| 5 | Component mounting prescribed areas prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | Suspension | 3.78% |
| 6 | Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect | Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 3.38% |
| 7 | Pins and bushes pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 2.95% |
| 8 | Catalyst emissions lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits | Noise, emissions and leaks | 2.77% |
| 9 | Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively | Visibility | 2.61% |
| 10 | Brake pads less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 2.56% |
Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.
What this means if you are buying one
Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Citroen C1, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.
The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Citroen C1 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.
Checking a specific Citroen C1?
Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.
Other Citroen models
- Citroen C3 MOT problems
- Citroen Berlingo MOT problems
- Citroen C4 MOT problems
- Citroen DS3 MOT problems
- Citroen Dispatch MOT problems
- Citroen C5 MOT problems
Citroen C1 MOT FAQs
What does a Citroen C1 most commonly fail its MOT on?
The single most recorded defect on Citroen C1 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "service brake performance excessively binding", appearing on 5.64% of failure items.
Does this mean my Citroen C1 will fail?
No. This is what testers recorded across every Citroen C1 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Citroen C1 passed 75.28% of its initial tests.
How do I see a specific Citroen C1's MOT history?
Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.
See also: Citroen C1 MOT pass rate · used Citroen C1 buying guide · free MOT history check
Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.