2009 Citroën C5 · 7,194 MOT tests
2009 Citroën C5 reliability
2009 Citroën C5s fail 44.3% of first MOT tests, 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 15 C5 years (7,194 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Citroën C5s: 28.5%)
- 44.3%
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën C5s: 28.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 5% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 116,122
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 7,194
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- 2010 cars: 6% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 13.4% of tests fail here (104% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 18% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2009 car carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
Common problems
What fails on a 2009 Citroën C5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics20.7%
- Suspension16.1%
- Body, chassis and structure13.4%
- Brakes8.9%
- Tyres8.7%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks7.6%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors7.5%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 11.16%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Position lamp not working 7.3%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 5.53%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Stop lamp not working 5.37%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.96%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Diesel smoke above limit, post-2008 3.07%
Excess diesel smoke can point to poor combustion or engine wear, which can be costly, so check before buying.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (19.68%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (14.9%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (13.72%) · Brake pads wearing thin (9.91%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (7.34%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (7.2%)
Other years
Every Citroën C5 year
The full picture: Citroën C5 reliability. Before you pay for any Citroën C5, 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 2009 Citroën C5 reliable?
2009 Citroën C5s fail 44.3% of first MOT tests, 5% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 10 of 15 C5 years (7,194 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Citroën C5 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (11.16% of tests), position lamp not working (7.3% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (5.53% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Citroën C5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2009 Citroën C5 shows 116,122 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2009 car?
A car first registered in 2009 carries a 58 plate (January–February 2009), or a 09 plate (March–August 2009), or a 59 plate (September–December 2009).
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