IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2012–2016 Citroën C3 (Mk2)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2012–2016 Citroën C3 (Mk2). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
2
Minor

The 2012–2016 period has 2 more issues than the Citroën C3 (Mk2) average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure

SeriousSteering

The EPAS steering column can fail intermittently or completely, causing heavy or unassisted steering. This is a known PSA Group weakness of this era and can be dangerous at low speeds.

Most affected: All variants with EPAS

Estimated cost: £400–£900Affects: 2010–2016Often appears around: 40,000–80,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Heavy steering at low speed
  • •Power steering warning light
  • •Steering feels intermittent

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test steering at low speed and during parking
  • ✓Check for power steering warning light on startup

DPF Clogging on e-HDi (Short Trips)

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

The e-HDi diesel models are prone to diesel particulate filter clogging on short urban journeys, triggering limp mode and expensive forced regenerations.

Most affected: 1.6 e-HDi

Estimated cost: £200–£1,200Affects: 2012–2016Often appears around: 40,000–80,000 miles with urban use

Typical symptoms

  • •Anti-pollution warning light
  • •Limp mode
  • •Cooling fan running after shutdown

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Ask about typical journey types
  • ✓Check for DPF-related invoices

Suspension Top Mount Noise

MinorSuspension & Chassis

Front suspension top mounts can wear prematurely, leading to knocking or creaking noises.

Estimated cost: £150–£300Affects: 2010–2016Often appears around: 40,000+ miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Knocking over bumps
  • •Creaking when steering

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while stationary

Central Locking Actuator Failure

MinorElectrics & Electronics

The door lock actuators can fail, preventing remote locking or unlocking of individual doors. The driver's door is usually the first to go.

Most affected: All variants

Estimated cost: £80–£200Affects: 2010–2016Often appears around: 50,000–90,000 miles

Typical symptoms

  • •One door will not lock remotely
  • •Central locking warning light
  • •Key fob range reduces

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Test all doors with the key fob

Buying Tips for the 2012 Citroën C3 (Mk2)

  • ✓Check the operation of the panoramic windscreen blind; the tracks can jam.
  • ✓Inspect the front suspension top mounts for knocking or creaking.
  • ✓On early 1.4/1.6 VTi petrols, check the oil level and look for timing chain rattle.
2010–2011 Citroën C3 (Mk2)

Browse 2012–2016 Citroën C3 (Mk2) in our Directory

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View 2012–2016 Directory

Other Citroën C3 (Mk2) Year Periods

2010–20112012–2016

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