Diesel · 2016–2024
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the Citroën C3 3All about the 1.5 BlueHDi / EcoBlue (DV5R) engine
The 1.5 BlueHDi / EcoBlue (DV5R) engine was fitted to the Citroën C3 3 (2016–2024). In the EU that is 14.0 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.5 102 hp.
The most expensive known risk is adBlue (SCR): tank-pump unit or dosing injector fails: it usually appears at 60,000–180,000 km and costs €250–1,500 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Rattle from the top of the engine, timing fault codes; it can also snap without warning and stop the engine
Fix: Check recall status by VIN (Peugeot MXL, Citroën / DS NY5); the dealer fits the reinforced 8 mm chain free of charge
Signs: AdBlue or emissions warning, countdown to no-start, engine light
Fix: Diagnose first: the pump is built into the tank and is replaced as one unit; crystals at the injector or the tank vent can sometimes be cleaned
Signs: Screen freezes or lags, radio, phone connection and some vehicle settings become unusable until the car is restarted.
Fix: Reset and update the software first; repair or replace the head unit only if the fault keeps coming back.
Signs: Dead low beam, tail lights, hazard lights or indicators, often found only at the technical inspection, already from the first one.
Fix: Check all lamps before inspection; replace bulbs or lamp units and inspect bulb holders and connectors.
Signs: Discs worn or ridged after only a few years, vibration or noise when braking, flagged at inspection.
Fix: Measure discs at every service and budget for discs with every second set of pads.
Signs: No obvious sign; without the ballast the car can be less stable, especially in sudden manoeuvres.
Fix: Check by VIN with a Citroën dealer that the recall was done (ballast fitted if missing); free.
Signs: Louder or blowing exhaust, rattles under the car, inspection failure for a leak.
Fix: Replace the rusted silencer or pipe section and check the hangers.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Jerks or clunks when slowing down or in town traffic, hesitation when pulling away, flare or slip when cold
Fix: Ask for the latest gearbox software and an adaptation reset; check the oil level and condition
Signs: Harsh or slipping shifts that get worse over time, dark burnt-smelling fluid, gearbox warning or limp mode
Fix: Change the fluid (several partial changes or a machine change with the correct Aisin / PSA fluid); if shifts stay bad, repair the valve body / solenoids or overhaul the gearbox
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,450–5,900. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the Citroën C3 3 with the 1.5 BlueHDi / EcoBlue (DV5R) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| DPF health check (soot / ash load)Emissions | every 20,000 km | €0–60 |
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| AdBlue top-upEmissions | every 15,000 km | €10–30 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Fuel filterFuel | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €40–110 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 180,000 km or every 120 months | €450–900 |
| Glow plugsEngine | every 100,000 km | €120–300 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Diesel1,499 cm³ · 75 kW (102 hp) | 13.7 % | 2018–2024 | 116 g/km | 4.3 L |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (31). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: adBlue (SCR): tank-pump unit or dosing injector fails (60,000–180,000 km, €250–1,500).
Belt · 180,000 km / every 120 mo.
0W-30 / 5W-30 · PSA B71 2312 · ~4.25 L · every 15,000 km.
Ford Focus IV 2018–2025Peugeot 3008 II 2016–2023Peugeot 308 II 2013–2021Peugeot 2008 II 2019–Opel Grandland 2017–Opel Crossland 2017–Peugeot 208 II 2019–Citroën Berlingo III 2018–Peugeot Partner / Rifter (2018+) 2018–Opel Combo E 2018–Peugeot 5008 II 2017–Citroën C3 Aircross 2017–
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026