2001 Citroën Xsara · 3,817 MOT tests
2001 Citroën Xsara reliability
2001 Citroën Xsaras fail 51.9% of first MOT tests, 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 11 Xsara years (3,817 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Citroën Xsaras: 50.4%)
- 51.9%
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën Xsaras: 50.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 23% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- 110,968
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 21
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 3,817
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2001 against the years either side
- 2000 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- 2002 cars: 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2001 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 9.4% of tests fail here (176% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 15% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2001 car carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
Common problems
What fails on a 2001 Citroën Xsara
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics23.7%
- Suspension18.9%
- Body, chassis and structure17.4%
- Brakes11.9%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9.4%
- Seat belts and airbags9.4%
- Tyres8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
CV joint boot split or insecure 6.34%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Exhaust has major gas leak 4.79%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 4.74%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Position lamp not working 4.69%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Suspension ball joint excessively worn 4.3%
A worn ball joint can fail and cause loss of steering control, so it must be replaced promptly.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.22%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (18%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (15.75%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.2%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (12.34%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (10.98%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (9.67%)
Other years
Every Citroën Xsara year
The full picture: Citroën Xsara reliability. Before you pay for any Citroën Xsara, 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 2001 Citroën Xsara reliable?
2001 Citroën Xsaras fail 51.9% of first MOT tests, 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 11 of 11 Xsara years (3,817 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2001 Citroën Xsara MOT?
Most often cv joint boot split or insecure (6.34% of tests), exhaust has major gas leak (4.79% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (4.74% of tests).
How many miles should a 2001 Citroën Xsara have done?
At its MOT aged about 21, a typical 2001 Citroën Xsara shows 110,968 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2001 car?
A car first registered in 2001 carries a 51 plate (September–December 2001).
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