What weaknesses does the Citroën Xsara Picasso N1 have?

	Weakness	Cost
!	Multiplex electrics: warning lights, window regulators, immobiliser Virtually anything can fail electrically in the Xsara Picasso: randomly flashing warning lights, triggered immobiliser, defective window regulators. A recall affected 150,000 Picasso vehicles worldwide due to a software fault in the central control unit. Symptoms: Randomly flashing warning lights, vehicle won't start due to immobiliser, window regulators work intermittently from 80,000 km Ad Xsara Picasso BSI control unit Xsara Picasso window regulator Citroën Picasso Wegfahrsperre	Medium

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 34 weaknesses have been documented for the Citroën Xsara Picasso N1 (1999–2012) — 29 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: DV6-92 (1.6L HDi 92), DW10-109 (2.0L HDi 109). Typical issues affect Electronics, Suspension, Rust, Interior.

Xsara Picasso (DW10-90, 1999–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt — critical replacement intervals, Injectors — wear and return flow, Turbocharger — oil starvation and bearing failure. Power: 90 PS.

Xsara Picasso (DV6-92, 2000–2012) — Stay Away!: VNT turbo: vanes seized by oil coke, Injectors leaking — oil and fuel contaminate turbo, EGR valve blocked: limp mode and starting difficulties. Power: 90 PS.

Xsara Picasso (DW10-109, 2000–2012) — Stay Away!: Timing belt — critical replacement intervals, High-pressure pump — internal abrasion, VGT turbocharger — actuator and vanes. Power: 109 PS.

Xsara Picasso (TU5, 1999–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt snap with engine damage, Timing belt tensioner failure — belt failure possible, Elevated oil consumption from piston ring wear. Power: 109 PS.

Xsara Picasso (EW7, 1999–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt damage from exceeded replacement interval, Head gasket leaking, Hydraulic tappets — rough cold start. Power: 116 PS.

Xsara Picasso (TU5, 2000–2012) — Be Careful: Timing belt snap with engine damage, Timing belt tensioner failure — belt failure possible, Elevated oil consumption from piston ring wear. Power: 88–95 PS.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Citroën Xsara Picasso N1 have? +

The Citroën Xsara Picasso N1 has 29 known engine weaknesses and 5 vehicle weaknesses.

What should I look for when buying a used Citroën Xsara Picasso N1? +

faq.watch_a_avoid

Which engine is recommended? +

Be careful: TU5 (1.6L 16V), DW10-90 (2.0L HDi 90), EW7 (1.8L 16V). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the EW7 (1.8L 16V). Problem engine: DW10-109 (2.0L HDi 109) — stay away!

Which Citroën Xsara Picasso N1 engine is the most fun? +

The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Citroën Xsara Picasso N1 — rated: "Decent". {description} 116 hp in the Xsara Picasso — solid everyday engine for the family van; refined and long-lived.

Is the Citroën Xsara Picasso N1 worth buying used? +

Caution is advised with the Citroën Xsara Picasso N1 — 2 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.

What horsepower variants are available for the Citroën Xsara Picasso N1? +

The Citroën Xsara Picasso N1 is available with engine variants from 75 to 125 hp. Petrol: TU5 (1.6L 16V), EW7 (1.8L 16V). Diesel: DV6-92 (1.6L HDi 92), DW10-90 (2.0L HDi 90), DW10-109 (2.0L HDi 109).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee