Citroën C3 2
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
90–120 PS
1.6L VTi Benzin
Lively small car
Fun to Drive!68–83 PS
1.2L PureTech Benzin
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Citroën C3 2 is available with 6 engine variants — from 68 to 122 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Citroën 1.6L HDi 75 (Diesel, 75 PS) has the DV6-75 (1.6L HDi 75) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.6L HDi 92 (Diesel, 90–99 PS) has the DV6-92 (1.6L HDi 92) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.2L PureTech (Petrol, 82 PS) has the EB2-NA (1.2L PureTech) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.4L VTi (Petrol, 88–98 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EP3 (2009–2016, Be Careful) and EP3 (2009–2016, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.4L VTi!
The Citroën 1.6L 16V (Petrol, 120 PS) has the TU5 (1.6L 16V) — rated: "Be Careful", 5 known weaknesses.
The Citroën 1.6L VTi (Petrol, 120 PS) has the EP6-VTi (1.6L VTi) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Worn springs, dampers and steering joints Springs, shock absorbers and steering joints are flagged above average at the MOT on the C3 II. Worn ball joints and steering joints also regularly cause MOT failures after 5–7 years. Symptoms: Clacking over bumps, bodywork bouncing after braking, imprecise steering, car pulling to one side from 80,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 40 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën C3 2 (2009–2016) — 35 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: EP6-VTi (1.6L VTi), EB2-NA (1.2L PureTech), DV6-75 (1.6L HDi 75), DV6-92 (1.6L HDi 92). Typical issues affect Suspension, Brakes, Electronics, Other.
C3 (DV6-75, 2009–2016) — Stay Away!: Turbocharger damage from oil sludge, Leaking injector seals at cylinder head, EGR valve and cooler sooted up. Power: 75 PS.
C3 (DV6-92, 2009–2016) — Stay Away!: VNT turbo: vanes seized by oil coke, Injectors leaking — oil and fuel contaminate turbo, EGR valve blocked: limp mode and starting difficulties. Power: 90–99 PS.
C3 (EP3, 2009–2016) — Be Careful: Faulty chain tensioner — timing chain jumps, Oil consumption from valve stem seals, Thermostat housing failure — coolant loss. Power: 88–98 PS.
C3 (EP3, 2009–2016) — Be Careful: Faulty chain tensioner — timing chain jumps, Oil consumption from valve stem seals, Thermostat housing failure — coolant loss. Power: 95–98 PS.
C3 (EP6-VTi, 2009–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain rattle due to tensioner wear, Chain tensioner failure — timing chain rattles, Torn oil separator diaphragm in valve cover. Power: 120 PS.
C3 (TU5, 2013–2016) — Be Careful: Timing belt snap with engine damage, Timing belt tensioner failure — belt failure possible, Elevated oil consumption from piston ring wear. Power: 120 PS.
C3 (EB2-NA, 2013–2016) — Stay Away!: Wet belt disintegration in oil bath (timing belt in oil), Fuel entry into engine oil (oil dilution), Oil-bathed timing belt — belt disintegration. Power: 82 PS.
What to watch out for with the Citroën C3? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Citroën C3 2 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee