Citroën C3 3
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
100–110 PS
1.2L PureTech Turbo Benzin
Small turbo with punch
Fun to Drive!101–110 PS
1.5L BlueHDi 100 Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Citroën C3 3 is available with 4 engine variants — from 68 to 110 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Citroën 1.5L BlueHDi 100 (Diesel, 102 PS) has the DV5-100 (1.5L BlueHDi 100) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known 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 1.2L PureTech (Petrol, 68–83 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EB2-NA (2016–2024, Stay Away!) and EB2-NA (2016–2024, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L PureTech!
The Citroën 1.2L PureTech Turbo (Petrol, 100–110 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EB2-DT (2016–2024, Stay Away!) and EB2-DT (2020–2024, Stay Away!). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L PureTech Turbo!
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Above-average brake disc wear Brake discs on the C3 III are rated negatively and need changing significantly more often than the class average. MOT testers flag the brake system above average from the first inspection. Symptoms: Squealing when braking, vibration in the brake pedal, increased stopping distance from 50,000 km | Low |
Alternatives
Hyundai Bayon BC3
Supermini (2021–2024)
Skoda Fabia PJ
Supermini (2021–2025)
Dacia Sandero III
Supermini (2020–2026)
Fiat 500e 332
Supermini (2020–2026)
Honda Jazz GR
Supermini (2020–2024)
Honda e ZC7
Supermini (2020–2024)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 30 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën C3 3 (2016–2024) — 25 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 4 problem engines: EB2-NA (1.2L PureTech), EB2-DT (1.2L PureTech Turbo), DV6-BlueHDi100 (1.6L BlueHDi 100), DV5-100 (1.5L BlueHDi 100). Typical issues affect Brakes, Electronics, Rust, Other.
C3 (DV6-BlueHDi100, 2016–2019) — 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.
C3 (DV5-100, 2019–2024) — Stay Away!: Timing chain (7 mm) snaps — engine damage possible, High-pressure pump seizes — metal particles in fuel system, AdBlue tank sensor defective — starter lockout. Power: 102 PS.
C3 (EB2-NA, 2016–2024) — 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: 82–83 PS.
C3 (EB2-NA, 2016–2024) — 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: 68 PS.
C3 (EB2-DT, 2016–2024) — 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.
C3 (EB2-DT, 2020–2024) — Stay Away!: Wet belt deterioration in oil bath, Elevated oil consumption from coked piston rings, Turbocharger failure due to oil pressure problems. Power: 100 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 3 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used Citroën C3 3? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which Citroën C3 3 engine is the most fun? +
Is the Citroën C3 3 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the Citroën C3 3? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee