Citroen
C8
1,863 MOT tests analysed. runs below the UK fleet average — here's where C8s pass, fail, and end up on the retest sheet.
That's 16.5 points below the UK fleet average across our 1,984 tracked models — buyers should expect more first-time fails than the typical UK car.
Pass
61.0%
Pass-after-fix
4.8%
Fail
33.1%
Avg miles
118,341
Pass + Pass-after-fix + Fail = 100%
Diesel cars registered before September 2015 are typically pre-Euro 6 — subject to daily charges in London ULEZ (£12.50), Birmingham CAZ (£8), Bristol CAZ (£9), and Glasgow LEZ. Daily charges if driven in the zone: London £12.50 · Birmingham £8.00 · Bristol £9.00 .
The picture
C8: a below-average pass rate worth digging into
Across 1,815 MOT tests, the C8 returns 59.8% first-time pass — near the bottom of the UK fleet average. The single most-logged Major fail is a weak handbrake. A number-plate lamp out and a split CV-joint boot round out the top three. Average tested mileage sits at 115,620, which is the lens to read those failure rankings through. If you own one and the next test is close, the ranked list below is a sensible pre-test checklist.
ABI Insurance Group
Group 18–26
Around the UK fleet average for insurance cost. Lower groups cost less to insure; UK fleet average is around Group 22.
Source: ABI Group Rating Panel · administered by Thatcham Research · groups cover standard variants; performance trims may sit higher. Browse all insurance groups →
18–26
out of 50
Top ten reasons for rejection.
Filter failures:
Hide categories
Tick a category to hide it from rankings sitewide. Saved in this browser only.
- 01
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot severely deteriorated
143 occurrences · 7.7% of tests
- 02
Parking brake efficiency below minimum requirement
130 occurrences · 7.0% of tests
- 03
The strength or continuity of the load bearing structure within 30cm of any sub-frame, spring or suspension component mounting (a 'prescribed area') is significantly reduced or inadequately repaired
127 occurrences · 6.8% of tests
- 04
A rear registration plate lamp or light source missing or inoperative in the case of multiple lamps or light sources
113 occurrences · 6.1% of tests
- 05
A lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
111 occurrences · 6.0% of tests
- 06
A transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt etc
99 occurrences · 5.3% of tests
- 07
Parking brake inoperative on one side
83 occurrences · 4.5% of tests
- 08
Windscreen or window damaged or seriously discoloured but not adversely affecting driver's view
81 occurrences · 4.3% of tests
- 09
Stop lamp missing, inoperative or in the case of a multiple light source more than 1/2 not functioning
81 occurrences · 4.3% of tests
- 10
A suspension pin, bush or joint excessively worn
68 occurrences · 3.7% of tests
Counts cover Major and Dangerous defects logged at test. Advisory items excluded so this shows why a car was rejected, not just what the tester flagged in passing.
Try the calculator
Build your own retest budget.
Tools that pre-empt a retest.
Picked against this car's top failure patterns. Affiliate links to Amazon UK — we earn a small cut at no cost to you. Disclosed up-front, doesn't shape the data.
My Motor World · affiliate
Parts & supplies for this fix
Affiliate links — small commission, no extra cost to you.
Summit
Summit ADRG-169 Citroen Replacement Stick-On Tinted Mirror Glass RHS
£9.89
View at My Motor World →
Summit
Summit ADRG-170 Citroen Replacement Stick-On Tinted Mirror Glass LHS
£9.89
View at My Motor World →
Summit
Summit ADRG-48 Citroen Replacement Stick-On Tinted Mirror Glass RHS
£9.89
View at My Motor World →
Summit
Summit ADRG-49 Citroen Replacement Stick-On Tinted Mirror Glass LHS
£9.89
View at My Motor World →
Click Mechanic · affiliate
Book a mobile mechanic
Affiliate links — small commission, no extra cost to you.
Mobile mechanic · UK-wide
Book a mechanic at your door.
Fixed-price quotes upfront. No garage needed. Click Mechanic sends a vetted local mechanic to you — home, work, or roadside.
Recall history
20 UK recalls on record.
The C8 has 20 official UK vehicle recalls covering defect details, remedies, and affected build dates.
Buying or keeping a C8?
Use the failure ranking as a pre-test checklist or a haggling lever. Treat the headline pass rate as a fleet-wide trend, not a guarantee on any individual car.
If you own a C8 and your last MOT looked nothing like the ranked failures above, that's normal — individual cars vary widely. The ranking shows the patterns testers flag most often across the country.