2012 Citroën C5 · 1,304 MOT tests
2012 Citroën C5 reliability
2012 Citroën C5s fail 32.4% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 15 C5 years (1,304 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Citroën C5s: 28.5%)
- 32.4%
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën C5s: 28.5%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 8% fewer
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- 98,333
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 11
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,304
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2012 against the years either side
- 2011 cars: 6% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- 2013 cars: 8% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2012 car does better)
- Weak spot: body, chassis and structure, 9.6% of tests fail here (136% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 25% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- 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 C5
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics14.3%
- Suspension10.4%
- Body, chassis and structure9.6%
- Tyres7.1%
- Brakes6.1%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors4.8%
- Steering3.2%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 7.59%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn 4.14%
Worn suspension arm bushes allow the wheel to move unpredictably, affecting steering, handling and tyre wear.
Stop lamp not working 3.22%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 3.22%
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
Brake pads worn below 1.5mm 2.22%
Pads worn below 1.5mm lose stopping power and can damage discs, so replacement is needed before the car is driven.
Anti-roll bar linkage ball joint worn 2.22%
A worn linkage ball joint can rattle, affect handling and eventually fail, so it should be replaced.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.56%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.89%) · Linkage ball joint slight play (10.12%) · Brake pads wearing thin (7.9%) · Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear (6.9%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (6.83%)
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 2012 Citroën C5 reliable?
2012 Citroën C5s fail 32.4% of first MOT tests, 8% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 15 C5 years (1,304 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2012 Citroën C5 MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (7.59% of tests), suspension arm pin/bush excessively worn (4.14% of tests), stop lamp not working (3.22% of tests).
How many miles should a 2012 Citroën C5 have done?
At its MOT aged about 11, a typical 2012 Citroën C5 shows 98,333 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).
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