2021 Citroen C5 Aircross Shine Puretech S/S 1.2L Petrol · KV71 JBO

The latest DVSA MOT test dated 16 February 2026 shows the vehicle was submitted for retest on the same day following a failure earlier that day, and it passed with no defects recorded. However, the earlier failure on the same date included a major defect concerning excessive play in the offside front track rod end ball joint, along with an advisory noting the front brake pads were wearing thin. The 2025 entries, both recorded in January, were passed cleanly with no advisories, and the 2024 test also passed but carried an advisory relating to top and bottom covers being fitted to the vehicle, which is a non-mechanical note typically applied when aftermarket seat or trim covers obscure standard inspection points. The most recent failure and immediate pass under rectification indicates the steering component was addressed at the time, but the recurrence of steering and braking wear in a relatively short interval is a point worth monitoring. The recorded mileage of 77,017 on a five-year-old vehicle equates to approximately 15,400 miles per year, which sits firmly in the higher-than-average bracket for this age group. There are no obvious gaps in the MOT history that would suggest prolonged periods of standing, and the progression between tests implies regular use. Higher annual mileage of this nature accelerates wear on consumable braking components, suspension bushes, coil springs, wheel bearings, drivetrain mountings, and the dual-clutch or torque-converter related automatic transmission hardware where applicable. It is worth noting that the PureTech petrol engine fitted to this model has a known industry reputation for timing belt and lubrication-related concerns on earlier production runs, so the higher mileage compounds any inherent risk in that powertrain and warrants thorough verification of full service history with particular attention to oil change intervals and timing or chain component replacement. Given the recorded steering defect and brake pad advisory, a prospective buyer should conduct a focused test drive paying close attention to any clonks, knocking, or vibration through the steering wheel during low-speed turning, which would suggest the track rod end replacement may not have been completed to a satisfactory standard or that the corresponding nearside joint may now be approaching a similar wear threshold. Uneven or feathered wear across the front tyres, particularly on the offside shoulder, would also point to lingering tracking issues or worn suspension components. Brake pedal feel should be assessed for sponginess or excessive travel, and any shudder through the steering wheel under firm braking could indicate warped front brake discs, which are a known consequence of pad wear progression and would warrant a physical inspection of disc surface condition and thickness against the manufacturer minimum. Beyond the flagged items, the higher mileage and five-year age demand standard but essential age-related checks. The 12V battery health should be tested as a matter of course given its likely multiple charge cycles, and all fluid services including engine coolant, brake fluid (which has a typical two-year calendar replacement cycle), and transmission fluid should be verified by service records or physical inspection, as brake fluid in particular degrades through hygroscopic absorption regardless of mileage. Tyre sidewalls should be examined carefully for perishing or cracking consistent with age, and the wheels and underbody should be inspected for corrosion particularly around suspension links, brake caliper slide mechanisms, and the exhaust system, where higher miles combined with five winters of road salt exposure can accelerate surface corrosion. Verify that the timing or auxiliary belt has been replaced in line with manufacturer schedule, confirm the PureTech engine has no history of oil consumption issues by checking the dipstick and undertray for residue, and ensure all in-car warning systems, electronic stability control, and infotainment functions operate correctly before purchase.