2012 Citroën C3 · 49,924 MOT tests
2012 Citroën C3 reliability
2012 Citroën C3s fail 42.7% of first MOT tests, 37% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 20 C3 years (49,924 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
Looking at a 2012 Citroën C3?
See its own MOT history and mileage, free.
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën C3s: 35.6%)
- 42.7%
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën C3s: 35.6%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 37% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 68,860
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 49,924
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 30% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- 2013 cars: 35% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does worse)
- Weak spot: steering, 5.8% of tests fail here (179% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Plates: a 2012 car carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Common problems
What fails on a 2012 Citroën C3
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics22.9%
- Suspension13.3%
- Body, chassis and structure9%
- Tyres7.3%
- Brakes6.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.1%
- Steering5.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Stop lamp not working 6.86%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Position lamp not working 6.09%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Coil spring fractured or broken 5.71%
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
Track rod end ball joint excessively worn 4.49%
Worn steering ball joints can affect steering control and safety, so repair is needed before the car is driven.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.27%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.46%
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (16.44%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (14.7%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.77%) · Exhaust mounting defective (9.67%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.75%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (6.14%)
Other years
Every Citroën C3 year
The full picture: Citroën C3 reliability. Before you pay for any Citroën C3, a Full Check (£9.99) shows finance, stolen and write-off records the MOT can't.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 normal tests.
Is a 2012 Citroën C3 reliable?
2012 Citroën C3s fail 42.7% of first MOT tests, 37% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 17 of 20 C3 years (49,924 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Citroën C3 MOT?
Most often stop lamp not working (6.86% of tests), position lamp not working (6.09% of tests), coil spring fractured or broken (5.71% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Citroën C3 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Citroën C3 shows 68,860 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2012 car?
A car first registered in 2012 carries a 61 plate (January–February 2012), or a 12 plate (March–August 2012), or a 62 plate (September–December 2012).
Check a 2012 Citroën C3 free
MOT history, mileage record, ULEZ, tax and recalls on any UK car, in seconds. No sign-up, no card.