IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2017 Citroën C3 Aircross

UK launch of the C3 Aircross compact crossover in November 2017, replacing the C3 Picasso with raised ride height, sliding rear seats, 1.2 PureTech petrols and 1.6 BlueHDi diesels.

What changed for 2017

  • •All-new compact SUV body with 175mm ground clearance and contrasting roof and colour pack options
  • •Sliding, reclining 60/40 split rear bench expanding luggage capacity from 410 to 520 litres
  • •Introduction of Grip Control traction management system with hill descent assist

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Worn front suspension lower arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links
  • !Rear brake disc corrosion and pad binding on low-mileage urban runabouts
  • !Headlamp aim misalignment and fogged front fog lamp housings
3
Known Issues
2
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

1.2 PureTech timing belt degradation and oil strainer blockage

SeriousEngine

The oil-immersed wet timing belt degrades over time, shedding rubber particles into the engine oil. These debris collect in the oil pump pickup strainer mesh, causing oil starvation, low oil pressure warnings, vacuum pump failure and loss of power braking assistance.

Est. Repair Cost: £450–£1,300
Warning Signs:

Oil pressure warning lamp flashing under braking or acceleration, Hard brake pedal due to vacuum pump starvation, Engine rattling noise from top end on startup, Check engine light with variable valve timing fault codes

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the width and surface of the timing belt through the oil filler neck using a timing belt gauge
  • Check service history for strict 12-month oil services using Stellantis approved PSA B71 2297 or B71 2010 oil
  • Verify whether DVSA recall R/2020/331 has been carried out
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

BlueHDi AdBlue tank and pump module failure

SeriousExhaust & Emissions

On 1.5 and 1.6 BlueHDi diesel models, the internal heater and pump integrated into the urea AdBlue tank fail, or the tank deforms due to vacuum build-up. The engine management system detects urea dosing errors and triggers a non-start countdown timer. Because the pump is non-serviceable, the complete tank must be replaced.

Est. Repair Cost: £800–£1,450
Warning Signs:

Emissions warning lamp and flashing UREA light, Dashboard message warning of no engine restart permitted in X miles, Fault codes P20E8 or P20A2 logged in the engine ECU, White crystalline urea deposits around the filler neck

What to Inspect:
  • Scan the vehicle OBD system for stored urea dosing and NOx sensor fault codes
  • Check around the AdBlue filler neck for heavy white encrustation
  • Ask if the car has received a replacement AdBlue tank or software update
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Central touchscreen interface freezing and ventilation lag

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The dashboard touchscreen controls almost all secondary functions, including climate control, sat-nav and audio. Software instability and hardware memory constraints cause the unit to lag, reboot while driving, or fail to respond to touch inputs, leaving occupants unable to adjust cabin demisting or heating.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£450
Warning Signs:

Touchscreen freezes or reboots during driving, Severe delay when adjusting cabin temperature or fan speed, Blank or black display on startup, Bluetooth smartphone pairing failures and dropped Apple CarPlay

What to Inspect:
  • Test all heating and ventilation temperature adjustments via the touchscreen screen
  • Pair a smartphone via Bluetooth and USB to verify CarPlay or Android Auto stability
  • Check if the infotainment software has been updated to the latest firmware release
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2017 Citroën C3 Aircross

  • Prioritise the 1.2 PureTech 110 manual or EAT6 automatic for the best balance of performance and fuel economy
  • Check that manufacturer recall R/2020/331 for the timing belt and vacuum pump has been executed
  • Test rear parking sensors and reversing camera operation, as bumper scuffs are common on family cars
2018–2020
Check a 2017 Citroën C3 Aircross by Registration