2008 Citroen C2 MOT pass rate, common failures & what to check
In 2025, 54.9% of Citroen C2s first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. Across 5,304 C2 first tests from 2023 to 2025, the most common failure areas were suspension, lamps and electrical equipment and body, chassis and structure.
This page analyses first MOT tests for Citroen C2s first used in 2008 (all trims grouped): 2021 to 2025 for the pass-rate trend, and 2023 to 2025 for the failure and advisory analysis — plus what is worth checking before you buy one.
Data: DVSA anonymised MOT tests to December 2025 · Calculated by SortedCars · Updated October 2026
How the 2008 Citroen C2 MOT pass rate has changed
Share of first tests passed in each year, C2s first used in 2008 against all cars first used in 2008 (any make or fuel; not adjusted for mileage, fuel or use). In 2025 the C2 figure was in line with the all-cars figure.
View this chart as a table
| Test year | 2008 C2 | All cars first used 2008 | C2 first tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 53.8% | 58.0% | 2,991 |
| 2022 | 54.6% | 57.9% | 2,567 |
| 2023 | 54.0% | 57.4% | 2,208 |
| 2024 | 55.0% | 56.9% | 1,746 |
| 2025 | 54.9% | 57.2% | 1,350 |
Common 2008 Citroen C2 MOT failures
Share of the 2,409 failed first tests (2023–2025) with at least one failure in each area. A test can fail in more than one area, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Most common failure items
| DVSA failure item | Share of failed first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt | 15.4% | 371 |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | 11.4% | 274 |
| Position lamp: not working | 10.8% | 261 |
| Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively | 10.0% | 242 |
| Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength | 9.4% | 226 |
Item names are DVSA’s own wording. 2023–2025 combined.
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Typical repair costs for common MOT failures
Typical UK garage prices for the job, not for a C2 in particular, and not a quote.
| Failure item | Typical job | Typical UK price | Usual range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coil spring: fractured or broken | Coil spring replacement | £248 | £175–£400 |
From published UK repair-cost guides, checked September 2026. Only jobs with a published typical price are shown.
What to check on a 2008 Citroen C2 before buying
The three areas where failed first tests most often had a fault, 2023–2025.
- Suspension. Worth looking behind the front wheels with a torch at the coil springs, and listening for knocks over bumps on the test drive.
- Lamps and electrics. Ask someone to watch while you work the brake lights, indicators, sidelights, dipped and main beam, and the number-plate lamps.
- Body and underside. Worth looking underneath with a torch at the sills, floor and mountings for corrosion, and at the rubber boots on the drive shafts for splits.
Common 2008 Citroen C2 MOT advisories
Advisories are points the tester noted that did not fail the car. Most common on 2008 C2s, as a share of all 5,304 first tests, 2023–2025.
| DVSA advisory item | Share of first tests | Tests |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive | 17.8% | 944 |
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge | 16.5% | 873 |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened | 15.6% | 826 |
| Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing | 12.0% | 638 |
| Coil spring: corroded | 8.1% | 429 |
Questions about the 2008 Citroen C2 MOT
What is the MOT pass rate of a 2008 Citroen C2?
In 2025, 54.9% of C2s first used in 2008 passed their MOT first time, against 57.2% for all cars first used in 2008. A car fixed during the test counts as a fail.
What does a 2008 C2 most often fail its MOT on?
Suspension (in 45.7% of failed first tests, 2023–2025), lamps and electrical equipment (38.9%) and body, chassis and structure (29.8%). The single most common item was “Drive shaft joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt” (15.4%).
How often does a 2008 Citroen C2 fail its MOT?
In 2025, 45.1% of first tests on C2s first used in 2008 did not pass first time: 38.1% failed, and a further 7.0% had a fault fixed during the test (counted as a fail here). Across 2023–2025, 2,409 of 5,304 first tests did not pass first time.
What are the most common 2008 Citroen C2 MOT advisories?
“Engine oil leaks: leak, but not excessive” (on 17.8% of first tests, 2023–2025), “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit/worn on edge” (16.5%), “Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened” (15.6%), “Tyre condition: slightly damaged/cracking or perishing” (12.0%) and “Coil spring: corroded” (8.1%).
Is a 2008 Citroen C2 reliable?
An MOT pass rate shows what failed at the test, not how reliable a car is. For this group of cars the first-time pass rate went from 53.8% in 2021 to 54.9% in 2025. For one particular car, its own MOT history matters more than the average.
Other cars first used in 2008
The most-tested cars from the same year. Each page uses the same method.
2008 Ford Fiesta MOT statistics · 2008 Ford Focus MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Corsa MOT statistics · 2008 Volkswagen Golf MOT statistics · 2008 Vauxhall Astra MOT statistics
Checking a specific 2008 C2?
The numbers above cover every C2 first used in 2008 and tested in Great Britain. Our free check shows the actual MOT history, mileage record and tax status of the one you are looking at.
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