Citroen C4 Cactus years to avoid? MOT pass rate by year
All 5 Citroen C4 Cactus years have MOT pass rates below the average for vehicles first used in the same year.
- Below the average for their first-use year2016–2020
- Above the average for their first-use yearNone
- Can't be told apart from averageNone
The MOT pass rate is one signal, not the whole story. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't record gearbox or engine faults, and a pass rate also reflects mileage and upkeep, so the table shows median mileage too. Whatever the year, the car in front of you matters more than its model's average.
First-time pass rate, all years together: initial tests passed with no repairs. 95% range 69.3% to 70.5%.
In 2025, 69.9% of the 20,414 initial MOT tests on Citroen C4 Cactus cars were passed with no repairs. The same-age average, for all vehicles first used in the same years, was 80.1%. That is 10.2 points below the same-age average.
Check a specific C4 Cactus
Citroen C4 Cactus MOT pass rate by year
| Year | Chart | Testsmedian miles | Passed first time | Against all vehicles that year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020age 5 | 1,89931,300 | 81.5%±1.9 | −4.5 ptsall: 86.0% | |
| 2019age 6 | 3,88441,800 | 74.9%±1.4 | −8.6 ptsall: 83.5% | |
| 2018age 7 | 5,36948,900 | 71.1%±1.3 | −9.8 ptsall: 80.9% | |
| 2017age 8 | 5,80156,700 | 66.1%±1.3 | −12.1 ptsall: 78.2% | |
| 2016age 9 | 3,46165,400 | 62.4%±1.7 | −12.5 ptsall: 74.9% |
Tests are initial MOT tests in 2025, not retests. Median miles is the middle odometer reading at the test: half had more, half had less. ± is the 95% margin of error in points (Wilson interval): a difference smaller than that could be chance. Years without a link have fewer than 10,000 tests, so they are listed here but don't have their own page.
When a car's mileage doesn't add upDoes mileage matter?
83.1% of Citroen C4 Cactus tests under 30,000 miles passed first time, against 55.2% at 90,000 to 119,999 miles. For all vehicles of the same age and mileage, the figures are 88.6% and 71.5%.
| Miles at the test | Tests | Passed first time | Against all vehicles, same age and mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 30,000 | 3,327 | 83.1%±1.4 | −5.5 ptsall: 88.6% |
| 30,000–59,999 | 10,281 | 71.9%±0.9 | −10.0 ptsall: 81.9% |
| 60,000–89,999 | 5,402 | 61.8%±1.4 | −14.1 ptsall: 75.9% |
| 90,000–119,999 | 1,191 | 55.2%±2.9 | −16.2 ptsall: 71.5% |
Against all vehicles of the same age and mileage, C4 Cactus tests were below average in every band shown.
Mileage is only one factor. How a car has been driven and looked after matters too. These figures show an association across all Citroen C4 Cactus tests in 2025, not what mileage does to a particular car.
Mileage is the odometer reading at the initial test. Each band is compared with all vehicles first used in the same year with a reading in the same band, weighted by this model's own tests in each year. Bands need at least 1,000 tests. Not shown, with fewer than 1,000 tests: 120,000 or more. 2 tests (under 0.1%) had no usable odometer reading and are left out. How we count
Common C4 Cactus problems at the MOT
MOT records show roadworthiness faults, not engine or gearbox problems. Each year page compares that year's failure areas with all vehicles first used in the same year.
Most common MOT failures on the Citroen C4 Cactus
| Defect | Share of failed tests | All vehicles, same age |
|---|---|---|
| Wiper does not clear the windscreen effectivelyWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 15.5%950 tests | 7.8% |
| Drive shaft joint constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirtBody, chassis, structure | 13.0%801 tests | 3.3% |
| Headlamp not working on dipped beamLights and electrics | 11.2%689 tests | 4.4% |
| Tyre tread depth below requirements of 1.6mmTyres | 9.1%558 tests | 9.7% |
| Registration plate lamp(s) inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lampsLights and electrics | 8.5%520 tests | 2.7% |
| Washer provides insufficient washer liquidWindscreen, wipers, mirrors | 7.2%443 tests | 4.8% |
| Suspension arm ball joint excessively wornSuspension | 7.0%428 tests | 3.2% |
| Stop lamp not workingLights and electrics | 6.7%413 tests | 4.0% |
| Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrectLights and electrics | 5.3%323 tests | 2.2% |
| Exhaust system insecureBody, chassis, structure | 5.0%308 tests | 0.4% |
These are failures recorded at initial MOT tests in 2025. Retests are not counted. "All vehicles, same age" is the same defect's share of failed tests for all vehicles first used in the same years, weighted by the C4 Cactus's failed tests in each year. How we count
What to check when viewing a C4 Cactus
Lights and electrics
- Ask the seller to help you check every light: dipped and main beam, brake lights, indicators, fog lights and the number plate lamp.
- Look for cracked, misted or yellowed headlight lenses.
- Warning lights on the dashboard should come on with the ignition and go out once the engine starts.
Windscreen, wipers, mirrors
- Look for chips and cracks in the windscreen, especially in front of the driver.
- Run the wipers and washers. The blades should clear the screen without smearing.
- Check both door mirrors and the rear-view mirror are intact and adjust.
Tyres
- Check the tread on every tyre. The legal minimum for cars is 1.6 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread.
- Look for cuts, bulges, and wear on only the inner or outer edge, which can point to an alignment problem.
- Check that the spare wheel or the tyre repair kit is there.
Body, chassis, structure
- Look for rust or damage under the sills, around the wheel arches and on the floor where you can see it.
- Open and close every door, the bonnet and the boot. They should latch properly.
- Check the seats are secure and adjust properly.
Then read the car's own MOT history. Advisories in the same area at several tests are worth asking about.
Check a C4 Cactus's MOT historyAfter an MOT advisory
Tyres
Of Citroen C4 Cactus cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a tyre advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 8.2% failed on tyres, against 4.7% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 2,772 and 9,097 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 9.8% of those with a tyre advisory and 9.5% of the others.
Brakes
Of Citroen C4 Cactus cars that passed their 2024 MOT with a brake advisory and came back for their next MOT 10–14 months later, 8.2% failed on brakes, against 3.3% of similar cars with nothing noted. Based on 1,992 and 9,879 cars.
Cars not tested again in that window are not included: 9.8% of those with a brake advisory and 9.6% of the others.
Similar cars are the same model, first-use year and mileage band. Areas are the DVSA's top-level groups, so the later fail may not be the fault that was advised. These figures describe what happened to these cars. They don't show what a repair would have changed.
How we worked this outAll models compared, with the dataCitroen C4 Cactus questions
Which Citroen C4 Cactus years have lower MOT pass rates?
Compared with all vehicles first used in the same year, these model years have below-average MOT pass rates: 2016–2020. None is clearly above average. A pass rate is one signal: it also reflects mileage and upkeep, and doesn't record engine or gearbox faults.
Is the Citroen C4 Cactus reliable?
MOT results show only part of the picture. In 2025, 69.9% of initial MOT tests on Citroen C4 Cactus cars were passed with no repairs, against a same-age average of 80.1%. That is 10.2 points below average. An MOT checks safety and emissions on the day of the test. It doesn't measure breakdowns, engine or gearbox faults, or repair costs.
What are the most common Citroen C4 Cactus problems at the MOT?
The most common failure areas are lights and electrics (in 41.4% of failed tests), windscreen, wipers, mirrors (in 25.1% of failed tests) and tyres (in 20.6% of failed tests). A failed test can count in more than one area.
What mileage is normal for a 5-year-old Citroen C4 Cactus?
At their 2025 MOT tests, Citroen C4 Cactus cars first used in 2020, about 5 years old, had a median of 31,300 miles. Half had more and half had less.
How do I check a specific C4 Cactus's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free check. It lists that car's own MOT results, the faults and advisories recorded and the mileage at each test, and flags repeated advisories and mileage that goes down.
Check a car's MOT history for freeWhat MOT data can't tell you about any Citroen C4 Cactus
Outstanding finance, write-offs, theft and plate changes aren't in MOT records. For a particular car, you need a history check.
Compare history checksWhat MOT history doesn't showOther Citroen models
- Citroen C3−5.6 pts against the same-age average
- Citroen Berlingo−13.5 pts against the same-age average
- Citroen C1+0.8 pts against the same-age average
- Citroen C4−10.1 pts against the same-age average
- Citroen DS3−14.2 pts against the same-age average
- Citroen Dispatch−14.2 pts against the same-age average
Points above (+) or below (−) the same-age average for all vehicles.
All 18 Citroen modelsCars ranked by MOT pass rate, by ageSource: DVSA anonymised MOT tests, 2025. For guidance only: these figures describe all Citroen C4 Cactus cars tested, not the one you're looking at. How we count