Citroen C3 Aircross
Registered from 2015 to 2026.
About this model
The Citroën C3 Aircross is a nameplate designated to several vehicles produced under the Citroën marque, by the French automaker PSA Group, and later Stellantis.
From the Wikipedia article Citroën C3 Aircross, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
What fails its inspection
Great Britain's MOT record for the 2019 1.2 petrol. 848 of 10,007 tests failed, 8%.
Better than 56% of 2019 cars. The typical one fails 9%, across 908 models with enough tests behind them to say.
| Where | Share of failures | Failed tests |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 40% | 336 |
| Tyres and wheels | 39% | 328 |
| Body and structure | 12% | 105 |
| Lights and electrics | 11% | 92 |
| Visibility | 6% | 54 |
| Suspension | 4% | 37 |
The defects inspectors cite
- A tyre seriously damaged
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
Where it stands out against its peers
- Brakes: failed more often than 93% of 2019 cars — 40% of its 848 failed tests, where an ordinary 2019 car has 19%.
- Body and structure: failed more often than 94% of 2019 cars — 12% of its 848 failed tests, where an ordinary 2019 car has 2%.
Same model year only, at least 30 peer cars, zeros included. Every car has a worst part; this shows which, and how far from ordinary it is. A high share means more to check, not a verdict.
NHTSA's investigations are American; no European regulator publishes an equivalent record, so this section has nothing to draw on for a European car. There is no European equivalent of the service-bulletin register either.
Before you buy one
Built from what this car fails on, not from general knowledge of the model.
- Brakes — 40% of its failures
- A brake lining or pad worn below 1.5mm
- Brake disc or drum significantly and obviously worn
- Brake disc or drum excessively weakened, insecure or fractured
- Tyres and wheels — 39% of its failures
- A tyre seriously damaged
- Tyre tread depth not in accordance with the requirements
- A tyre cords visible or damaged
- Lights and electrics — 11% of its failures
- Body and structure — 12% of its failures
- Visibility — 6% of its failures
When it starts failing
At 60–80k miles this one fails 16% of its inspections, against the 14% an ordinary car of the same age fails.
| Odometer | Failure rate | Rate | Its age | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–20k miles | 5% | 5% | 3,422 | |
| 20–40k miles | 9% | 9% | 5,259 | |
| 40–60k miles | 13% | 12% | 1,197 | |
| 60–80k miles | 16% | 14% | 114 |
9,992 British inspections, grouped by the odometer reading recorded at the test.
Half of these have more than 20k miles on them. That is how far people drive this car, not how long it lasts.
Specification
| Year | Measured |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1.2 petrol · 109 hp · 1254 kg · 2604 mm wheelbase · 6.0 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2020 | 1.2 petrol · 111 hp · 1257 kg · 2604 mm wheelbase · 5.9 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 1.2 petrol · 1234 kg · 2604 mm wheelbase · 6.0 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 1.2 petrol · 1234 kg · 2604 mm wheelbase · 6.0 L/100km (WLTP) |
| 2017 | 1.2 petrol · 106 hp · 1238 kg · 2599 mm wheelbase · 5.0 L/100km (NEDC) |
Recalls
Filed by the manufacturer with a regulator. A recall is repaired free of charge, whoever owns the car now.
A12/01048/24
The lubrication of the vacuum pump may be insufficient, which can cause it break.This can lead to reduced braking assistance, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/01766/23
Due to the insufficient hardness of the steel, cracks may appear in the rear axle cross member. This affects the vehicle’s handling, increasing the risk of an accident. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
A12/02826/24
In certain vehicles fitted with the DV5R E6.3 engine, the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions are above the regulatory limits. Excessive NOx emissions pose a risk to the environment. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/00435/25
Due to a faulty software of the electronic engine control unit (ECU), an incorrect value may be given when the data are processed by the vehicle. This may result in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions above the regulatory limits. Excessive NOx emissions pose a risk to the environment. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/00841/26
There is insufficient clearance (< 10 mm), between the tube of the petrol particulate filter and the terminal protection cap of the 48 V belt-driven starter alternator. In wet conditions, the insufficient clearance and contact between these components can lead to water infiltration, causing an electric arc which may trigger a thermal event, such as overheating. There is a risk of fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/00905/26
The electric power steering harness being routed between two screws, and slight vibrations may cause damage during steering operations. This may cause a short circuit, leading to a loss of power steering assistance and/or a fire in the passenger compartment. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/01382/26
Due to a defect in the engine control unit (inverter) in vehicles equipped with electrified dual-clutch transmission (e-DCT), metal soldering residues may pass into the unit. This can cause internal electric short circuits which, can lead to continuous power supply and overheating due to a blocked relay, and cause a fire. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
SR/02655/25
Due to oil carbonisation and high contact pressure, the 7 mm camshaft chain resistance can be reduced. This may cause the camshaft chain to break, leading to an engine failure. This can cause a loss of vehicle's control and increase the risk of accidents and injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Recall of the product from end users
3 more campaigns have been filed against this model. A dealer can check by VIN which apply to one car.