Hydractive suspension spheres / pump
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Harsh ride, car sits low, suspension warning
Fix: Replace spheres / pump / valve
€300–1,200
Common faults, service intervals and costs
Citroën C5 III
2008–2017 · Citroën C5 3
5
engines covered
23
known faults
5,864
roadworthiness tests in the statistics
15
official recalls
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
The Citroën C5 III was built from 2008 to 2017.
For this generation we cover 5 engines and 23 known faults, each with the mileage range where it usually appears.
The most expensive known risk is Turbo failure (oil starvation, 16v): it usually appears at 80,000–200,000 km and costs €700–1,600 to fix.
In UK roadworthiness tests in 2024, at 150–200 thousand km this model most often failed on: lights, wipers and visibility (24.5 %), suspension (16.0 %), body and corrosion (11.6 %). It fails more often than an average car of the same age and mileage on: body and corrosion.
Engines
| Engine | Fuel | Timing drive | Oil |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.8 / 2.0 16v (PSA EW7 / EW10) | Petrol | Belt · 120,000 km / every 60 mo | 5W-30 / 5W-40 · PSA B71 2296 · ~4.25 L · every 15,000 km |
| 1.6 THP (EP6 turbo, also MINI Cooper S) | Petrol | Chain | 5W-30 / 0W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / BMW LL-04 · ~4.25 L · every 10,000 km |
| 1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v) | Diesel | Belt · 150,000 km / every 96 mo | 5W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / Ford WSS-M2C913-C · ~3.75 L · every 15,000 km |
| 2.0 HDi / TDCi / BlueHDi (DW10) | Diesel | Belt · 150,000 km / every 96 mo | 5W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / Ford WSS-M2C913-C / 934-B · ~4.25–5.5 L · every 15,000 km |
| 2.2 HDi / TD4 / SD4 (DW12) | Diesel | Belt · 150,000 km / every 96 mo | 5W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / JLR STJLR.03.5005 · ~5.3–6.0 L · every 15,000 km |
Faults typical of this model
Electro-hydraulic power steering pump
usually 100,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Heavy steering, whine, warning
Fix: Replace the pump / relay
€300–800
Front suspension (top mounts, drop links)
usually 60,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Knocks over bumps
Fix: Replace parts
€100–300
Brake light switch / BSI electrics
usually 80,000–200,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Warning lights, cruise control off
Fix: Replace switch; BSI update
€30–300
Faults by engine
1.8 / 2.0 16v (PSA EW7 / EW10)
Ignition coil pack
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Misfire
Fix: Replace coil pack
€100–250
Timing belt tensioner
usually 90,000–120,000 km · High risk
Signs: Belt failure bends valves
Fix: Replace belt kit on time
€300–600
Oil leaks (cam cover)
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Oil drips, burning smell
Fix: Replace gasket
€80–200
1.6 THP (EP6 turbo, also MINI Cooper S)
Timing chain stretch
usually 80,000–150,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start
Fix: Replace chain kit
€700–1,400
Carbon build-up / HP fuel pump
usually 80,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Misfires, hesitation
Fix: Clean valves, replace pump
€300–900
1.6 HDi / TDCi / e-HDi (DV6, 8v / 16v)
Turbo failure (oil starvation, 16v)
usually 80,000–200,000 km · High risk
model years 2004–2011 only
Signs: Whistle, blue smoke, oil loss — carbon blocks the oil feed filter
Fix: Replace turbo, oil feed pipe with filter, clean the sump
€700–1,600
Injector copper seal leak → carbon build-up
usually 80,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Ticking, diesel / soot smell, carbon around injectors
Fix: Replace seals early; remove carbon
€200–900
DPF additive (Eolys) / DPF
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: 'Additive level low' / DPF warning
Fix: Refill additive, clean or replace DPF
€150–1,200
EGR valve / cooler
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode, power loss
Fix: Clean or replace
€200–600
2.0 HDi / TDCi / BlueHDi (DW10)
Injectors / injector seals
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Smoke, knocking, hard start
Fix: Replace seals / injectors
€300–1,500
DPF with additive (FAP)
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
model years 2004–2027 only
Signs: DPF / additive warning
Fix: Refill additive, clean DPF
€150–1,500
EGR valve / swirl flap actuator
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode
Fix: Clean or replace
€200–700
Turbo actuator / vanes
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Overboost / underboost
Fix: Clean or replace
€300–1,000
2.2 HDi / TD4 / SD4 (DW12)
Injectors / injector seals
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Smoke, knocking
Fix: Replace seals / injectors
€400–1,600
DPF / EGR
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Limp mode, DPF light
Fix: Clean or replace
€300–1,500
Turbo actuator
usually 150,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Low power
Fix: Replace actuator
€300–900
Gearboxes
Manual
Clutch wear
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
€500–900
EAT6 / EAT8 (Aisin)
EAT8 software / harsh shifts (2017–2020)
usually 20,000–120,000 km · Wear part
model years 2017–2020 only
Signs: Jerky low-speed shifts
Fix: Software update; fluid change at 60,000 km
€0–300
ETG / EGS / BMP / SensoDrive (automated)
Clutch actuator / hydraulic unit
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
Signs: Won't select a gear, 'gearbox fault', jerky shifts
Fix: Repair or replace the actuator; clutch re-learn
€500–1,500
Clutch wear (automated)
usually 80,000–150,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Slipping, harsh engagement
Fix: Replace clutch + re-learn
€500–1,000
Scheduled service
Intervals and typical prices for the 1.8 / 2.0 16v (PSA EW7 / EW10) engine. Other engines differ in oil, timing drive and some filters; the app gives the exact plan.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Timing belt kit + water pumpEngine | every 120,000 km or every 60 months | €450–900 |
| 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 |
Roadworthiness tests by mileage
Share of tests in the United Kingdom (DVSA MOT, 2024) that this model failed because of each system. Bold red means more often and green less often than an average car of the same age and mileage. Sample: 5,864 tests.
| thousand km | 50–100 | 100–150 | 150–200 | 200–250 | 250+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 4.2 % | 6.7 % | 9.1 % | 9.7 % | 12.3 % |
| Suspension | 5.9 % | 10.4 % | 16.0 % | 18.8 % | 17.1 % |
| Steering | 0.0 % | 2.8 % | 4.7 % | 6.8 % | 7.0 % |
| Tyres and wheels | 4.0 % | 6.6 % | 9.5 % | 10.3 % | 11.8 % |
| Lights, wipers and visibility | 12.9 % | 19.2 % | 24.5 % | 26.6 % | 28.1 % |
| Body and corrosion | 7.0 % | 12.6 % | 11.6 % | 15.2 % | 12.0 % |
| Exhaust, emissions and leaks | 2.2 % | 3.4 % | 6.5 % | 7.1 % | 8.6 % |
Official recalls
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (15). 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.
- Fire risk Engine may overheat13/02/2018 · R/2018/049
- Electronics / software Starter supply wire may chafe06/07/2017 · R/2017/208
- Airbag Airbag may incorrectly deploy20/07/2016 · R/2016/171
- Fuel system Fuel may leak08/12/2015 · R/2015/243
- Fire risk Fuel may leak onto engine27/09/2013 · R/2013/108
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Engine may stall05/07/2011 · R/2011/080
- Visibility Windscreen wiper motor may fail31/03/2011 · R/2011/032
- Brakes / ABS / ESP Braking assistance may not perform correctly17/12/2010 · R/2010/223
The other recalls (7) are listed in the app.
Other generations
Citroën C1 2005–2022Citroën C2 2003–2009Citroën C3 I 2002–2009Citroën C3 II 2009–2016Citroën C3 III 2016–2024Citroën C3 Aircross 2017–Citroën C3 Picasso 2009–2017Citroën C4 I 2004–2010Citroën C4 II 2010–2018Citroën C4 III 2020–Citroën C4 Cactus 2014–2020Citroën C5 I/II 2001–2008Citroën C5 Aircross 2018–
Sources and notes
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. 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.
Updated 07/10/2026