2016-2024 · 1.2 PureTech 82-110 hp petrol (EB2 engine)
Affordable French city car with quirky styling and comfortable ride. Popular first car and urban runabout. The 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder engine has a notorious Achilles heel: the wet timing belt runs submerged in oil and deteriorates prematurely, causing catastrophic engine failure between 40,000-80,000 km if not replaced early. Excessive oil consumption from clogged piston rings is also widespread. Stellantis extended warranty to 10 years/175,000 km specifically due to these issues. Avoid 2016-2017 production years. Service history is absolutely critical with this engine.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€950 - €2,100/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€XXX-XXX
Risk buffer
€XXX-XXX
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Wet timing belt premature failure€1,800 - €7,000
Belt runs in oil and disintegrates, blocking oil pickup causing catastrophic engine damage · more· less
The EB2 PureTech engine uses a wet timing belt that runs submerged in engine oil. Failures occur between 40,000-90,000 km as the belt material swells and breaks down from oil contamination. Rubber debris clogs the oil sump filter, starving the engine of oil and destroying the engine. Short journeys, wrong oil spec, and delayed oil changes accelerate failure. PSA reduced replacement interval from 180,000 km to 100,000 km, but experts now recommend replacement at 60,000-70,000 km or 6 years. Stellantis issued recalls in 2021 and extended warranty to 10 years/175,000 km specifically for this issue. Preventive replacement costs €600-850 at independent garages, €2,500-3,500 at dealers. Complete engine failure repair can exceed €7,000.
Oil control rings clog with carbon, burning 1L per 1,000 km instead of acceptable 1L per 4,000 km · more· less
The oil control rings on pistons become stuck with carbon buildup, allowing excessive oil to pass through and burn. Owners report consumption of 1 liter per 1,000 km when PSA's acceptable maximum is 1 liter per 4,000 km. Contributing factors include short journeys, low-quality oil, and extended oil change intervals. PSA changed recommended oil grade to 5W30 FPW9.55535/03 specification. More frequent oil changes (every 6,000-7,000 km instead of manufacturer's 10,000-12,000 km) and occasional high-RPM driving can help prevent the issue. Severe cases require valve stem seal or piston ring replacement at €1,500-3,500.
Brake vacuum pump failure (wet belt related)€400 - €1,200
Timing belt debris blocks oil passages to vacuum pump, causing loss of brake assistance · more· less
Rubber debris from the deteriorating wet timing belt blocks the oil filter and oil passages feeding the brake vacuum pump. This causes the pump to fail, resulting in loss of power brake assistance. Citroën recalled 21,226 C4 Cactus models in 2015 for this issue and issued further recalls for 2017-2020 C3 models in May 2023. The vacuum pump may come loose from the timing belt or fail completely. Repair requires replacing both the vacuum pump and timing belt, typically €400-1,200 total. Affects turbocharged 110 hp versions specifically.
Actuator sticks from carbon buildup during gentle driving, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbo actuator tends to stick when the car is driven gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up on the mechanism. Symptoms include EPC warning light, limp mode activation, and loss of power. VW Group (who used this engine in Opel/Vauxhall models) will not sell the actuator separately from the turbocharger. Actuator-only repair at specialists costs €500-600, but if turbo internals are damaged, full turbo replacement runs €1,200-2,500. Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving helps prevent carbon buildup.
Front suspension creaking/squeaking€100 - €300
Shock absorber bump stop lacks lubrication, causes noise at low speeds and over bumps · more· less
Creaking or squeaking noises from the front suspension are common, particularly at low speeds, when parking, or when navigating speed bumps. The cause is insufficient lubrication between the front suspension strut upper mounting and the shock absorber bump stop. Repair involves removing the front suspension strut, disassembling it, and applying proper grease. Simple lubrication costs €100-150, but if suspension components need replacement, costs rise to €200-300. The issue is widely reported and considered normal wear after 60,000 miles.
Infotainment screen freezing€50 - €800
Screen freezes during navigation or audio changes, needs software reset or unit replacement · more· less
Citroën's infotainment system can freeze or stop working entirely, with delays in response immediately after starting the car. Common symptoms include sudden freezes while navigating or changing audio sources. First attempt a factory reset through System menu → Factory Settings → Reset. If that fails, try a software update from Citroën dealer (€50-150). Complete unit replacement costs several hundred euros (€500-800). The issue affects multiple PSA group vehicles using the same infotainment hardware.
Electric water pump failure€600 - €1,400
Integrated electric water pump and thermostat housing fails between 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech uses an electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing. Failures are common between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The integrated electric design means the entire assembly must be replaced (€400-500 for parts). Labor is approximately 4-6 hours due to difficult access at the rear of the engine. Total cost €600-1,400 depending on garage choice.
Central locking/door actuator failure€150 - €500
Door lock actuators fail, BSI unit issues, causing remote key fob and locking problems · more· less
Common central locking failures include door lock actuator malfunctions, BSI (Body Systems Interface) relay problems, and door wiring harness issues. Symptoms include doors that lock but won't unlock with remote, only driver's door opening with key, or partial locking where some doors lock and others don't. Door lock actuator replacement costs €150-250 per door. BSI unit relay replacement or reset costs €200-350. The issue is widespread across multiple C3 generations.
Starter motor failure€300 - €600
Starter motor wears out, particularly on high-mileage cars with stop-start systems · more· less
The starter motor is located at the rear of the engine near the transmission, making access moderately difficult. Symptoms include clicking sound when turning the key, intermittent starting issues, or complete failure to crank. Parts cost €200-300, labor approximately 1-2 hours. Total replacement cost €300-600. Cars equipped with stop-start systems experience more starter motor wear due to increased cycling.
High-risk engine with known fundamental design flaws
The 1.2 PureTech engine has well-documented reliability issues that led to thousands of collective legal claims, manufacturer recalls, and an unprecedented 10-year warranty extension. The wet timing belt and oil consumption issues are not if but when problems. Budget €1,000-2,000 for preventive wet belt replacement within first 2 years of ownership regardless of service history. Only consider if you can verify complete maintenance records with frequent oil changes and recent belt replacement, or if the car is still under Stellantis extended warranty coverage.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records absolutely essential for PureTech engines. Verify oil changes every 6,000-10,000 km with correct 5W30 FPW9.55535/03 specification.
Tires
Check 195/65R15 tires for tread depth (minimum 3mm), age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual rattles, rough idle, or excessive vibration.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Check all panel gaps and door operation.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including city and highway speeds to check for warning lights and mechanical issues.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify wet timing belt replacement history
This is the single most critical check. Insist on proof of replacement with receipts. If no replacement before 60,000 km or 6 years, budget €600-850 immediately or walk away.
Check oil level and consumption records
Check dipstick when cold. Ask owner about oil top-ups between services. More than 1L per 4,000 km indicates piston ring issues. Check for blue smoke from exhaust on acceleration.
Verify Stellantis warranty coverage
Confirm car qualifies for 10-year/175,000 km PureTech warranty extension. Must have been serviced at authorized repairers with manufacturer-approved schedules.
Check for brake vacuum pump recall completion
Ask for proof that May 2023 recall (affects 2017-2020 models) was completed. Contact Citroën with VIN to verify.
Test all central locking functions
Test remote key fob from distance. Lock and unlock all doors individually. Check for soft clicking sounds or doors that don't respond.
Listen for suspension creaking
Drive slowly over speed bumps and park with full steering lock. Creaking from front is common but should be factored into negotiations.
Test infotainment system thoroughly
Test touchscreen response, navigation (if equipped), audio system, and all menu functions. Watch for freezing or slow response.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump or head gasket issues. Check for leaks around water pump area.
Inspect for engine warning lights
Watch dashboard during test drive for EPC light, oil pressure light, or engine management light. Any warnings are red flags.
Avoid 2016-2017 production years if possible
Early production models had more recalls and issues. 2018+ models are preferable with full service history.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Wet timing belt degradation (2014-2020 models)Verify completed
Oil leak from rocker box blanking plugsTSB - check with dealer
The C3 Mk3 has been recalled 32 times, though many recalls affected only short production runs. Contact Citroën dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. Wet timing belt recall is most critical - ensure software update and belt inspection/replacement were performed.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2016-2019 models)2-3 years - expired
Stellantis PureTech extended warranty10 years / 175,000 km (from March 2024)
Citroën We Care extended warrantyUp to 8 years / 160,000 km (with services)
Most used C3s are outside original factory warranty. However, Stellantis announced an exceptional warranty extension for PureTech engines covering up to 10 years or 175,000 km from March 2024, covering 100% of parts and labor for timing belt and oil consumption issues. To qualify, the vehicle must have been serviced according to manufacturer recommendations at authorized repairers. Verify coverage eligibility with Citroën dealer using VIN before purchase.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.