Comfort-focused family PHEV built on the Stellantis EMP2 platform, sharing its powertrain with the Peugeot 3008 Hybrid 225, DS 7 E-Tense and Opel Grandland Hybrid. The 1.6 PureTech (EP6 family) is chain-driven so avoids the notorious wet-belt issue of the smaller PureTech engines, but the plug-in hybrid system adds a 13.2 kWh battery, an 80 kW electric motor and the bespoke e-EAT8 gearbox — all of which introduce new failure modes. Front-wheel-drive only in the 225 variant (the Hybrid4 300 adds a rear electric axle). A 2023 charging-cable recall and several software-related hybrid warnings are widely reported.
1.6 PureTech uses a chain, not wet belt
Outstanding ride comfort
HV battery out-of-warranty risk after 8 yrs
Hybrid-specific electronics and software faults
Buy if: You can charge regularly at home, want a comfortable family PHEV, and can confirm the 2023 charging-cable recall and all software updates have been completed.
Avoid if: You rarely charge (the petrol engine then carries a heavy battery for no benefit) or you want a simple, low-complexity used car.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Common Problems
13.2 kWh pack loses usable capacity over time; out-of-warranty replacement is expensive · more· less
The 13.2 kWh lithium-ion battery is warranted for 8 years / 160,000 km to 70% of original capacity. Some owners report noticeable range reduction after 30,000-50,000 km, though most cases stay within warranty limits. After the 8-year window, a full pack replacement at a Stellantis dealer is in the region of €8,000-9,000, while individual module replacement or refurbishment at a specialist runs €2,500-4,500. Capacity-related warning messages are often resolved with a software update (€90-200) rather than hardware intervention — always run diagnostics first. Frequent rapid charging (not available on this model) does not apply; however, leaving the battery at 100% or 0% for long periods accelerates degradation.
Stellantis recall JUQ — charge-pin temperature sensor may fail to prevent cable overheating and fire · more· less
A safety recall issued in 2023 affects C5 Aircross Hybrid vehicles built between 20 February and 5 May 2023. The temperature sensor inside the charging cable (Type 2 Mode 2) may be incorrectly calibrated, meaning the cable will not cut power if it overheats — a fire risk. The fix is free: the dealer inspects and replaces the cable if necessary. A replacement aftermarket cable costs €300-350 if you buy one out of recall. Verify with the VIN whether this recall has been completed before purchase; not every affected car has been seen by a dealer.
Intermittent 'hybrid system fault', 'charging fault' or limp-mode messages, usually software-related · more· less
One of the most commonly reported issues on C5 Aircross Hybrid and Peugeot 3008 Hybrid forums. Owners report messages such as 'hybrid system fault', 'charging fault', and occasional limp-mode events. In the majority of cases these are traced to software or control-module communication faults between the BSI, battery management unit and hybrid controller, rather than hardware failure. A dealer diagnostic session and software reprogramme/reset resolves most cases (€90-250). Over-the-air updates have also been rolled out, including a 2023 update to remind owners to plug in regularly. Persistent faults after a reset can indicate failing sensors or the hybrid control unit itself, pushing costs to €400-600.
NAC/NACe touchscreen freezes, goes black or reboots spontaneously · more· less
The NAC/NACe infotainment system used across Stellantis PSA models is prone to screen blackouts, freezing and spontaneous reboots. Bluetooth pairing drops and the navigation can crash mid-route. Many cases are resolved with software updates or a long-press reset (hold the home button for roughly 10 seconds). A full 12V battery discharge can trigger a permanent black screen that needs a dealer BSI recalibration. A diagnostic scan and software update typically costs €60-150 at an independent garage, rising to €250-500 if a control unit needs replacement.
AGM 12V battery wears out faster than in non-hybrid models, typically after 3-4 years · more· less
PHEVs rely heavily on the small 12V AGM battery to boot the hybrid control systems before the high-voltage pack is brought online. On the C5 Aircross Hybrid, owners report 12V battery failure after 3-4 years, sometimes sooner if the car sits unused for extended periods with a low state of charge on the HV pack. Symptoms include failure to start the hybrid system, multiple unrelated warning lights on first wake, and intermittent infotainment faults. A genuine AGM replacement costs €150-250 including fitting; registration of the new battery to the BSI (mandatory on this generation) adds €50-100 at a dealer or independent with the right tool.
Aisin-based e-EAT8 develops jerky low-speed shifts and hesitation; fluid change often helps · more· less
The e-EAT8 is a modified version of the Aisin 8-speed EAT8 with an integrated electric motor housing. It is generally robust but some owners report hesitation pulling away, jerky low-speed shifts and the occasional clunk during mode transitions between electric and combustion drive. Although officially 'sealed for life', specialists recommend a fluid change every 60,000-80,000 km. Fluid change costs €250-400 (hybrid-specific fluid, more expensive than standard EAT8). Valve body repair, if required, runs €800-1,800. A full mechatronic replacement is considerably more expensive and usually a dealer-only job.
Front-end clunking over bumps from worn drop links, typically after 50,000 km · more· less
Knocking or clunking from the front suspension over bumps is a common complaint across the C5 Aircross range. It is almost always caused by worn anti-roll bar drop links or perished bushes. The Hybrid 225 carries around 180 kg more than the 1.2 PureTech version, which accelerates wear on these components. Parts are inexpensive (€30-60 per link) and labour is approximately €100-200 for both sides at an independent garage. OEM or reinforced replacements last noticeably longer than budget aftermarket parts.
Reasonable as a PHEV, but needs a thorough pre-purchase check
The Hybrid 225 avoids the biggest weakness of the PureTech family — the wet timing belt — because the 1.6 EP6 engine uses a chain. The PHEV system, however, adds its own risks: charging-cable recall, HV battery capacity loss, and a steady drumbeat of software-related hybrid warnings. Most software issues are fixed with a free update at a Stellantis dealer, and the 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty still covers most used examples. Verify recall work, software version and battery state-of-health before purchase.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Charging cable overheating / fire risk (recall JUQ, production 20 Feb - 5 May 2023)
Critical - verify completed
Rear wheel hub insufficient tightening (various production dates)
Verify completed
High-pressure fuel hose leak risk (2017-2021 production)
Verify completed
Engine ECU software update for emissions compliance (2023-2025 production)
Verify completed
Contact a Citroën dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The 2023 charging-cable recall is a fire-risk item and must be confirmed before purchase of any 2023-build Hybrid 225.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)
Expired on most used examples
High-voltage battery warranty
8 years / 160,000 km to 70% capacity
Rust perforation warranty
12 years
The base factory warranty has expired on nearly all used Hybrid 225 examples. The high-voltage battery warranty (8 years / 160,000 km to 70% of original capacity) is the most valuable remaining coverage and still applies to most cars on the used market. Contact a Citroën dealer with the VIN to confirm exact coverage dates.
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.