Citroën C1 2
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The Citroën C1 II (2014–2022) is the evolution of the proven Kolín trio — again built together with the Toyota Aygo II and Peugeot 108, again with Toyota technology under the bonnet. The second generation brings a more modern design, better build quality, and an optional folding fabric roof (Airscape) for the first time, but stays true to the basic principle: a microcar with maximum simplicity.
Engine-wise, there is exactly one relevant choice: the 1KR-FE (1.0L three-cylinder) in two power levels — 51 kW (69 hp) and 53 kW (72 hp, from 2018). Additionally, there is the EB0 (1.0L PureTech, 51 kW), a PSA-developed three-cylinder without turbo. Both engines are fundamentally solid, but the 1KR-FE has the better long-term track record. Timing chain rather than belt on both — no scheduled replacement necessary. The known 1KR-FE weaknesses (water pump, ignition coils) still apply but occur less frequently in the second generation thanks to revised components.
There is no longer a diesel — the right decision. Diesel makes no sense in the microcar segment, and the DV4 from the first generation was never recommended anyway.
Vehicle weaknesses: Brake discs remain the persistent issue — Citroën has not resolved the brake problem across both generations. MOT failure rate for brakes is above average. Lighting still gets flagged at MOT inspection, though less frequently than the predecessor. The exhaust system also rusts on the C1 II, typically from the fifth year onward. There was a steering column recall (loose mounting) and one for the fuel tank — both must be verified as completed.
The Airscape folding roof is a nice feature but also a potential weak point: the fabric can become brittle after years of UV exposure, and the mechanism occasionally jams. Not a dealbreaker, but test before buying. The door seal and water ingress issue has been improved compared to the C1 I but still occurs sporadically.
The manual gearbox is a simple 5-speed unit — robust and trouble-free. The automated ETG5 (robotised 5-speed, successor to the 2-Tronic) is better than its predecessor but remains a compromise: jerky pull-away, delayed response, clutch wear. Those wanting an automatic should opt for the Toyota Aygo with a proper CVT instead.
Test-drive checklist: Cold-start the engine — smooth idle, no metallic clatter. Test brakes deliberately: vibration when braking = warped discs. Check all lighting completely. Open and close the Airscape roof (if equipped). Check steering column for play (recall). Inspect exhaust from underneath for corrosion.
Purchase advice: 2026 prices: 2014–2016 from 3,500–6,000 €, facelift 2018+ from 6,000–9,000 €. Insider pick: 1KR-FE 1.0 with manual gearbox, from 2018 — the refined version with better infotainment and fewer teething issues. Avoid the ETG5 automatic. The C1 II is the most affordable reliable city car on the market — Toyota technology, Citroën residual value.
Generations
Engine Overview
The Citroën C1 2 is available with 2 engine variants — from 68 to 72 hp.
Toyota three-cylinder with maintenance-free timing chain and VVT-i valve timing. Extremely reliable with regular oil changes; typical weak points are limited to spark plugs, throttle body, and slight rough running as an inherent three-cylinder characteristic. High mileages of 200,000 km are achievable with correct servicing.
- !! Water pump leaks — early coolant loss from 60,000 km
Early 1KR-FE units (up to around 2009) had a sheet-metal water pump housing that leaked early. Toyota/PSA switched to an aluminium casting variant (OE 16100-09530 / PSA 1201.L3) that holds up far better.
Symptoms: Coolant loss without visible external hose failure, moisture under the car, rising coolant temperature, engine temperature warning - !! Ignition coil failure — misfires in the three-cylinder from 70,000 km
A failed ignition coil in the 1KR-FE three-cylinder causes noticeably rough misfires, since the engine is then running on just two cylinders. Pull-away is significantly weaker and the car jerks under acceleration.
Symptoms: Pronounced juddering and vibrations, severely reduced power, engine warning light, fault codes P0300–P0303 - ! Spark plug and ignition coil wear from 60,000 km
The 1KR-FE is prone to misfires from around 60,000 km caused by worn spark plugs or failed ignition coils. As a three-cylinder it is more sensitive to a dropped cylinder than four-cylinder units.
Symptoms: Jolting under acceleration, rough idle, increased fuel consumption, engine warning light (P030x)
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The EB0 is a modern PSA three-cylinder with timing chain and variable valve timing. As a city car engine it exhibits inherent three-cylinder rough running; ignition coils and throttle body are the most common workshop causes. Short oil change intervals are mandatory due to timing chain lubrication requirements. Fundamentally a reliable small engine for urban use.
- !! Oil-bathed timing belt — premature wear from 80,000 km
The timing belt on the EB0 1.0 PureTech runs in engine oil and degrades prematurely as a result. Belt particles clog the oil strainers, which can cause oil pressure loss and engine damage. Stellantis granted extended goodwill up to 10 years/180,000 km.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning (STOP), engine oil contaminated by belt debris, no external oil loss, in the worst case engine seizure - !! Ignition coil failure and rough running from 70,000 km
The EB0 three-cylinder is particularly sensitive to ignition coil failures, as one failed cylinder severely impacts engine smoothness. Coils in the PSA EB engine family are known to be failure-prone and should be the first thing to check on misfires.
Symptoms: Heavy jolting and shaking especially at idle and low revs, engine warning light, cold start difficulties - !! Timing chain and tensioner wear from 100,000 km
Like the EP6, the EB0 shares the design weakness of chain tensioner wear, which manifests as cold-start rattling. The chain drive relies on regular oil changes; overdue oil changes significantly increase wear on the chain and tensioner.
Symptoms: Rattling from the engine bay immediately after cold start, disappears after a few seconds of warm-up, louder when oil change is overdue
+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy brake disc wear On the C1 II too, brake disc wear is the biggest known problem. MOT testers flag worn brake discs above average, and the handbrake regularly fails inspection. Symptoms: Squealing, grinding or vibrations when braking, handbrake does not hold sufficiently from 45,000 km | Low |
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 19 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën C1 2 (2014–2022) — 12 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. One problem engine: EB0 (1.0L PureTech). Typical issues affect Brakes, Electronics, Rust, Other.
C1 (1KR-FE, 2014–2022) — Be Careful: Water pump leaks — early coolant loss, Ignition coil failure — misfires in the three-cylinder, Spark plug and ignition coil wear. Power: 68–72 PS.
C1 (EB0, 2014–2022) — Stay Away!: Oil-bathed timing belt — premature wear, Ignition coil failure and rough running, Timing chain and tensioner wear. Power: 68–72 PS.
C1 (1KR-FE, 2018–2022) — Be Careful: Water pump leaks — early coolant loss, Ignition coil failure — misfires in the three-cylinder, Spark plug and ignition coil wear. Power: 69–72 PS.
What to watch out for with the Citroën C1? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
What problems and weaknesses does the Citroën C1 2 have? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee