2017-2024 · 1.2 PureTech EB2 turbo petrol (110 hp / 130 hp)
Practical compact crossover popular with young families and first-time SUV buyers. Funky styling, flexible seating, and affordable to insure. However, the 1.2 PureTech engine has a critical wet timing belt design flaw affecting 2017-2022 models that can cause catastrophic engine damage. Belt disintegrates in oil bath, contaminating lubrication system and clogging oil pumps. Stellantis extended warranty to 10 years/175,000 km but only with full service history. Post-2023 models switched to timing chain and are significantly more reliable. Also watch for jerky EAT6 automatic gearbox, suspension spring failures, and dashboard rattles.
Wet timing belt failure (2017-2022 models)€800 - €8,000
Belt disintegrates in oil bath, contaminating engine and clogging oil system · more· less
This is the most critical issue with the PureTech 1.2 engine. The wet timing belt runs in engine oil and degrades prematurely, especially in cars driven less than 15,000 km/year or mostly short trips. Belt material delaminates and produces debris that clogs oil channels, oil pump, and vacuum pump. Many failures occur between 40,000-80,000 km, well before the official 100,000 km replacement interval. Symptoms include rattling on cold start, oil pressure warnings, and power loss. Prevention: replace belt every 60,000 km or 6 years (whichever comes first) using 0W-30 oil spec FPW9.55535/03. Stellantis extended warranty to 10 years/175,000 km from March 2024, but requires full service history. Belt replacement costs €800-1,000; if debris causes engine damage, repair can reach €6,000-8,000. Note: 2023+ models switched to timing chain and are not affected.
Oil consumption / piston ring sticking€150 - €7,000
Oil control rings clog with carbon, allowing 1L per 1,000 km consumption · more· less
The PureTech engine is prone to excessive oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1,000 km) caused by carbon-clogged piston rings. Most common on engines with degraded oil from infrequent changes or wrong oil spec. Symptoms include blue smoke on startup and need to constantly top up oil. Some cases are valve stem seals (€150-400 repair), but severe cases require new piston rings or engine replacement (€6,000-7,000). Oil ending up on catalytic converter can cause cracking. Using correct oil spec (0W-20 PSA B71 2010, ACEA C5) and annual oil changes are critical. If consumption exceeds 1L per 2,000 km, get compression test to check ring condition before it damages catalytic converter.
Turbo actuator sticking€500 - €2,000
Actuator sticks from carbon buildup, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
Carbon buildup causes turbo actuator to stick, particularly in cars driven gently or only short trips. Symptoms: EPC warning light, sudden loss of power, limp mode. VW/PSA will not sell actuator separately - they insist on full turbo replacement. Specialist garages can repair actuator for €500-600, but if turbo internals are damaged, full replacement costs €1,200-2,000. Prevention: use premium fuel and occasional spirited driving (Italian tune-up) to burn off carbon deposits. Some owners report issues between 40,000-80,000 km.
Shredded timing belt debris clogs vacuum pump, causing brake failure · more· less
Citroën recall codes HLX/HUZ affecting 230,552 vehicles (Feb 2017 - Nov 2019). Belt debris enters vacuum pump causing it to fail, resulting in reduced or complete loss of brake assistance. Symptoms: hard brake pedal, reduced braking force. Recall includes software update for early warning and timing belt inspection/replacement. Most affected vehicles were rendered undrivable. If your C3 Aircross is in the affected date range, verify recall completion using VIN. Vacuum pump replacement costs €150-400; combined with timing belt €350-800. This issue is directly related to the wet timing belt problem.
EAT6 automatic gearbox jerky shifts€200 - €3,500
Jerky gear changes, hesitation, delays when pulling away · more· less
The 6-speed automatic (EAT6, made by Aisin) suffers from jerky shifting, hesitation, and harsh gear changes. Common causes: old transmission fluid, software bugs, or internal wear. Most issues occur after 15,000-25,000 km. Despite manufacturer claiming "lifetime" fill, transmission fluid should be changed every 60,000 km (€200-300). Software updates often resolve minor jerkiness and are sometimes free at dealer. Severe cases may need mechatronic unit replacement (€1,500-2,500) or full gearbox rebuild (€3,000-3,500). Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable. The 130 hp engine is better matched to EAT6 than 110 hp version.
Front suspension spring failure€200 - €600
Springs show fatigue after 25,000-35,000 km, metallic knocking over bumps · more· less
Front axle springs are a known weak point, with significantly shorter lifespan than competitors. Symptoms: metallic knocking when driving over potholes or speed bumps, sagging front end. Rubber sleeving (shock absorber cup) can also come loose, causing spring to contact shock unit. Early C3 models had spring corrosion issues from road salt. Spring replacement costs €100-150 per side; recommended to replace both sides simultaneously. Full suspension refresh (springs, shocks, cups) costs €400-600. Most failures occur 25,000-50,000 km. Ride quality is harsh on rough roads even with good suspension.
Dashboard rattles and interior squeaks€0 - €200
Rattles from dashboard, glove box area, and loose trim pieces · more· less
Many owners report annoying rattles and vibrations from dashboard and interior trim. Common sources: bonnet support rod not clipped properly (check near glove box), loose dashboard mounting bolts, heads-up display vibration, hard plastic trim pieces. Most rattles can be fixed by: re-clipping bonnet support rod, tightening dash mounting bolts, adding foam padding. Some rattles intermittent and difficult to locate. Interior quality uses lots of hard scratchy plastics compared to VW T-Cross or Skoda Kamiq. Most fixes are DIY-friendly and cost nothing, but dealer diagnosis runs €65-100. This is a quality control issue rather than mechanical failure.
Minor electrical glitches€100 - €400
Infotainment freezes, air conditioning issues, driver assistance glitches · more· less
Previous reliability surveys show mixed record with electrical issues including: infotainment system glitches, occasional problems with electronic driver assistance features, air conditioning system faults. 2017-2018 models had ECU communication issues requiring ECU repair/replacement (€260-400). Most electrical faults are software-related and fixed with updates. Some require sensor replacements. Overall electrical reliability is average for the class.
High risk for 2017-2022 models due to timing belt
The wet timing belt is a serious design flaw that can destroy the engine. Only 15.1% of owners reported faults in first year in 2024 Driver Power survey, and Citroën finished 5th out of 32 brands. However, this survey likely includes newer chain-driven models. For 2017-2022 belt-driven models, timing belt reliability is poor with many failures before 80,000 km. Budget €800-1,000 for preventive belt replacement at 60,000 km. Verify Stellantis extended warranty coverage. Post-2023 models with timing chain are significantly better.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Citroën dealer or specialist service records absolutely essential for wet timing belt warranty coverage. Verify oil changes at proper intervals with correct spec oil.
Cold start test
CRITICAL: Engine must be completely cold (overnight). Listen for rattling in first 30 seconds of startup - any rattle indicates timing belt/tensioner wear.
Body condition
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, rust (rare on aluminum panels).
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including city, highway, and rough roads. EAT6 automatic needs 15+ minutes to reach operating temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify production year and timing system
Critical: 2017-2022 have wet timing belt (high risk). 2023+ have timing chain (much better). If 2017-2022, verify Stellantis extended warranty eligibility with VIN.
Check timing belt service records (2017-2022)
If belt not replaced yet and over 60,000 km, budget €800-1,000 immediately. Verify correct oil spec used (0W-30 FPW9.55535/03). Missing service history = walk away.
Cold start timing belt rattle test
Most important check. Engine completely cold, listen for ANY rattling in first 30 seconds. Even brief rattle indicates belt/tensioner wear. This is a deal-breaker.
Check oil level and condition
Oil should be clean, correct level. Low oil or milky/brown color indicates problems. Check for oil consumption by asking owner if they top up between services.
Look for blue smoke on cold start
Blue smoke indicates oil burning from piston ring issues. Can cost €150 (valve seals) to €7,000 (engine rebuild).
Test for EPC warning light
Drive car and watch for EPC light. Accelerate briskly several times. EPC with power loss = turbo actuator issue (€500-2,000).
EAT6 automatic operation (if equipped)
Drive 15+ minutes. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, clunking, delays when pulling away. Check transmission fluid service history (should be every 60,000 km despite "lifetime" claim).
Suspension check
Drive over speed bumps and potholes at low speed. Listen for metallic knocking from front suspension. Check for sagging front end. Inspect shock absorber rubber cups for looseness.
Brake pedal feel and vacuum pump
Pedal should be easy to press. Hard pedal or reduced braking = vacuum pump issue (€150-800). Especially critical on 2017-2019 models subject to recall.
Listen for dashboard rattles
Drive on rough road and listen for rattles from dash, glove box, trim. Check bonnet support rod is clipped in place. Minor issue but very annoying.
Verify all recalls completed
Use VIN to check: wet timing belt recall (HLX/HUZ 2017-2019), Takata airbag recall (MK7/NQ3 2017-2019), engine management software (2017-2019). All should be completed.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Wet timing belt / brake vacuum pump (HLX/HUZ, Feb 2017-Nov 2019)Verify completed
Stellantis issued a "stop-drive" notice in June 2025 for C3 Aircross models with defective Takata airbags (2017-2019). Airbags can explode during crash and fire metal fragments into cabin - one driver was killed in France. DO NOT drive if this recall is not completed. Call Citroën Recall Helpline 0800 917 9285 or Customer Care 0800 093 9393. Use VIN to verify all recalls completed. The timing belt recall is also critical for 2017-2019 models.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited km)Expired on 2017-2022 models
PureTech wet belt extended warranty (10 years/175,000 km)Check eligibility with VIN
Paint warranty (3 years)Expired on most used models
Corrosion perforation warranty (12 years)Check status
Extended warranty critical for wet belt models
Stellantis implemented extended warranty from March 2024 for 1.2 PureTech engines covering 100% of wet timing belt costs for up to 10 years or 175,000 km (whichever comes first). However, this requires complete service history at authorized Citroën repairers with manufacturer-approved oil specs. If you experienced repair costs for timing belt or oil consumption between Jan 1, 2022 and Dec 31, 2024, you may claim compensation through Stellantis PureTech Compensation Platform. Contact Citroën dealer with VIN to verify your specific vehicle's warranty coverage.
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.