Citroën C4 X 1
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Citroën C4 X (from 2022) is Citroën's most unusual new release — a fastback saloon based on the C4 III that looks like a crossover with a boot. The concept targets markets such as Turkey and North Africa but is also offered in Central Europe. Technically identical to the C4 III on the CMP platform, but with a larger boot (510 litres) and a distinctive rear end.
The engine range is straightforward. Petrol: The EB2-DTS (1.2L PureTech 130, 96 kW) and the EB2-ADTX (1.2L PureTech 155, 114 kW) — both with the known wet-belt problem. The EB2-DT-MH (1.2L 48V mild hybrid, 74 kW with automatic) combines PureTech with electric assistance — wet belt remains an issue here too. Diesel: The DV5-130 (1.5L BlueHDi 130, 96 kW) is the most sensible choice for high-mileage drivers — check the timing chain recall, but fundamentally solid technology. Electric: EM-100 (100 kW) and EM-115 (115 kW) — identical EV technology as in the ë-C4, real-world range 250–320 km.
Vehicle weaknesses: The C4 X shares most weaknesses with the C4 III, as they are technically identical. Infotainment freezes, responds with delay — the main everyday annoyance. Electric wing mirrors fail or no longer fold. Brake discs also wear faster than average here. Air conditioning has occasional control problems. Software update errors can disable on-board functions — OTA updates go wrong. ADAS lane-keeping assist intervenes too aggressively or too late.
The C4 X is still too young for reliable long-term data. The known PureTech wet-belt problems and software teething issues are the main risks. Structural quality problems (rust, suspension) are not yet apparent.
Test-drive checklist: Wet-belt check on PureTech models: oil level, oil filler cap, service history. Test infotainment extensively — start navigation, connect Bluetooth, switch radio stations. Electrically fold wing mirrors in and out. Test air conditioning on automatic mode. Test ADAS systems on the motorway: lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control. Check brakes. On the ë-C4 X: is the range display plausible? Fast charging history?
Purchase advice: 2026 prices: combustion from 20,000–28,000 €, electric from 25,000–32,000 €. The C4 X is a niche product — those who need the boot space and like the design get a comfortable touring car. Insider pick: DV5-130 BlueHDi 130 with automatic for high-mileage drivers or ë-C4 X for city commuters. PureTech only with clear wet-belt documentation. The C4 X is too young for a reliable long-term prediction — those who prioritise residual value and long-term quality should wait another year or two for more real-world data.
155 PS
C4 X · Benzin
Sporty fastback saloon
Fun to Drive!130–131 PS
1.5L BlueHDi 130 Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Engine Overview
The Citroën C4 X 1 is available with 6 engine variants — from 100 to 156 hp.
Stronger 130 hp variant (96 kW) of the 1.5 BlueHDi with strong mid-range pull and high efficiency. Often paired with the EAT8 automatic, positioned as a replacement for the older 2.0 HDi. Shares the camshaft chain issue of the DV5-100 — the narrow 7 mm chain can stretch prematurely. The Stellantis warranty extension applies here as well. High-pressure pump is sensitive to fuel contamination. Oil changes strictly according to schedule.
- !! Timing chain: 7 mm chain breaks — Stellantis recall from 60,000 km
The DV5-130 was delivered from 2017 with a critically narrow 7 mm timing chain that can snap under oil-diluted operating conditions. Stellantis recalled 141,700 vehicles; the upgrade kit with an 8 mm chain, new camshafts and improved tensioner permanently resolves the issue.
Symptoms: Rattling noise on start, sudden engine stall, no restart, engine warning light P0016 - !! Injection system seizes — fuel circuit contaminated from 50,000 km
The DV5-130 high-pressure pump (Bosch) can seize and introduce metal particles into the entire fuel circuit. Affected vehicles require replacement of pump, injectors and fuel tank. Total damage can exceed €6,000.
Symptoms: Hesitation, engine stumbling under load, misfires, heavy smoke, engine stall - !! AdBlue system: crystallisation and sensor failure from 70,000 km
The integrated AdBlue tank sensor is known to be unreliable. At temperatures below −11 °C the urea solution freezes and can damage the pump and dosing valve. Crystals block the circuit. Tank replacement is unavoidable as the sensor is not available separately.
Symptoms: SCR warning light, countdown to starter lockout, incorrect AdBlue remaining range display, starting refused after countdown
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
PureTech 130 Turbo (96 kW) — same engine as the EB2-DT with more boost pressure. Shares the wet-belt issue of production years before 2019 entirely. Crankshaft end-float from worn thrust washers is the second major weak point — once exceeding 0.5 mm, engine failure is imminent. Oil consumption from piston ring coking should be monitored from 60,000 km onwards. From 2022, significantly more reliable with a timing chain.
- !! Wet belt deterioration in oil bath from 65,000 km
Oil-bath timing belt delaminates due to fuel dilution of the oil; stop-start operation of the mild hybrid system adds additional belt stress. Newer Gen 3 engines from 2022 feature a revised design.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light, engine noises, power drop, potential engine damage - !! Elevated oil consumption — piston rings from 75,000 km
Oil scraper rings coke up from short-trip use with direct injection; engine can consume up to 3 l/1,000 km. Stellantis offers extended goodwill up to 175,000 km for build years before 2022.
Symptoms: Elevated oil consumption, blue smoke on throttle, frequent oil checks needed - !! Turbo bearing damage from diluted oil from 85,000 km
Higher boost levels increase thermal stress; fuel-diluted engine oil reduces lubricity and damages the turbo journal bearings. Warning signs are often not detectable in advance.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling turbo noise, bluish exhaust smoke, power drop
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Highest output level of the PureTech three-cylinder (114 kW) with 240 Nm, direct injection and turbocharging. The notorious wet-belt issue of the older production series was resolved through the revised Gen3 design from 2022, which uses a timing chain instead. Piston ring coking on short trips and valve clearance checks every 80,000 km remain as maintenance items. Oil changes every 15,000 km with Total Quartz Ineo Xtra are essential.
- !! Wet belt degradation in oil bath (pre-Gen3) from 70,000 km
The oil-bathed timing belt can delaminate in older production years (pre-2022) due to fuel contamination in the oil. From 2022, revised Gen3 engines were introduced.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning lamp, engine noise, power loss, potential engine damage. - !! Crankshaft end float — more dangerous at high output from 90,000 km
The high-output EB2-ADTX 155 hp shares the known crankshaft end-float issue of all EB2 engines, but is more severely affected due to the higher stress level. At 0.5 mm of play, PSA requires the engine block to be replaced.
Symptoms: Axial knock on load changes, increasing engine noise, timing belt runs at an angle, oil pressure warning from belt debris - !! Turbocharger worn prematurely under high load from 100,000 km
The turbocharger on the EB2-ADTX 155 hp is under greater load than in base variants due to the higher power output. The wastegate and bearings wear sooner, particularly when oil dilution is present.
Symptoms: Whistling or rattling under boost, power loss under full load, black smoke under heavy load, boost pressure fault code
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
48V mild hybrid variant of the PureTech three-cylinder with an electric starter-generator (21 kW) that assists at pull-away and enables coasting. Revised dry belt from 2023 — no wet-belt issues. e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox as standard, still too young for reliable long-term data on clutch actuator wear. Oil changes must be strictly observed, valve clearance checked every 80,000 km.
- !! Wet belt deterioration in oil bath from 70,000 km
Oil-bath timing belt delaminates due to fuel dilution of the oil; stop-start operation of the mild hybrid system adds additional belt stress. Newer Gen 3 engines from 2022 feature a revised design.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning light, engine noises, power drop, potential engine damage - !! Oil-bathed timing belt — same as all EB2 turbo engines from 80,000 km
Despite the mild hybrid addition, the base EB2-DT engine retains the problematic oil-bathed timing belt unchanged. The belt risk is identical to that of other EB2-DT variants.
Symptoms: No audible warning, oil pressure warning, belt debris visible in oil system, sudden engine shutdown on belt failure - !! Belt-starter-generator BSG faults from 80,000 km
The 48V belt-starter-generator can fail from software faults or bearing problems. When defective the system deactivates the recuperation boost mode; the engine continues to run conventionally.
Symptoms: Loss of boost function, warning display in dashboard, increased fuel consumption
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
First PSA electric motor (100 kW) on the CMP platform with a 50 kWh battery and 340-362 km WLTP range. DC charging up to 100 kW. The Mahle OBC (onboard charger) from 2019-2022 production years is the most notorious weak point — only the switch to the VMAX OBC from mid-2022 brought relief. 12V battery drains when parked for extended periods. Heat pump compressor is the most expensive single repair. Keep software updates current.
- !! High-voltage battery — capacity loss and SoH issues from 80,000 km
Some ë-C4/ë-Berlingo units show a state of health below 100% straight from the factory. The usable capacity of the nominally 50 kWh battery is realistically only around 45 kWh. In winter, range drops to 60–70% of the rated figure. Annual degradation rate approximately 1–2%.
Symptoms: Significantly lower range than stated, range estimate unreliable. - !! BMS software — recall due to loss of drive
Stellantis recalled ë-C4 and ë-Berlingo vehicles due to faulty software calibration in the traction battery control unit. The fault causes incorrect cell voltage or temperature readings and can trigger loss of drive while moving. A software update at the dealership is required.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive while moving, warning message 'electric traction system'. - !! Charging system — AC charging fault and infotainment freeze
Some ë-C4 owners report problems with AC charging (Type 2) while DC CCS charging works. Software updates can temporarily disable charging capability, radio, reversing camera, and navigation. A dealer visit is required to resolve the issue.
Symptoms: Charging aborts, infotainment unresponsive, charge flap won't open, fault warning light.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Revised Stellantis electric motor (115 kW) on the e-CMP platform with a 54 kWh battery and faster DC charging up to 100 kW. Benefits from the VMAX OBC — the Mahle charger problem of the first generation is resolved. 12V battery drain and heat pump compressor remain as known weak points. Overall more reliable than the first EM-100 generation thanks to more mature software and hardware revisions.
- !! BMS software — loss of drive due to faulty calibration
As with the EM-100, the EM-115 (54 kWh variant) has a software calibration weakness in the traction battery control unit. The fault causes incorrect cell voltage readings and can trigger loss of drive while moving. The Stellantis recall also covers the ë-C4 X.
Symptoms: Sudden loss of drive, electric drive system warning light, power cut. - !! Range — display overestimates real-world range
The ë-C4 X with 54 kWh battery and 115 kW motor shows up to 260 km range in the brochure; in reality it is 180–220 km depending on driving style and temperature. All Stellantis EVs are known for inaccurate range estimation (internally called 'Guessometer'). Winter: up to 30% less.
Symptoms: Range display fluctuates significantly, less range than shown, uncertainty at the charger. - !! Battery degradation — 54 kWh pack, long-term test from 120,000 km
The 54 kWh NMC battery in the ë-C4 X degrades at approximately 1–2% per year according to long-term tests. Frequent DC rapid charging (max 50 kW) and operation in extreme temperatures increases the degradation rate. The manufacturer's SoH guarantee (minimum 70% after 8 years) provides a safety net.
Symptoms: Decreasing charge capacity, shorter range, state-of-charge jumps on the display.
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Software update bricks infotainment C4 X infotainment updates can fail, leaving the system broken. CarPlay disappears, reversing camera shuts off. Symptoms: CarPlay unavailable, reversing camera on then off, apps missing after update from 15,000 km | Low | |
| ADAS: unwanted steering and false alarms The C4 X lane keeping assistant intervenes dangerously in construction zones. Collision warning triggers false alarms daily in city traffic. Symptoms: Lane assist steers against driver, collision warning false triggers, systems reset each start from 5,000 km | Low | |
| Infotainment crashes and app connection faults The MY-Citroën infotainment system on the C4 X shows occasional crashes and faulty Bluetooth/smartphone connections. Remote functions of the Citroën app only work with limited reliability. Symptoms: Screen freezes or goes black, Bluetooth connection drops, navigation delivers incorrect data, CarPlay/Android Auto will not connect from 15,000 km | Low | |
| Door mirrors do not fold out Defects in electrically folding door mirrors are reported on the C4 X. Corroded contacts or failed mirror motors prevent folding — a typical problem on Citroën models of this platform. Symptoms: Mirror does not unfold on unlocking, mirror does not respond to switch, single-sided mirror failure from 50,000 km | Low |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 42 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën C4 X 1 (2023–2026) — 36 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: EB2-DTS (1.2L PureTech 130), DV5-130 (1.5L BlueHDi 130), EM-100 (Elektro 100kW), EB2-DT-MH (1.2L PureTech Turbo 48V), EB2-ADTX (1.2L PureTech 155). Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes, HVAC.
C4 X (DV5-130, 2022–2026) — Stay Away!: Timing chain: 7 mm chain breaks — Stellantis recall, Injection system seizes — fuel circuit contaminated, AdBlue system: crystallisation and sensor failure. Power: 130–131 PS.
C4 X (EB2-DTS, 2022–2026) — Stay Away!: Wet belt deterioration in oil bath, Elevated oil consumption — piston rings, Turbo bearing damage from diluted oil. Power: 130–135 PS.
C4 X (EB2-ADTX, 2022–2026) — Stay Away!: Wet belt degradation in oil bath (pre-Gen3), Crankshaft end float — more dangerous at high output, Turbocharger worn prematurely under high load. Power: 155 PS.
C4 X (EB2-DT-MH, 2023–2026) — Stay Away!: Wet belt deterioration in oil bath, Oil-bathed timing belt — same as all EB2 turbo engines, Belt-starter-generator BSG faults. Power: 100–101 PS.
C4 X (EM-100, 2022–2024) — Stay Away!: High-voltage battery — capacity loss and SoH issues, BMS software — recall due to loss of drive, Charging system — AC charging fault and infotainment freeze. Power: 136 PS.
C4 X (EM-115, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: BMS software — loss of drive due to faulty calibration, Range — display overestimates real-world range, Battery degradation — 54 kWh pack, long-term test. Power: 156 PS.
What to watch out for with the Citroën C4 X? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee