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Citroën · Micro Car · 2010–2020 Custom Search

Citroën C-Zero 1

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
1.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants · How we rate

Engine Overview

The Citroën C-Zero 1 is available with one engine variant at 67 hp.

Elektromotor · Electric· 67 PS
2010 2020

Mitsubishi electric motor (49 kW) from the i-MiEV with a simple permanent-magnet synchronous motor. Robust and proven technology, virtually no mechanical wear parts. The 14.5 kWh battery limits range to approximately 130 km WLTP — strictly a short-distance city car. Fast charging via CHAdeMO. Battery degradation should be checked on older examples. Thermal management is basic, with considerable range loss in winter.

  • !! High-voltage battery degradation from 100,000 km

    The 14.5 kWh lithium-ion battery loses a noticeable amount of capacity over the years. After 5 years approximately 80% of original range should be expected; after 10 years approximately 70%. Hot climates and frequent rapid charging accelerate the process significantly.

    Symptoms: Significantly reduced range (under 80 km instead of the nominal 130 km), charge bars no longer reach 16 segments, turtle mode at low charge
    2,000–16,000 $
    Ad i-MiEV high-voltage batteryC-Zero Traktionsbatteriei-MiEV HV battery packMiEV cell module replacement
  • !! On-board charger failure from 80,000 km

    The on-board charger (OBC) fails particularly frequently on vehicles up to the 2016 model year. It shares a 20A high-voltage fuse with the DC-DC converter, so an OBC failure also prevents charging of the 12V auxiliary battery. Mitsubishi extended the OBC warranty to 10 years / unlimited km (2012 model year).

    Symptoms: Vehicle can no longer be charged via AC, fault code P1AFE in control unit, 12V battery discharges after a short time, warning lights in instrument cluster
    150–3,500 $
    Ad i-MiEV Bordladeri-MiEV OBC on-board chargerC-Zero LadeeinheitMiEV OBC repair
  • !! Recall: brake vacuum pump (corrosion)

    Mitsubishi recalled an estimated 2,106 i-MiEV vehicles (2012–2017 model years) in 2013 and 2020 because water and road salt can enter the electric brake vacuum pump and block its aluminium exhaust port through corrosion. Pump failure impairs brake servo assistance.

    0–0 $
    Ad i-MiEV Bremsvacuum pumpC-Zero brake vacuum pumpMiEV vacuum pump recall

+ 2 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 5 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën C-Zero 1 (2010–2020). One problem engine: Y51 (Elektromotor).

C-Zero (Y51, 2010–2020) — Stay Away!: High-voltage battery degradation, On-board charger failure, Recall: brake vacuum pump (corrosion). Power: 67 PS.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Citroën C-Zero 1 have? +
The Citroën C-Zero 1 has 5 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Citroën C-Zero 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 Y51 (Elektromotor). Problem engine: Y51 (Elektromotor) — stay away!
Which Citroën C-Zero 1 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Citroën C-Zero 1 — rated: "Not Really". {description} The C-Zero with 64 hp and a 16 kWh battery manages around 110 km in practice — in winter with the heater running that drops to 60–70 km, restricting use to true urban areas. In city traffic it drives pleasantly and quietly; on the motorway 130 km/h is the limit. As a pure city car for short trips it serves its purpose; as a household's only vehicle it is not up to the task.
Is the Citroën C-Zero 1 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Citroën C-Zero 1 — 1 of 1 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Citroën C-Zero 1? +
The Citroën C-Zero 1 is available with engine variants from 67 to 67 hp.

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee