Used Citroen C3 Aircross 2017-present reliability
Category: Small SUV
Funky styling and flexible interior seating set the Citroën C3 Aircross apart from rivals
What should I look for in a used Citroën C3 Aircross hatchback?
Stains
Some of the seat material available in the C3 Aircross is quite light in terms of colour and could start to look grubby if the car isn't looked after properly. Regular hoovering is a good idea to prevent dirt from being ground into the material.
Alloy wheels
Although 17in alloy wheels sound fairly tame these days, they can still be kerbed if you regularly park up by pavements. What’s more, the diamond-cut design will quickly corrode if the protective lacquer coating is compromised and water and road salt can make contact with the metal surface below.
Bodywork
Only top-spec Flair models get rear parking sensors as standard, so you’ll need to look for parking scrapes or dents. An uneven paint finish could be a sign of a poor repair that could lead to rust issues in the future.
What are the most common problems with a used Citroën C3 Aircross hatchback?
There are a number of recalls for the Citroen C3 Aircross you'll need to check have been carried out.
Reason for recall
An engine component may not be to specification which could result in loss of engine performance. This may lead to the engine stalling and potentially causing an engine failure. In very unlikely circumstances the vehicle speed may increase without warning but will stop on its own after a few seconds.
How the manufacturer will repair: On affected vehicles carry out a functional diagnostic check of the engine. If necessary replace the engine.
Number of affected vehicles
75
Reason for recall
Engine management software issue could result in incorrect emission levels.
How the manufacturer will repair: Update the engine management software.
Number of affected vehicles
16144
Reason for recall
On affected vehicles the locking nut of the rear wheel hub bearings may not be correct to specification. In extreme cases this may affect control of the vehicle.
How the manufacturer will repair: The recall consists of checking the hub nut and if the locking of the nut does not conform to specification replacing the stub axle and the hub.
Number of affected vehicles
5
Reason for recall
On the affected vehicles the tightening torques of the anti-theft wheel bolts may not be to the correct to specification.
How the manufacturer will repair: The remedy involves correcting the anti-theft wheel bolts tightening torques.
Number of affected vehicles
4595
Reason for recall
The wires in one of the connectors of the seats position sensor may not be correct
How the manufacturer will repair: Correcting the wires in the connector of the seats position sensor.
Number of affected vehicles
12649
Is a used Citroën C3 Aircross hatchback reliable?
The C3 Aircross didn't feature in the most recent What Car? reliability survey. However, Citroën as a brand doesn’t have the best reputation for reliability, having finished 16th out of 31 manufacturers in the same survey.
Also, the C3 Aircross shares engines, its infotainment system and underpinnings with the Citroën C4 Cactus, which finished low down in the small SUV category. Most examples that had issues were rendered undrivable, with the biggest concerns being the engine electrics, the brakes, the engine itself and the wheels and tyres.
You can head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.
