The second-generation C4 Picasso (renamed C4 SpaceTourer from 2018) is a spacious five-seat MPV with a distinctive glass roof and airy cabin. The 2.0 BlueHDi uses the proven DW10FD engine, widely regarded as one of the more durable PSA diesels. Available with a 6-speed manual or the Aisin EAT6 automatic, it remains a popular family car across Europe thanks to its comfort-oriented ride and generous interior space.· more· less
Durable DW10 engine, proven designSpacious cabin with excellent comfort
AdBlue system failures are costlyElectrical complexity typical of PSA
Buy if: You need a comfortable family MPV for regular longer journeys and can verify the AdBlue system health and complete service history.
Avoid if: You primarily make short urban trips (DPF and AdBlue will suffer) or want minimal electrical complexity.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€9,000
median asking price, typically 150,000 km
Typical range€7,000 – €12,000
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€850 – €1,600/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€350 – €750 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€9,000
Typically €7,000 – €12,000, at around 150,000 km.
Kilometres driven
Maintenance
€850 – €1,600per year
€500 – €850
service, tyres, brakes
€350 – €750
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€8,900
median asking price, typically 160,000 km
Typical range€7,000 – €11,500
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€850 – €1,600/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€350 – €750 /yr
Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Vent valve fails, overworks the pump, triggers UREA warning and engine start prevention countdown · more· less
The 2.0 BlueHDi uses a urea (AdBlue) injection system for NOx reduction. The most common failure involves the vent valve in the filler cap, which stops working and causes the pump to overwork and fail. Symptoms include a flashing UREA warning light, an engine-will-not-restart-in-X-km countdown, and emission fault codes (P2200, U029D, P20E8). The pump is integrated into the tank and cannot be replaced separately, so the entire tank assembly must be changed. PSA issued a service campaign to fit a revised filler cap with a pressure-relief valve, which prevents this if caught early. If the pump has already failed, the tank replacement costs €800-1,050 for the part. Total fitted at a dealer runs €1,200-1,500. Aftermarket units from specialist suppliers bring the cost to around €800-1,000 fitted. Models from late 2017 onwards have a revised tank design that is more resistant. There are reports that Citroën has occasionally covered this repair even outside warranty, so it is worth contacting customer service before paying.
DPF clogging from short-trip driving
up to €8002 of 8
Short urban trips prevent regeneration, soot accumulates until warning light and limp mode · more· less
The Diesel Particulate Filter traps soot and needs periodic passive regeneration at sustained highway speeds (20-30 minutes at 80+ km/h). Short urban trips prevent this cycle from completing, causing progressive soot buildup. The 2.0 BlueHDi also uses an Eolys cerine additive to lower the combustion threshold during regeneration. The additive tank needs refilling approximately every 120,000 km during a major service. A forced regeneration at a garage costs €100-150. Professional off-car DPF cleaning runs €200-400. Full DPF replacement is €500-800 at an independent garage. Ash accumulation (which cannot be burned off) means even well-used DPFs will eventually need cleaning or replacement between 150,000 and 200,000 km.
EGR valve carbon buildup
up to €5503 of 8
Carbon deposits cause the valve to stick, triggering anti-pollution warnings and power loss · more· less
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve recirculates exhaust gases to reduce emissions. Carbon deposits accumulate over time, causing the valve to stick open or closed. Symptoms include an anti-pollution warning message, loss of power, rough idle, and stalling. On the 2.0 BlueHDi the EGR is somewhat easier to access than on the cramped 1.6, but still requires removal of the air filter housing and surrounding components. Cleaning with specialist EGR cleaner can resolve the issue if caught early (€50-100 at a garage). Replacement valve costs €150-280 for aftermarket (Valeo recommended), with total repair including labor at €300-550. Regular motorway driving helps prevent carbon buildup.
Heater matrix blockage
up to €5004 of 8
Denso heater core clogs internally, causing uneven or absent cabin heating · more· less
This is a known issue on all 2014-onwards C4 Picasso models fitted with the Denso heater system. The heater matrix cores clog internally, resulting in one side blowing cold air or no heat output at all. Symptoms are most noticeable in winter. The good news is that the replacement core can be changed without removing the dashboard, which keeps labor costs reasonable. The genuine OEM heater matrix part costs approximately €180-200. Total replacement fitted at a garage is typically €250-400. Some owners have had success flushing the matrix with compressed air and water as a temporary fix, though replacement is often the more reliable solution.
Turbocharger wear
up to €2,2005 of 8
Bearing and seal degradation typically after 150,000 km, causing smoke and power loss · more· less
The DW10FD turbocharger is more robust than the 1.6 HDi unit, but wear still occurs typically after 150,000-180,000 km. The DW10 has a larger oil feed pipe than the 1.6, which reduces the risk of oil starvation. Symptoms include blue or white exhaust smoke, power loss, and a whistling noise from the engine bay. Remanufactured turbo units cost €400-600, new OE units €700-1,000. A dealer may quote €2,000-2,500 for the complete job, while an independent garage typically charges €900-1,400. Prevention includes changing oil at or below the recommended 20,000 km interval (10,000-15,000 km is better for older high-mileage cars) and using the correct oil specification.
Aisin EAT6 develops jerky shifts and hesitation, especially when cold · more· less
The Aisin EAT6 torque-converter automatic is generally reliable but can develop rough shifting, particularly at cold start and during slow-speed maneuvering. The gearbox fluid should be changed every 60,000 km despite being marketed as a sealed-for-life unit. A fluid change (approximately 3 litres drain and refill, since 4 litres remain in the torque converter) costs €150-250 at an independent garage and often resolves shift quality issues. The Diagbox diagnostic tool is needed to reset the fluid counter afterwards. In rare cases, valve body or solenoid faults require more substantial work at €800-1,500. The later EAT8 gearbox (fitted from around 2018 on some variants) is noticeably smoother.
BSI (body control module) electrical faults
up to €8007 of 8
Central electronics module causes random warning lights, non-start, and electrical glitches · more· less
The BSI (Built-in Systems Interface) controls most of the C4 Picasso's electrical functions including lighting, central locking, wipers, and the immobilizer. BSI faults can be triggered by a weak battery, water ingress, or incorrect battery disconnection procedure. Symptoms range from intermittent warning lights and non-start conditions to central locking failures and incorrect instrument readings. A BSI reset often resolves minor glitches (€50-100 at a diagnostic specialist). Specialist BSI repair and reprogramming costs €300-500. Full replacement at a dealer can reach €600-800. Always maintain a healthy battery and follow the correct battery disconnection procedure to reduce risk.
Water ingress into cabin (scuttle drain blockage)
up to €4008 of 8
Blocked scuttle drains allow rainwater to enter the footwell, potentially damaging electrics · more· less
The C4 Picasso Mk2 can suffer from water ingress into the driver's footwell caused by blocked drain holes under the scuttle panel. The rubber tubes running from the scuttle drains to the back of the front wheel arch liners can become blocked with debris. If left unchecked, standing water can reach the BSI module and wiring harness, causing expensive electrical damage. The fix itself is straightforward: clearing the scuttle drain holes and tubes takes about 30-60 minutes. If water has already damaged electrical components, repairs can escalate to €200-400 or more. Preventive maintenance includes clearing leaf debris from the scuttle area during seasonal checks.
Proven engine, but emissions equipment and electrics need attention
The DW10FD 2.0 BlueHDi is widely considered one of PSA's most durable diesel engines, with taxi fleets regularly exceeding 300,000 km on original engines. The main cost risks come from the Euro 6 emissions equipment (AdBlue system, DPF, EGR valve) rather than the engine itself. The heater matrix blockage is a well-known nuisance. Electrical complexity is typical for PSA vehicles of this era. Cars used for regular motorway driving fare significantly better than those confined to short urban trips. Verify the AdBlue filler cap campaign has been completed, check for DPF warning history, and ensure oil changes have been done at or below the recommended intervals.
Service history
Complete Citroën dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at recommended intervals (ideally 15,000 km or less for high-mileage cars).
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns. Common size is 205/55 R17.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual noises, check for excessive exhaust smoke.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including motorway speeds to allow DPF regeneration and gearbox to warm up fully.
Specific for this vehicle
Check AdBlue system status
Look for UREA warning lights or countdown messages on the dashboard. Ask if the filler cap recall/campaign has been completed. Check AdBlue fluid level.
Check DPF health with diagnostic scan
A diagnostic tool shows DPF soot loading percentage and regeneration history. High soot loading or repeated failed regeneration attempts indicate problems. Ask about the car's typical driving pattern.
Test cabin heating on both sides
Set climate control to maximum heat and verify both driver and passenger sides blow equally hot. Uneven heat output indicates a blocked heater matrix.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Check footwell carpets for dampness
Feel under the carpets in the driver and passenger footwells for moisture. Wet carpets indicate scuttle drain blockage and potential BSI damage.
Test all electrical systems thoroughly
Check central locking, all windows, dashboard warning lights, touchscreen, cruise control, and air conditioning. BSI faults can cause intermittent failures.
EAT6 gearbox operation (if automatic)
Drive for 15+ minutes. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, or clunking, especially during slow-speed maneuvers and cold operation.
Inspect for exhaust smoke on cold start
Blue smoke indicates turbo oil seal wear. White smoke may indicate injector or head gasket issues. A brief puff of black smoke on hard acceleration is normal for diesel.
Front suspension wishbone bolts incorrect specification (March 2013 - January 2015)Verify completed
Timing belt material degradation affecting brake vacuum pump (February 2015 - March 2018)Verify completed
Door lock mechanism failure, doors could open unexpectedly (May - November 2015)Verify completed
Engine cooling software problem causing overheating (December 2012 - April 2015)Verify completed
Fuel rail leak creating fire risk (January - July 2014)Verify completed
Seatbelt strap failure in second row (September - November 2015)Verify completed
NOx emissions software update (September 2013 - May 2016)Verify if applicable
The C4 Picasso Mk2 has a significant number of recalls. Contact a Citroën dealer with the VIN to verify all have been completed. The Takata airbag recall is the most critical safety concern and some vehicles may be subject to a stop-drive order.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all used C4 Picasso Mk2 models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply to 2014+ models
AdBlue tank service campaignCheck eligibility with Citroën using VIN
All C4 Picasso Mk2 models are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. Citroën has occasionally covered AdBlue tank replacements as goodwill even outside warranty. Contact Citroën customer service before paying for this repair. The 12-year rust perforation warranty may still be valid on newer examples.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
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.
