Install Chrome Extension Chrome Extension
Citroën · Compact · 2014–2020 Custom Search

Citroën C4 Cactus 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

130–135 PS

1.2L PureTech 130 Benzin

Quick lifestyle crossover

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

100–110 PS

1.2L PureTech Turbo Benzin

7 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Overview

The Citroën C4 Cactus 1 is available with 5 engine variants — from 68 to 135 hp.

1.6L BlueHDi 100 · Diesel· 92–99 PS
2014 2020
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
1.6L BlueHDi 120 · Diesel· 120 PS
2018 2020
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
1.2L PureTech · Petrol· 75–82 PS
2014 2020
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
1.2L PureTech 130 · Petrol· 131 PS
2014 2020
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
1.2L PureTech Turbo · Petrol· 110 PS
2014 2020
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses

The Citroën 1.6L BlueHDi 100 (Diesel, 92–99 PS) has the DV6-BlueHDi100 (1.6L BlueHDi 100) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

The Citroën 1.6L BlueHDi 120 (Diesel, 120 PS) has the DV6-BlueHDi120 (1.6L BlueHDi 120) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

The Citroën 1.2L PureTech (Petrol, 75–82 PS) has the EB2-NA (1.2L PureTech) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

The Citroën 1.2L PureTech 130 (Petrol, 131 PS) has the EB2-DTS (1.2L PureTech 130) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.

The Citroën 1.2L PureTech Turbo (Petrol, 110 PS) has the EB2-DT (1.2L PureTech Turbo) — rated: "Stay Away!", 7 known weaknesses.

Explore more

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Spring breakage even at low mileage

The C4 Cactus I is flagged at the MOT for spring breakages even at comparatively low mileages and vehicle age. The defect rate is well above the segment average.

Symptoms: Car sinking on one side, cracking or loud bang over bumps, uneven ride height, hard suspension
from 60,000 km
Low

Alternatives

Same Segment

Ford Focus DEH

Compact (2018–2024)

Same Segment

Kia Ceed CD

Compact (2018–2024)

Same Segment

Mercedes-Benz A-Klasse W177

Compact (2018–2025)

Same Segment

Honda Civic FK7

Compact (2017–2022)

Same Segment

Honda Civic Type R FK8

Compact (2017–2022)

Same Segment

MINI MINI Countryman F60

Compact (2017–2024)


Known Problems and Issues

A total of 36 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën C4 Cactus 1 (2014–2020) — 31 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: EB2-NA (1.2L PureTech), EB2-DT (1.2L PureTech Turbo), EB2-DTS (1.2L PureTech 130), DV6-BlueHDi100 (1.6L BlueHDi 100), DV6-BlueHDi120 (1.6L BlueHDi 120). Typical issues affect Suspension, Electronics, Gearbox, Rust.

C4 Cactus (DV6-BlueHDi100, 2014–2020) — Stay Away!: AdBlue tank sensor faulty — engine start lockout imminent, Turbocharger bearing damage from oil sludge, DPF clogging in pure urban use. Power: 92–99 PS.

C4 Cactus (DV6-BlueHDi120, 2018–2020) — Stay Away!: AdBlue tank sender faulty — start lockout, Turbocharger actuator faulty — boost pressure loss, EGR system: valve and cooler contaminated. Power: 120 PS.

C4 Cactus (EB2-NA, 2014–2020) — 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: 75–82 PS.

C4 Cactus (EB2-DT, 2014–2020) — Stay Away!: Wet belt deterioration in oil bath, Elevated oil consumption from coked piston rings, Turbocharger failure due to oil pressure problems. Power: 110 PS.

C4 Cactus (EB2-DTS, 2014–2020) — Stay Away!: Wet belt deterioration in oil bath, Elevated oil consumption — piston rings, Turbo bearing damage from diluted oil. Power: 131 PS.

What to watch out for with the Citroën C4 Cactus? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Citroën C4 Cactus 1 have? +
The Citroën C4 Cactus 1 has 31 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Citroën C4 Cactus 1? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
None of the available engines are rated 'Good Choice'. Stay away! The most fun to drive is the EB2-DTS (1.2L PureTech 130). Problem engine: EB2-DT (1.2L PureTech Turbo) — stay away!
Which Citroën C4 Cactus 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Citroën C4 Cactus 1 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 131 hp PureTech 130 in the lightweight Cactus — a really lively combination. The strongest PureTech makes the Cactus genuinely entertaining day-to-day.
Is the Citroën C4 Cactus 1 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Citroën C4 Cactus 1 — 5 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Citroën C4 Cactus 1? +
The Citroën C4 Cactus 1 is available with engine variants from 68 to 135 hp. Petrol: EB2-NA (1.2L PureTech), EB2-DT (1.2L PureTech Turbo), EB2-DTS (1.2L PureTech 130). Diesel: DV6-BlueHDi100 (1.6L BlueHDi 100), DV6-BlueHDi120 (1.6L BlueHDi 120).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee