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Citroën C-Elysée problems (2012–2022)

All 3 engines of the Citroën C-Elysée that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.5 BlueHDi, the 1.2 PureTech and the 1.6 HDi. The safest option is the 1.6 HDi in its 1.6 HDi / e-HDi 92/95 8V (DV6D, 2009-2016) version, with a «Buy» verdict.[1][2]

Outside the engine: Outside the engine, the Citroën C-Elysée has no chronic faults backed by the specialist press, reliability studies or official bodies that we have been able to open. What is documented is three safety recalls limited to specific batches: the airbag control unit (November 2017 production), the brake pedal cover (2019) and the right driveshaft pinion (April 2021).[3][4][5]

Citroën C-Elysée (2012–2022)
Photo: order_242 from Chile · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468104.3out of 10

Citroën C-Elysée rating: low reliability

Calculated using only 13 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine3.2From 2.3 to 3.7 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox7.91 fault
  • Suspension10.0No documented faults
  • Brakes7.91 fault
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering10.0No documented faults
  • Electrical system10.0No documented faults
  • Headlights and lights10.0No documented faults
  • Electronics and infotainment10.0No documented faults
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior10.0No documented faults
  • Airbags and safety7.11 fault

Ranked 54 of 55 among the small family cars with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Citroën C-Elysée

  1. 1Critical severity: Wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts1.5 BlueHDi engine · repair €730–€820
  2. 2Critical severity: Oil-bath timing belt degradation1.2 PureTech engine · repair €400–€800
  3. 3High severity: Timing belt failure and premature wear1.6 HDi engine
  4. 4Critical severity: Airbag control unit damaged during transport to the factory (November 2017 production)Airbags and safety
  5. 5Medium severity: AdBlue tank and pump failure1.5 BlueHDi engine · repair €1,000–€1,500

Documented engines, from highest to lowest risk

The first label is the most serious fault affecting that engine in this car; the second, our verdict for the versions it is fitted to. Each engine's risk index is calculated only from the faults that affect this car (how we calculate it). We only show engines we have documented with sources: if yours does not appear, we have not analysed it yet. View all engines

See what to check before buying

Outside the engine

3 recalls and campaigns documented, the latest: Outer pinion of the right driveshaft that can break (C-Elysée and C3, code HVY). See the campaigns for the Citroën C-Elysée

39 sourcesHow we work

1.5 BlueHDi

PSA/Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5) · Diesel

In the C-Elysée
2018–2022[6][7]
Name
1.5 BlueHDi 100
Faults that affect it
3 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
77
Very high risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.5 BlueHDi 75-130 with 7 mm chain (October 2017 - January 2023)2017–2023 · 75–130 hp · DV5RC, DV5RD, DV5RE, DV5RCE, DV5RCF, DV5RUC

    With caution

    Worth buying if the chain campaign has been carried out and the servicing is documented with the required oil, because Stellantis's 10-year or 240,000 km cover depends on it, and that cover requires following the manufacturer's recommendations and presenting invoices.[8][9][10]

Faults that affect the C-Elysée

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.5 BlueHDi has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
  2. Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlAdBlue tank and pump failure1.5 BlueHDi engines built up to August 2020 can suffer failures of the AdBlue tank pump module, with a "no engine start" countdown. The whole tank is usually replaced and Stellantis contributes to the cost up to 8 years.Repair: €1,000–€1,500
  3. High severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionSeizure of the high-pressure pump and injection systemSome early 1.5 BlueHDi engines have suffered seizure of the Bosch high-pressure pump, with juddering or the engine stalling on the road, sometimes before 50,000 km. The repair means replacing the entire injection system and the fuel tank.

C-Elysée 1.5 BlueHDi pageAll versions and faults of the 1.5 BlueHDi

1.2 PureTech

PSA / Stellantis 1.2 PureTech (EB2) · Petrol

In the C-Elysée
2012–2022[11]
Names
1.2 VTi 72 · 1.2 PureTech 82
Faults that affect it
2 · all of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
63
High risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • 1.2 VTi / PureTech naturally aspirated 68-83 hp (EB2, EB2F, EB2FA..., from 2012)since 2012 · 68–83 hp · EB2, EB2F, EB2FA, EB2FB, EB2FAD, EB2M, EB2D, EB2FD, HMZ, HMR

    With caution

    It has the same oil-bath belt and Stellantis includes the naturally aspirated engines built between June 2012 and June 2022 in its measures, but the recalls over the brake vacuum pump only affect the turbos. It is a reasonable buy with maintenance invoices and the belt measured or replaced.[12][13][14]

Faults that affect the C-Elysée

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.2 PureTech has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil-bath belt on the 1.2 PureTech (2012-2025) can swell and shed debris that blocks the oil pump pick-up; without lubrication, the engine can be destroyed. Stellantis covers it up to 10 years or 180,000 km and asks for it to be changed every 100,000 km or 6 years.Repair (garage): €400–€800
  2. High severityFrequency: RareLubricationFaulty piston cooling jets (naturally aspirated, 2022-2024)Stellantis recalled in France about 68,000 Peugeot 208, Citroën C3 and Opel Corsa models from 2022-2024 with the naturally aspirated PureTech because of faulty piston cooling jets: they cause noise and, in extreme cases, damage to the engine casing and oil on the exhaust. It is fixed with an oil and filter change.Repair: €0

