2010 Citroen C4 1.6L Diesel · GL59 NPX

The defining mechanical story of this 2010 Citroen C4 centres on a persistent and worsening steering rack issue that has been flagged at every MOT since at least 2019, alongside recurring tyre and lighting concerns. The most recent test on 10 November 2022 recorded a pass, but it carried advisories for play in the steering rack inner joint, both front tyres worn close to the legal limit on the edges, and cracking/perishing on both rear tyres. These advisories are not isolated occurrences; play in the steering rack inner joint was also noted in 2021, while slight play in both track rod end ball joints was recorded in 2020, suggesting progressive wear in the front steering and suspension geometry that has yet to escalate to a failure. The single recorded failure, on 12 November 2020, was triggered by a dangerous nearside front tyre bulge caused by structural separation, a nearside front position lamp not working, and an inoperative registration plate lamp, with the same registration plate lamp defect appearing as a minor at multiple subsequent tests. A further failure on 12 May 2017 was down to non-functioning offside stop, rear position, and front position lamps, all of which are PRS (present and rectifiable at time of test) electrical items rather than structural or mechanical failures. With 105,156 miles recorded over approximately 12 years of MOT history on file, the vehicle has covered an average of around 6,500 to 7,000 miles per year, which sits in the normal range for a car of this age and is neither unusually low nor exceptionally high. There is a notable gap between the May 2017 test and the April 2019 test, a period of nearly two years with no recorded MOT activity, which may indicate the vehicle was either off the road, used without an MOT during that window, or simply not tested. Mileage accumulation between recorded tests appears broadly consistent rather than showing sudden spikes, and the 2020 failure and pass both fall within the same week, confirming the vehicle was on the road and in regular use at that point. For a 16-year-old Citroen with this kind of mileage, wear on suspension, steering, and braking consumables is entirely expected, and the test record reflects that reality through the recurring advisories rather than suggesting any unusual or concerning usage pattern. From a buyer inspection perspective, the steering rack inner joint play is the single most important issue to investigate, as it has now been flagged across four consecutive tests and could be approaching a point where it worsens to a major defect. On a test drive, listen for knocking or clunking from the front end over speed humps and rough tarmac, pay attention to any vagueness or looseness in the steering on centre, and check for uneven front tyre wear on the inner or outer edges, which would confirm the geometry is being affected by the worn joints. With the front tyres noted as being on the legal limit in 2022 and a dangerous sidewall failure already recorded in 2020, all four tyres should be examined closely for age-related cracking, bulges, or uneven wear patterns, and the wheels should be inspected for kerb damage that could have contributed to the earlier sidewall separation. The track rod end play recorded in 2020 should also be re-checked, as worn ball joints in this area tend to worsen progressively and can lead to an MOT failure if not renewed. The minor electrical defects recorded repeatedly, particularly the inoperative nearside registration plate lamp and the earlier stop lamp and position lamp failures, are relatively straightforward to resolve but suggest attention to basic lighting maintenance has been inconsistent. The nearside headlamp top fixing noted as broken in 2019 should be checked to ensure the unit is secure and correctly aligned, as a loose or misaligned headlamp can cause both MOT failure and poor night visibility. Given the vehicle's age and mileage, a general underbody inspection is advisable, looking for corrosion on subframe, brake pipes, and suspension arms, none of which have yet been flagged but are common failure points on C4s of this generation. Finally, the rear tyre cracking advisory from 2022 warrants a visual check for sidewall perishing, and the brake system should be evaluated for binding calipers or worn discs, particularly given the annual mileage and the age of the vehicle.