Car statistics
How many Citroën C3s are still on the road in Great Britain, how many are declared off the road, how new registrations have changed and which fuels they use. Built from DVLA licensing records and 231,207 DVSA MOT tests.
There were 250,311 Citroën C3s licensed in Great Britain at the end of March 2026, and a further 13,474 declared off the road (SORN). That is 2.1% fewer than the peak of 255,626 in 2024.
The highest year-end count was 255,626 in 2024.
| Year | Licensed |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 14,328 |
| 2003 | 44,973 |
| 2004 | 69,753 |
| 2005 | 90,089 |
| 2006 | 106,154 |
| 2007 | 119,550 |
| 2008 | 129,408 |
| 2009 | 142,413 |
| 2010 | 165,295 |
| 2011 | 182,443 |
| 2012 | 197,220 |
| 2013 | 208,901 |
| 2014 | 217,019 |
| 2015 | 222,433 |
| 2016 | 224,587 |
| 2017 | 232,363 |
| 2018 | 240,934 |
| 2019 | 249,286 |
| 2020 | 246,909 |
| 2021 | 246,178 |
| 2022 | 249,104 |
| 2023 | 251,912 |
| 2024 | 255,626 |
| 2025 | 249,826 |
| 2026 | 250,311 |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
Source:DfT / DVLA End of March 2026 Updated
In 2025, 68.2% of Citroën C3 MOT tests were passed first time, against 72.8% for all cars. Cars of the same ages as the Citroën C3s tested pass 73.6% of the time, so the Citroën C3 does worse than average for its age, by 5.4 points. In 2024 its pass rate was 67.4%.
Comparing like with like: each bar pair covers cars of the same age, so an older average age does not count against a model.
| Vehicle age | Citroën C3 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 3 years | 91.8% | 89.5% |
| 4–5 years | 88.4% | 87.6% |
| 6–7 years | 79.3% | 83.0% |
| 8–10 years | 68.7% | 75.7% |
| 11–14 years | 57.1% | 65.5% |
| 15–19 years | 51.1% | 58.0% |
| 20+ years | 50.6% | 61.0% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment is the most common reason a Citroën C3 fails its MOT, appearing on 46.9% of failed tests. A failed test can have defects in more than one category, so shares add up to more than 100%. 6.9% of Citroën C3 tests found at least one dangerous defect, against 7.3% for all cars.
| Defect category | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 46.9% |
| Suspension | 29.0% |
| Body, chassis, structure | 21.6% |
| Tyres | 18.7% |
| Brakes | 18.0% |
| Visibility | 14.1% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 12.2% |
| Steering | 8.2% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
The single most common reason a Citroën C3 failed its MOT in 2025 was “Stop lamp: not working”, on 11.9% of 73,479 failed tests. 56.1% of tests ended with at least one advisory, a problem to watch that did not fail the test; the most common was “Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge”. The same fault on any wheel or side counts once.
Share of failed tests with each defect. A test can fail for more than one.
| Defect | Share of failed tests |
|---|---|
| Stop lamp: not working Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 11.9% |
| Drive shafts: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt Body, chassis, structure | 11.7% |
| Position lamp: not working Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 10.9% |
| Coil spring: fractured or broken Suspension | 9.1% |
| Headlamp: not working on dipped beam Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 8.0% |
| Suspension arms: ball joint excessively worn Suspension | 7.2% |
| Tyres: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm Tyres | 6.9% |
| Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play Steering | 6.6% |
| Registration plate lamp(s): inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 6.0% |
| Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 4.9% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Share of all tests with each advisory: worth checking on a car you are buying.
| Advisory | Share of tests |
|---|---|
| Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge Tyres | 18.0% |
| Brake discs: worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened Brakes | 15.1% |
| Tyres: slightly damaged or cracking or perishing Tyres | 11.9% |
| Exhaust system: mounting defective Body, chassis, structure | 7.0% |
| Suspension arms: pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Suspension | 6.6% |
| Engine oil leak, but not excessive Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.4% |
| Brake pads: wearing thin Brakes | 5.8% |
| Brake discs: worn, but not excessively Brakes | 4.4% |
| Coil spring: corroded Suspension | 2.8% |
| Exhaust system: minor leak of exhaust gases Body, chassis, structure | 2.8% |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
21 years of the Citroën C3, by year of first registration, have their own page with MOT results, common faults, mileage and how many are left. Against all cars of the same age, the 2022 cars did best at their 2025 MOT (91.9% passed first time) and the 2002 cars worst (48.5%).
| Year | Registered | Left | Pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | – | 1,406 | 48.5% |
| 2003 | – | 3,445 | 49.9% |
| 2004 | – | 3,539 | 50.6% |
| 2005 | – | 3,840 | 50.5% |
| 2006 | – | 4,074 | 52.6% |
| 2007 | – | 4,513 | 51.2% |
| 2008 | – | 4,128 | 51.1% |
| 2009 | – | 8,262 | 49.9% |
| 2010 | – | 16,605 | 51.5% |
| 2011 | – | 14,427 | 53.5% |
| 2012 | – | 14,318 | 55.5% |
| 2013 | – | 13,310 | 58.4% |
| 2014 | 15,103 | 13,838 | 61.7% |
| 2015 | 13,290 | 12,366 | 65.3% |
| 2016 | 11,120 | 10,762 | 67.2% |
| 2017 | 20,116 | 19,456 | 71.6% |
| 2018 | 24,596 | 24,006 | 76.9% |
| 2019 | 23,230 | 22,918 | 81.9% |
| 2020 | 12,224 | 12,188 | 86.8% |
| 2021 | 12,692 | 12,267 | 89.7% |
| 2022 | 13,523 | 12,707 | 91.9% |
Registered: cars on the DVLA record at the end of the year they were first registered (these counts start in 2014, so older years show a dash). Left: licensed or declared SORN at the end of 2025. Both cover the United Kingdom. Pass rate: first-time passes at normal MOT tests in Great Britain in 2025; all cars: every car first registered the same year.
The average Citroën C3 covers 5,703 miles a year, worked out from odometer readings at consecutive MOT tests.
| Vehicle age | Miles a year |
|---|---|
| 4–5 years | 6,554 |
| 6–7 years | 6,492 |
| 8–10 years | 5,786 |
| 11–14 years | 5,416 |
| 15–19 years | 4,869 |
| 20+ years | 3,686 |
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis 2025 Updated
Registrations of Citroën C3s for the first time in Great Britain peaked at 31,536 in 2003. In 2025, 7,516 were registered.
| Year | First registrations |
|---|---|
| ’01 | 0 |
| ’02 | 14,714 |
| ’03 | 31,536 |
| ’04 | 25,508 |
| ’05 | 20,723 |
| ’06 | 16,677 |
| ’07 | 14,569 |
| ’08 | 10,264 |
| ’09 | 14,284 |
| ’10 | 24,110 |
| ’11 | 18,842 |
| ’12 | 17,239 |
| ’13 | 14,943 |
| ’14 | 15,040 |
| ’15 | 13,101 |
| ’16 | 11,228 |
| ’17 | 20,297 |
| ’18 | 24,839 |
| ’19 | 23,622 |
| ’20 | 12,456 |
| ’21 | 12,522 |
| ’22 | 13,401 |
| ’23 | 15,137 |
| ’24 | 16,710 |
| ’25 | 7,516 |
Source:DfT / DVLA 2001 to 2025 Updated
Of the 258,371 Citroën C3s licensed in the UK at the end of 2025, 34.6% have an engine of 1,101cc to 1,200cc, and 25.5% have an engine of 1,501cc to 1,600cc. The share with an engine of 1,301cc to 1,400cc has fallen from 58.3% in 2014 to 14.0%. Diesels made up 39.4% of those licensed in 2014 and 26.1% in 2025.
DVLA records engine size in 100cc bands.
| Engine size | Share of those licensed |
|---|---|
| 1,101cc to 1,200cc 89,405 licensed | 34.6% |
| 1,501cc to 1,600cc 65,910 licensed | 25.5% |
| 1,201cc to 1,300cc 63,362 licensed | 24.5% |
| 1,301cc to 1,400cc 36,087 licensed | 14.0% |
| Other sizes 3,607 licensed | 1.4% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
| Engine size | Fuel | Licensed | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,101–1,200cc | Petrol | 87,033 | 33.7% |
| 1,201–1,300cc | Petrol | 63,362 | 24.5% |
| 1,501–1,600cc | Diesel | 54,764 | 21.2% |
| 1,301–1,400cc | Petrol | 24,456 | 9.5% |
| 1,301–1,400cc | Diesel | 11,629 | 4.5% |
| 1,501–1,600cc | Petrol | 11,141 | 4.3% |
Share of those licensed at the end of each year, for the most common sizes.
| Year | 1,101–1,200cc | 1,501–1,600cc | 1,201–1,300cc | 1,301–1,400cc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 9.3% | 31.6% | 0.1% | 58.3% |
| 2015 | 8.8% | 33.2% | 2.2% | 54.7% |
| 2016 | 8.6% | 34.4% | 4.5% | 51.2% |
| 2017 | 7.9% | 34.4% | 11.2% | 45.2% |
| 2018 | 9.8% | 33.1% | 17.1% | 38.8% |
| 2019 | 14.3% | 31.7% | 19.8% | 33.0% |
| 2020 | 16.4% | 31.3% | 21.7% | 29.4% |
| 2021 | 18.6% | 30.8% | 24.0% | 25.3% |
| 2022 | 21.6% | 29.6% | 25.3% | 22.1% |
| 2023 | 26.6% | 28.2% | 24.7% | 19.2% |
| 2024 | 31.8% | 26.5% | 24.1% | 16.2% |
| 2025 | 34.6% | 25.5% | 24.5% | 14.0% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
Share of those licensed at the end of each year.
| Year | Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 60.6% | 39.4% |
| 2015 | 59.7% | 40.2% |
| 2016 | 59.0% | 41.0% |
| 2017 | 60.0% | 40.0% |
| 2018 | 62.4% | 37.6% |
| 2019 | 64.7% | 35.3% |
| 2020 | 65.7% | 34.3% |
| 2021 | 67.0% | 33.0% |
| 2022 | 68.5% | 31.5% |
| 2023 | 70.4% | 29.6% |
| 2024 | 72.5% | 27.5% |
| 2025 | 73.0% | 26.1% |
Source:DfT / DVLA End of 2014 to end of 2025 Updated
United Kingdom figures from DfT table VEH0220 (licensed cars at the end of each year, SORN excluded), so they differ slightly from the Great Britain counts elsewhere on this page. How we use engine sizes.
The Vehicle Certification Agency’s new car data lists the Citroën C3 from 2002, and still lists it. On the WLTP test (listings 2019 to 2026), official combined fuel economy for its petrol, diesel and petrol hybrid versions ranges from 39.1 to 70.6 mpg, with CO2 of 105 to 163 g/km. On the older NEDC test (listings 2002 to 2018), official combined fuel economy for its petrol and diesel versions ranges from 39.2 to 83.1 mpg, with CO2 of 87 to 172 g/km.
| Engine and fuel | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | Listed | Euro standard | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.2 petrol | 39.1–54.3 | 117–163 | 2019–2026 | Euro 6 to Euro 6d | 41 |
| 1.5 diesel | 50.9–70.6 | 105–145 | 2019–2026 | Euro 6d‑TEMP to Euro 6d | 11 |
| 1.2 petrol hybrid | 47.1–58.9 | 108–135 | 2025–2026 | Euro 6 | 3 |
| Engine and fuel | Combined mpg | CO2 g/km | Listed | Euro standard | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 petrol | 62.8–65.7 | 99–104 | 2014–2016 | Euro 5 to Euro 6 | 4 |
| 1.1 petrol | 47.1–47.9 | 137–143 | 2003–2013 | Euro 3 to Euro 5 | 9 |
| 1.2 petrol | 49.6–65.7 | 99–131 | 2013–2018 | Euro 5 to Euro 6d‑TEMP | 29 |
| 1.4 petrol | 39.8–51.4 | 127–170 | 2002–2015 | Euro 3 to Euro 5 | 35 |
| 1.6 petrol | 39.2–50.4 | 129–172 | 2002–2015 | Euro 3 to Euro 5 | 29 |
| 1.4 diesel | 60.1–83.1 | 87–125 | 2002–2015 | Euro 3 to Euro 5 | 20 |
| 1.6 diesel | 56.5–83.1 | 87–133 | 2006–2018 | Euro 4 to Euro 6d‑TEMP | 49 |
Source:VCA July 2000 to 15 September 2026 Updated
DVSA lists 84 safety recalls for the Citroën C3 since 1992, the first in 2002. The most recent was launched on 30 March 2026.
All 84 Citroën C3 recalls, with defects, remedies and build dates
A recall applies to cars built on particular dates or with particular VINs, not to every Citroën C3. The details come from manufacturers through DVSA, which says they may be delayed or incomplete. To check a specific car, use GOV.UK’s vehicle recall check or ask the manufacturer or a dealer. How we match recalls to models.
Source:DVSA,UK Motoring analysis January 1992 to September 2026 Updated
| Model | Licensed | Change on a year | SORN | Rank | Main fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citroën C3 | 250,311 | −1.3% | 13,474 | 28 | Petrol |
| Ford Fiesta | 1,249,904 | −5.2% | 111,058 | 1 | Petrol |
| Vauxhall Corsa | 902,410 | −3.2% | 97,804 | 2 | Petrol |
| Volkswagen Polo | 663,686 | −0.3% | 49,229 | 6 | Petrol |
| Toyota Yaris | 575,454 | +3.1% | 26,019 | 7 | Petrol |
| Figures | Source | Period | Records | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Licensed and SORN counts | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | End of March 2026 | 263,785 C3 records (licensed and SORN) | 15 September 2026 |
| Registered for the first time | Vehicle licensing statistics Department for Transport | 2001 to 2025 | – | 15 September 2026 |
| MOT results and mileage | Anonymised MOT tests and results Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency Derived statistics UK Motoring | 2025 | 231,207 MOT tests | 15 September 2026 |
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
