2009 Citroën Xsara · 8,863 MOT tests
2009 Citroën Xsara reliability
2009 Citroën Xsaras fail 46.2% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 11 Xsara years (8,863 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Citroën Xsaras: 50.4%)
- 46.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Citroën Xsaras: 50.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 17% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- 88,759
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 13
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 8,863
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
2009 against the years either side
- 2008 cars: 21% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does better)
- 2010 cars: 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 2009 car does worse)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 6.9% of tests fail here (392% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: brakes, 33% 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 Xsara
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics23.8%
- Suspension18.2%
- Body, chassis and structure12.2%
- Tyres7.7%
- Seat belts and airbags6.9%
- Brakes6.5%
- Steering4.8%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Stop lamp not working 6.74%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Position lamp not working 5.87%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Seat belt anchor area weakened 5.43%
Corrosion near a seat belt anchor can weaken the body and make the belt fail, so expert repair is needed.
CV joint boot split or insecure 4.82%
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
Anti-roll bar linkage dust cover unsealed 3.32%
A damaged dust cover lets dirt into the linkage joint, speeding wear and possibly needing a future repair.
Dipped beam headlamp not working 3.13%
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 (17.61%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (11.32%) · Slight play in steering rack joints (5.65%) · Engine oil leak, not excessive (5.43%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (4.94%) · Exhaust mounting defective (4.72%)
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 2009 Citroën Xsara reliable?
2009 Citroën Xsaras fail 46.2% of first MOT tests, 17% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 11 Xsara years (8,863 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 2009 Citroën Xsara MOT?
Most often stop lamp not working (6.74% of tests), position lamp not working (5.87% of tests), seat belt anchor area weakened (5.43% of tests).
How many miles should a 2009 Citroën Xsara have done?
At its MOT aged about 13, a typical 2009 Citroën Xsara shows 88,759 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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