IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013 Citroën C3 Picasso

Facelift introduced in January 2013 featuring a restyled front bumper with integrated LED daytime running lights, new chevron badging, updated e-HDi micro-hybrid diesels, and new alloy wheel designs.

What changed for 2013

  • •Restyled front bumper incorporating modernised LED daytime running light strips
  • •Introduction of 1.6 e-HDi 92 with Airdream stop-start technology and lower CO2 emissions
  • •Updated trim packages including high-spec Selection and Platinum editions

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Emissions failures on diesel variants due to clogged DPF filters from urban driving
  • !Front coil spring corrosion and fractured lower pigtail coils
  • !Deteriorated front suspension strut top mounts causing steering groans
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 2013 Citroën C3 Picasso

  • Post-2013 facelift models feature higher interior trim quality and standard Bluetooth connectivity
  • Inspect the air conditioning condenser behind the lower grille for road stone damage and refrigerant leaks
  • Verify that stop-start activates smoothly on e-HDi models without battery warning messages
2010–20122014–2015
Check a 2013 Citroën C3 Picasso by Registration