2003 Citroen C3 1.4L Petrol · KL53 VGJ
2003 Citroen C3 (1.4L, petrol). First registered 25 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 37,033 miles. MOT expired on 25 Sept 2026.
- Make & Model
- CITROEN C3
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Borehamwood (Luton)
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Expired on 25 Sept 2026
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 37,033 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Check Required (Pre-Euro 4 Petrol)
- Fuel & Engine
- Petrol · 1.4L
- Reliability Guide
- Common Faults
Thinking of buying this vehicle? Free MOT and tax checks do not cover legal ownership. If outstanding finance exists, finance companies have legal right to repossess without compensation.
KL53 VGJ Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 23/09/2025
- 37,033 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- 5 defects noted at the latest MOT
- Recurring lighting items (6 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KL53 VGJ MOT History
Interpretation generated from the recorded test data above — not an official DVSA statement and not a substitute for an independent inspection.
5 MOT tests are recorded for this 2003 Citroen C3 (KL53 VGJ) between September 2023 and September 2025.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 23 September 2025 was a pass, although the earlier record includes 2 failures that buyers may want to investigate.
Across all tests, the most frequently flagged areas are: Lighting (6 issues), Brakes (5 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (3 issues), Tyres (2 issues), Bodywork (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 17 advisory notices are recorded. Advisories flag items that passed but may need attention before the next test; they are not evidence of how well the vehicle has been serviced.
Recorded failure items include: “Brakes imbalanced across an axle 62% (1.2.1 (b) (i))”; “Nearside Rear Service brake has no recorded effort at a wheel (1.2.1 (a) (ii))”; “Rear Brakes imbalanced across an axle Axle 2 (1.2.1 (b) (i))”.
KL53 VGJ Mileage History
- 26/09/202339,592 mi
- 27/09/202339,592 mi
- 26/09/202440,217 mi+625 mi
- 19/09/202541,296 mi+1,079 mi
- 23/09/202537,033 mi-4,263 mi
Average of roughly -1,284 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
Recorded mileage decreased between one or more tests — a potential clocking indicator worth verifying before purchase.
Technical Specifications
Core Specifications
Identification & Status
Dimensions & Weights
Diagnostic & Valuation Intelligence
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Known faults for Citroën Citroën C3 (Mk1)
Our database tracks 3 specific mechanical faults and recurring failure patterns identified across UK MOT testing stations for this generation.
MOT Roadworthiness: Poor
This rating reflects historical MOT pass rates and recurring advisory wear patterns from official DVSA test logs. Note that roadworthiness does not verify outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen records.
Verify lender finance agreements, insurance write-offs, police stolen registers, and mileage rollback.
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CITROEN C3 Model Intelligence & Reliability
Verified MOT failure trends, buying advice, and technical directory specifications.
Owner-reported defects, recurring MOT failure points, and estimated repair costs.
Browse production generations, registration statistics, and trim variants.
Historical MOT pass rates and DVLA records for 2003 model year cars.
- Front suspension coil spring fractureSerious
High salt corrosion and speed cushions on UK roads cause the front coil springs to fracture prematurely near the lower cup seat. In severe cases, the broken spring coil uncoils and punctures the front tyre, prompting DVSA safety recall R/2005/033 to fit protective catch plates.
- SensoDrive automated transmission actuator and software failureSerious
The optional SensoDrive automated manual transmission relies on electric actuators for clutch engagement and gear selection. Software glitches, wiring loom degradation and worn actuator motors lead to jerky gear shifting, failure to select reverse, or complete transmission lockout with a flashing snowflake symbol on the dashboard.
- 1.4 TU3 petrol cylinder head gasket oil leakageModerate
The 1.4-litre TU-series 8-valve petrol engine suffers from external oil weeping from the front-left corner of the cylinder head gasket (above the alternator). Over time, coolant and oil passages can cross-contaminate, causing overheating and mayonnaise-like emulsification under the oil filler cap.
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