2002 Citroën Xsara · 6,228 MOT tests
2002 Citroën Xsara reliability
2002 Citroën Xsaras fail 49.6% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 11 Xsara years (6,228 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Citroën Xsaras: 50.4%)
- 49.6%
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën Xsaras: 50.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 16% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- 109,993
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 20
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 6,228
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2002 against the years either side
- 2001 cars: 23% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- 2003 cars: 19% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2002 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 7.9% of tests fail here (140% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 26% fewer fails than comparable cars.
- Plates: a 2002 car carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
Common problems
What fails on a 2002 Citroën Xsara
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics23.5%
- Suspension20.1%
- Body, chassis and structure15.7%
- Brakes10.5%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors9%
- Tyres8.7%
- Seat belts and airbags7.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Seat belt anchor area weakened 5.22%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
Exhaust has major gas leak 5.07%
A major exhaust leak can let poisonous gas into the car and is illegal, so it must be repaired before driving.
Position lamp not working 4.67%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.59%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 4.14%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Stop lamp not working 3.98%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Common advisories
Tyre worn close to legal limit (17.24%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (15.96%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (13.54%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.42%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (11.26%) · Exhaust has minor gas leak (10.02%)
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 2002 Citroën Xsara reliable?
2002 Citroën Xsaras fail 49.6% of first MOT tests, 16% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 2 of 11 Xsara years (6,228 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2002 Citroën Xsara MOT?
Most often seat belt anchor area weakened (5.22% of tests), exhaust has major gas leak (5.07% of tests), position lamp not working (4.67% of tests).
How many miles should a 2002 Citroën Xsara have done?
At its MOT aged about 20, a typical 2002 Citroën Xsara shows 109,993 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
What plate is a 2002 car?
A car first registered in 2002 carries a 51 plate (January–February 2002), or a 02 plate (March–August 2002), or a 52 plate (September–December 2002).
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