2003 Citroen C3 1.4L Diesel · KU53 DVW
2003 Citroen C3 (1.4L, diesel). First registered 30 Sept 2003. Recorded mileage 117,568 miles. MOT valid until 10 Feb 2027.
- Make & Model
- CITROEN C3
- Year / Origin
- 2003 · Northampton
- Safety Recall
- Unknown
- MOT Status
- Valid until 10 Feb 2027
- Road Tax
- —
- Recorded Mileage
- 117,568 mi
- ULEZ Compliance
- Non-Compliant (Pre-Euro 6 Diesel)
- Fuel & Engine
- Diesel · 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.
KU53 DVW Key Findings
- 5 MOT tests recorded
- Latest MOT passed on 11/02/2026
- 117,568 miles recorded at latest MOT
- 2 historical MOT failures
- No defects recorded at the latest MOT
- Recurring brakes items (11 mentions)
Derived directly from the recorded DVSA and DVLA data shown on this page.
KU53 DVW 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 (KU53 DVW) between April 2023 and February 2026.
The record contains 3 passes and 2 failures.
The most recent test on 11 February 2026 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: Brakes (11 issues), Exhaust & Emissions (4 issues), Tyres (3 issues), Suspension (2 issues). Repeated mentions in one area can indicate an ongoing pattern worth checking in person.
In total 11 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: “Offside Rear Brake pad(s) incorrectly mounted inner pad (1.1.13 (c))”; “Offside Rear Brake cable has restricted free movement (1.1.15 (e))”; “Nearside Front Lower Suspension arm ball joint excessively worn (5.3.4 (a) (i))”.
KU53 DVW Mileage History
- 12/04/2023112,430 mi
- 03/01/2025112,900 mi+470 mi
- 10/01/2025112,909 mi+9 mi
- 06/01/2026117,545 mi+4,636 mi
- 11/02/2026117,568 mi+23 mi
Average of roughly 1,811 miles per year across 5 recorded odometer readings.
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: Below Average
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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