2013-2018 · 1.6 BlueHDi (DV6C) diesel engine · 100-120 hp
Practical, spacious family MPV with excellent visibility and clever packaging. The 1.6 BlueHDi engine is generally reliable when serviced properly but demands strict maintenance – skip oil changes and expect turbo failure. Known issues include AdBlue tank failures (€800-1,200 repair), electrical gremlins especially dashboard warning lights, and DPF problems if driven mainly on short trips. Manual gearbox is more reliable than the EAT6 automatic. Very intolerant of poor maintenance. Verify all recalls completed, particularly timing belt/brake vacuum pump and front wishbone bolts.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€750 - €1,400/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€450-750
Risk buffer
€300-650
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
AdBlue tank and pump failure€800 - €1,200
Tank develops leaks or pump fails, causing emissions fault countdown · more· less
This is the most notorious C4 Picasso issue, mainly affecting 2015+ diesel models with SCR/NOx depollution. The AdBlue tank or pump fails, triggering emissions warnings and eventually preventing the car from starting. Symptoms include "Emissions fault" message with kilometer countdown (typically 700 km warning). OEM replacement tank costs €800-1,050 plus labor (total €900-1,200), or €600-800 for exchange unit. Citroën has a 7-year warranty on the tank and may contribute to costs depending on service history and vehicle age – always worth asking. Some owners opt for system delete/bypass (€250-300), though legality is questionable.
Carbon buildup blocks oil supply to turbo, causing premature failure · more· less
The 1.6 BlueHDi (DV6C/DV6FC) is the improved 8-valve SOHC version introduced in 2011, far more reliable than the earlier 16-valve variant. However, the engine is extremely intolerant of poor maintenance. Carbon buildup from combustion gases leaking past injector seals circulates in the oil, eventually blocking the turbo oil feed. Turbo replacement costs €800-900 (parts + labor) at independent shops, €1,200-1,400 at dealers. Prevention is critical: use correct oil spec (5W-30 or 5W-40), change oil every 10,000 km maximum (not manufacturer's 20,000 km interval), and always replace oil feed pipes with new turbo. Engine must be flushed twice after turbo replacement. Service history is everything with this engine.
A common DV6 engine issue where bottom copper injector seals fail, allowing combustion gases to escape up the injector stem. This creates thick black coal-like deposits ("black death") around injectors, particularly number 3. The carbon contaminates engine oil and can seize injectors solid. If left unrepaired, damages cylinder head, wiring, and pipework – potentially writing off the engine. Symptoms include chuffing noise, visible carbon around injectors, and increased oil consumption. Repair at diesel specialist costs €160-300 if caught early, but can reach €600-800 if head machining required (injector seats get cut by leaking gases). Parts are cheap (copper seal €2.50, plastic protector €3), but labor intensive. The later 2011+ engines have improved injector bolt design, but issue still occurs.
DPF clogging and regeneration failure€500 - €1,800
Diesel particulate filter blocks if car driven mainly on short trips · more· less
The DPF requires regular highway driving (above 2,000 rpm for 20+ minutes) to regenerate properly. Short trips prevent regeneration, causing filter to clog with soot. Symptoms include loss of power, poor fuel economy, and warning lights. At 100,000-150,000 km, DPF is typically 2/3 through its service life. Professional DPF cleaning costs €300-600, replacement €900-1,800 (OEM DPF €1,700-2,200 plus labor). NOT suitable for predominantly urban/short-trip driving. Normal regeneration frequency should be every 150-500 km depending on driving style – if happening more often (every 40-70 km), indicates underlying problem like faulty injectors. DPF additive tank also needs topping at higher mileage. Avoid this engine if you mainly do school runs and 5-mile trips.
Electrical faults and dashboard warnings€100 - €900
Multiple warning lights, ESP/ABS faults, infotainment glitches · more· less
Electrical gremlins are the most common C4 Picasso complaint. Non-engine electrical faults relating to air-con, dashboard warning lights, infotainment screen glitches, erratic instruments, parking sensor failures. Common: Anti-Pollution, ABS/ESP, and Handbrake fault lights appearing simultaneously (often wheel speed sensor or wiring, €150-300). Engine ECU (Delphi DCM3.5) commonly fails causing rough running, engine management light, cutting out, or complete non-start – ECU rebuild €400-600, new €900+. BSI (Built-in Systems Interface) fails on high-mileage models due to water ingress or low voltage – symptoms include warning lights, touchscreen freezing, windows not working. Some issues are simple (fuse, dirty sensor), others expensive (ECU, BSI module). Buy with full service history and address warning lights immediately – they often cascade into bigger problems.
Electronic parking brake failure€400 - €1,000
Electronic handbrake motors fail, cables seize, often around 80,000-100,000 km · more· less
The C4 Picasso has a sensitive electronic parking brake system. Common failures include worn servomotors, seized cables, and calcium deposits on brake pads. Symptoms include flashing red 'P' warning, "Parking brake fault" message, brake not releasing, or failing to hold on slopes. Replacement parking brake motors for both sides costs around €1,000 (includes cables and motors – cables cannot be replaced separately). Second-hand motors available for much less (new €600+ each). Often occurs after 80,000-100,000 km. Sometimes simple fixes like cleaning sensors or freeing sticking calipers work (€150-300). Ignoring mixed ESP/handbrake errors can damage ABS/ESP module (€900 repair). Get proper diagnostics with PSA tools (Lexia/Diagbox) to identify specific fault before replacing expensive parts.
EAT6 automatic gearbox issues€500 - €2,500
Automatic gearbox jerky shifts, hesitation, mechatronics faults · more· less
If your C4 Picasso has the EAT6 automatic (Aisin 6-speed), it's generally reliable but not trouble-free. Common issues include jerky gear changes, lag when pulling away, and gearbox warning lights. Causes include worn actuators, low/dirty fluid, and internal clutch faults. Service interval is 60,000 km – many owners extend this at their peril. Fluid change costs €200-300. Gearbox rebuild €1,500-2,000, replacement €2,000-2,500. The EAT6 is far superior to the older semi-auto ETG/robotized gearbox. Manual gearbox C4 Picassos are significantly more reliable overall. Test drive automatic versions for at least 20 minutes to get transmission fully warm – faults often only appear when hot. Check for software updates via dealer.
Thermostat housing and water pump leak€400 - €1,000
Outlet pipe seal leaks coolant, typically 70,000-120,000 km · more· less
The thermostat housing outlet pipe seal can spring leaks, causing coolant loss. Both radiator hoses connect to the thermostat housing (not the pump). Thermostat housing part costs €110 at dealer, €40 on eBay. However, labor is substantial – job books at 6.1 hours as driveshaft and possibly subframe need removing, plus EGR valve/cooler may need to come out. Total repair €600-1,000 at dealer, €400-600 at independent. Water pump can also fail (electric type), causing overheating or poor cabin heating. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or sweet smell. Best practice is replacing timing belt and water pump together. Check coolant level regularly – low or brown/milky appearance indicates problems.
Rear suspension bump stop knocking€150 - €500
Rear bump stops contact body causing knocking noise over bumps · more· less
A common and annoying issue. The rear bump stop contacts the body, causing knocking noises when driving over bumps or rough roads. Repair involves removing and replacing faulty bump stops. Citroën dealers offer foam injection treatment costing €400-500 (only dealers can do this). Other suspension knocking causes include worn anti-roll bar links (€100-200 for pair), loose wishbone bolts, worn subframe mounts (front or rear, €200-400), and worn bushings. Independent shops can often fix for less using standard replacement parts. Not dangerous but irritating. Also check front suspension for loose bolts (see recall section).
Practical MPV but maintenance-sensitive
The C4 Picasso offers excellent space and visibility but demands strict maintenance adherence. The 1.6 BlueHDi is fundamentally reliable when serviced correctly – oil changes every 10,000 km maximum using correct spec oil – but quickly develops expensive problems when neglected. Not suitable for predominantly short-trip driving due to DPF issues. Manual gearbox preferable to automatic. Electrical gremlins are common but often fixable. Buy only with complete service history from reputable seller.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records absolutely essential for 1.6 BlueHDi. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (ideally 10,000 km, not 20,000 km). Check correct oil spec used (5W-30 or 5W-40).
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age (date codes on sidewall), uneven wear patterns. Common sizes: 205/60R16 to 215/55R17.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for turbo whistle, injector chuffing, unusual rattles or knocks. Check for smoke (blue = oil, black = excess fuel).
Body condition
Check bodywork for car park damage. Alloy wheels for kerbing. Interior wear (seats, dashboard, touchscreen). C4 Picassos see family use and tight parking.
Test drive
Minimum 20-30 minutes including varied speeds and motorway driving. Gearbox needs to get fully warm to reveal faults.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for AdBlue system warnings (2015+ diesels)
Start car and watch for any "Emissions fault" or AdBlue-related warnings. Ask owner about any previous AdBlue issues. This is a deal-breaker if not already fixed.
Inspect for carbon buildup around injectors
Open bonnet and check injectors for black carbon deposits. Engine should be clean. Excessive carbon indicates injector seal failure ("black death") – expensive repair needed.
Scan for dashboard warning lights and fault codes
Use diagnostic tool (ideally PSA Lexia/Diagbox) to check for stored fault codes. Multiple electrical faults common. Clear codes, drive, re-scan to see if they return.
Test DPF regeneration status
Via diagnostic tool, check DPF soot loading percentage and distance since last regeneration. High soot load (>80%) or very frequent regenerations indicate problems.
Check electronic parking brake operation
Test parking brake engages/releases smoothly without excessive noise. Try holding on slope. Check for "Parking brake fault" warnings. Look for flashing red 'P'.
Listen for suspension knocking over bumps
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads. Listen for knocking from rear (bump stops) or front (wishbone bolts, anti-roll bar links). Feel through steering wheel.
Test all infotainment and electrical systems
Check touchscreen, air-con, all warning systems, parking sensors, electric windows, central locking. Electrical gremlins very common on these cars.
Verify all recalls completed (see recalls section)
Contact Citroën dealer with VIN to confirm: timing belt/brake vacuum pump, front wishbone bolts, fuel rail leak, engine cooling software. Critical safety items.
Check coolant level and condition
Look for coolant leaks under car. Check expansion tank – level should be between min/max when cold. Brown or milky coolant indicates head gasket or mixing issues.
EAT6 gearbox test (if automatic)
Drive for 20+ minutes. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation when pulling away, clunking when changing between D/R. Check gearbox fluid color (should be red/pink, not brown).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Timing belt / brake vacuum pump (2013-2017)Verify completed
Front suspension wishbone bolts (2013-2015)Verify completed
Fuel rail leak fire risk (Jan-July 2014)Verify completed
Bonnet skin detachment (2016-2017)Check if applicable
There are currently 32 safety recalls for the C4 Picasso Mk2. Contact Citroën dealer with VIN to verify all applicable recalls completed. The timing belt/brake vacuum pump and front wishbone bolts recalls are particularly critical safety items. Most recalls are free to correct with no time limit.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited km)Expired on all 2013-2018 models
Anti-corrosion warranty (12 years)May still apply on 2013+ models
AdBlue tank (7 years warranty)Check eligibility with dealer
Extended warranty availableVia Citroën dealers and third parties
All factory warranties expired. However, Citroën has extended warranty on AdBlue tanks (7 years) – if your 2015+ diesel develops AdBlue issues, contact dealer as they may contribute to repair costs. Anti-corrosion warranty may still apply depending on model year. Extended warranty available from Citroën dealers or third-party providers – evaluate cost vs likely repair bills.
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.