IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2016 Citroën C3 Picasso

We've identified 2 known issues that can affect the 2016 Citroën C3 Picasso. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

2
Known Issues
1
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

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 2016 Citroën C3 Picasso

  • Demand comprehensive service records for 1.6 HDi diesels; missed oil changes cause carbon to clog the turbo oil feed banjo strainer, leading to turbo failure
  • Test all under-bonnet electrics and scan for BSM fusebox faults, as water ingress into the engine bay fusebox causes sudden limp mode or stalling
  • In winter conditions, ensure high-concentration screenwash is used, as frozen washer nozzles blow the engine bay fuse and disable windscreen washers
  • Inspect the three-piece sliding rear seats and removable boot floor panel for missing clips or broken folding latch mechanisms
  • On 1.4 and 1.6 VTi petrol models, listen for timing chain rattle on cold startup and check the engine oil level carefully for high oil consumption
Check a 2016 Citroën C3 Picasso by Registration