IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2009 Citroën C3 Picasso

UK launch of the C3 Picasso in April 2009, bringing distinct mini-MPV Spacebox packaging with sliding rear seats, a panoramic three-part windscreen, VTi petrols and 1.6 HDi diesels.

What changed for 2009

  • •All-new Spacebox mini-MPV bodystyle with high seating and 500-litre boot
  • •Three-part panoramic windscreen and optional full-length fixed glass panoramic sunroof
  • •Sliding and flat-folding 60/40 rear seat bench with underfloor footwell storage

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Worn front suspension lower wishbone rear bushes and anti-roll bar drop links
  • !Exhaust system rear silencer corrosion on short-trip petrol models
  • !Uneven rear brake pad wear and handbrake cable imbalance
3
Known Issues
2
Serious
0
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Engine bay fuse box (BSM) relay failure

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

The under-bonnet engine fuse and relay box (BSM) suffers from moisture ingress and internal relay burnout. Faulty connections lead to intermittent stalling, loss of headlight or wiper operation, or sudden limp-home mode with antipollution warning messages.

Est. Repair Cost: £220–£550
Warning Signs:

Sudden engine cut-out while driving, Car cranks but refuses to fire intermittently, Headlamps or windscreen wipers fail to turn on, Limp mode accompanied by Antipollution Fault warning

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the engine bay fuse box casing for water ingress or corrosion on harness plugs
  • Test all electrical functions including wipers, headlamps and horn from cold
  • Scan for communication and power supply fault codes across BSM and BSI modules
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

1.6 HDi turbocharger oil starvation from gauze strainer blockage

SeriousEngine

The 1.6-litre HDi 16V engine utilizes a miniature mesh filter inside the turbo oil feed pipe banjo bolt. Extended oil change intervals or degraded oil cause carbon deposits to clog this gauze strainer, starving the turbocharger bearings of lubrication and causing sudden bearing destruction.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,400
Warning Signs:

High-pitched siren or whining sound from the turbocharger on acceleration, Loss of engine boost power and black exhaust smoke, Oil burning smell and blue smoke under load, Engine management warning lamp on dashboard

What to Inspect:
  • Check service book for evidence of oil changes every 10,000 miles or annually
  • Listen carefully for whistling or siren sounds during revving
  • Ask if the turbo oil feed banjo bolt gauze filter has been removed or replaced
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Frozen windscreen washer pump fuse blow

MinorElectrics & Electronics

In cold UK winters, unheated screenwash in the washer bottle reservoir freezes easily. Attempting to clear ice with the washer stalk causes current overload on the electric washer motor, immediately blowing its dedicated fuse in the engine fuse box and leaving the car without windscreen washing.

Est. Repair Cost: £10–£50
Warning Signs:

Windscreen washer jets produce no spray when stalk is pulled, No humming sound from the washer pump motor, Wipers sweep across a dry windscreen, Blown fuse in engine compartment fuse box

What to Inspect:
  • Operate both front and rear windscreen washers to verify prompt pump operation
  • Check washer fluid concentration and reservoir condition
  • Carry spare mini blade fuses in glovebox for winter driving
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2009 Citroën C3 Picasso

  • The 1.6 HDi 90 diesel is the pick for low running costs, lacking the complex variable-geometry turbo of the 110
  • Check that passenger footwell brake cross-linkage recall work has been signed off
  • Test remote central locking and ensure both original keys operate all door mechanisms
2010–2012
Check a 2009 Citroën C3 Picasso by Registration