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CITROEN 2CV Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 267 MOT tests from 23 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every CITROEN 2CV has the same fault.

CITROEN 2CV's have a slightly over average reliability rating of 587/999. The score was calculated from the average of every CITROEN 2CV that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, and road tax for the CITROEN 2CV.

CITROEN 2CV side viewCITROEN 2CV (example)

Check a Citroen 2cv before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Citroen 2cv side view
  • Service history

    Dealer & service records

  • MOT records

    Past & current MOT data

  • Write-off check

    Check for insurance write-offs

  • Finance check

    Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel TypeYearReliability ScoreAvg MileageSample Size
N/AN/A593/999Above average78,186 miles1,111 vehicles
N/AN/A586/999Above average77,612 miles543 vehicles
N/AN/A581/999Above average77,837 miles922 vehicles

How reliable is the CITROEN 2CV?

Based on 267 MOT tests from 23 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

23

MOT tests

267

Pass rate

71.5%

Median mileage

57,084 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every CITROEN 2CV has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 574 out of 999.

Common CITROEN 2CV MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Suspension bush issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 34 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a worn or deteriorated bush that was not already counted as an anti-roll bar or suspension arm defect.

What to inspect

Listen for knocks and ask which bush the tester named.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE AXLE KING PIN HAS SLIGHT PLAY IN PIN AND/OR BUSH (2.5.A.3A)

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 17 advisory comments and 4 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT TYRE SLIGHTLY DAMAGED/CRACKING OR PERISHING (5.2.3 (D) (II))

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 8 advisory comments and 10 failure comments in this group. Seen as both an advisory and a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE PRESCRIBED AREA IS EXCESSIVELY CORRODED (5.2.6)

Other steering issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 13 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a steering defect that is not a track rod, rack, or power steering item.

What to inspect

Ask which steering part the tester named and whether it has been repaired.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE AXLE KING PIN HAS EXCESSIVE PLAY IN PIN AND/OR BUSH ADVERSELY AFFECTING THE STEERING (2.5.A.3A)

Headlamp faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a headlamp that was not working, insecure, or aimed incorrectly.

What to inspect

Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE HEADLAMP AIM TOO LOW (1.8)

Parking brake faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 11 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a parking brake that did not hold well enough or had a component defect.

What to inspect

Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

Example MOT wording: PARKING BRAKE: EFFICIENCY BELOW REQUIREMENTS (3.7.B.7)

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 10 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Emissions test issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 7 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an exhaust emissions result. They are counted separately from a warning lamp or a catalytic converter note.

What to inspect

Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT EXCESSIVE (7.3.B.1A)

CITROEN 2CV MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Not enough VehicleScore data for year-by-year conclusions.

What to check when buying a used CITROEN 2CV

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

  • Suspension bush issues. Listen for knocks and ask which bush the tester named.

  • Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

  • Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

  • Other steering issues. Ask which steering part the tester named and whether it has been repaired.

  • Headlamp faults. Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

  • Parking brake faults. Test that the parking brake holds the car on a slope and releases cleanly.

  • Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

  • Emissions test issues. Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

Buying a CITROEN 2CV?

Common problems tell you what can affect CITROEN 2CVs generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

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