C-Elysée 1.2 PureTech pageAll versions and faults of the 1.2 PureTech

1.6 HDi

Safest option

PSA/Ford 1.6 HDi, e-HDi, TDCi and BlueHDi (DV6) · Diesel

In the C-Elysée
2012–2018[15][16]
Names
1.6 HDi 92 · 1.6 BlueHDi 100
Faults that affect it
5 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
63
High risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 1.6 HDi / e-HDi 92/95 8V (DV6D, 2009-2016)2009–2016 · 92–95 hp · DV6D, DV6DTED, 9HP

    Buy

    According to the testimonies collected by Fiches-Auto, the 92 hp is clearly more reliable than the other outputs; with correct maintenance and the belt up to date it has no specific serious faults documented.[1][2]

  • 1.6 BlueHDi 75/100/120 (DV6FE / DV6FD / DV6FC, 2013-2019)2013–2019 · 75–120 hp · DV6FC, DV6FD, DV6FE, DV6FCTED, DV6FDTED

    With caution

    The mechanics derive from the 8V engines, but the AdBlue system is its main source of faults; check that there are no emissions warnings and whether the car falls within Stellantis's extended warranty.[17][18][19]

Faults that affect the C-Elysée

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The 1.6 HDi has 7 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: Very frequentTimingTiming belt failure and premature wearOn the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi 112/115 built between October 2010 and September 2011 the belt could break and leave the car stranded. PSA covered the repair and in 2014 preventively replaced the belt and crankshaft sprocket on those that had passed 120,000 km.
  2. Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentEmissions controlAdBlue tank and pump fault (1.6 BlueHDi)The 1.6 BlueHDi engines (2013-2019) suffer from the AdBlue tank defect of Stellantis diesels: an emissions warning appears with a countdown until starting is prevented. Replacing the tank, with the integrated pump, costs over €1,000 (price in Spain), but there is an extended warranty of up to 8 years.Repair: €1,000–€1,200
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonInjectionLeaks at the injector washers and carbon build-up in the cylinder headIt is common for the copper washers of the 1.6 HDi injectors to stop sealing: the engine blows gases, carbon forms around the injector and soot gets into the oil. It is cheap to repair, but if left it contaminates the oil and is one of the causes of turbo failure.Repair (garage): €110–€310
  4. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlAdditive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and cloggingThe DPF on the 1.6 HDi and BlueHDi works with an additive (cerine) that runs out at 80,000-120,000 km and has to be topped up for around €100-120 (price in Spain). With a lot of town use the filter clogs and the warning appears; if it is left, a new DPF costs around €1,500.Repair (garage): €100–€1,500Appears at around 80,000 km
  5. Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaksThe 1.6 HDi EGR valve gets dirty easily, especially in town use, and causes jerking and stalling at idle. On the 8V engines the EGR cooler also fails, consuming coolant with no visible leaks.

C-Elysée 1.6 HDi pageAll versions and faults of the 1.6 HDi

Faults of the Citroën C-Elysée outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, tyres, electronics and the rest of the car. They occur with any engine.

Checklist for buying a used Citroën C-Elysée

Check the advert or the paperwork to see which engine the car has and go through its section. Each point comes from a documented fault; you can tick them off as you inspect.

If it has the 1.5 BlueHDi (2018–2022)

Wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts

Critical severity

AdBlue tank and pump failure

Medium severity

Seizure of the high-pressure pump and injection system

High severity

If it has the 1.2 PureTech (2012–2022)

Oil-bath timing belt degradation

Critical severity

Faulty piston cooling jets (naturally aspirated, 2022-2024)

High severity

If it has the 1.6 HDi (2012–2018)

Timing belt failure and premature wear

High severity

AdBlue tank and pump fault (1.6 BlueHDi)

Medium severity

Leaks at the injector washers and carbon build-up in the cylinder head

Medium severity

Additive-fed particulate filter (Eolys cerine): depleted additive and clogging

Medium severity

Dirty EGR valve and EGR cooler leaks

Medium severity

Wear parts for the Citroën C-Elysée

Brakes, wiper blades, pollen filter and battery, searched for this model. The exact part number depends on the engine and year: confirm it with the registration plate or VIN.

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Frequently asked questions

Is the Citroën C-Elysée reliable?

All 3 engines of the Citroën C-Elysée that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.5 BlueHDi, the 1.2 PureTech and the 1.6 HDi. The safest option is the 1.6 HDi in its 1.6 HDi / e-HDi 92/95 8V (DV6D, 2009-2016) version, with a «Buy» verdict. Outside the engine, the Citroën C-Elysée has no chronic faults backed by the specialist press, reliability studies or official bodies that we have been able to open. What is documented is three safety recalls limited to specific batches: the airbag control unit (November 2017 production), the brake pedal cover (2019) and the right driveshaft pinion (April 2021).

Which Citroën C-Elysée engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines we have documented, the safest option is the 1.6 HDi in its 1.6 HDi / e-HDi 92/95 8V (DV6D, 2009-2016) version, with a «Buy» verdict. According to the testimonies collected by Fiches-Auto, the 92 hp is clearly more reliable than the other outputs; with correct maintenance and the belt up to date it has no specific serious faults documented.[1][2]

What problems does the Citroën C-Elysée have apart from the engine?

Outside the engine, the Citroën C-Elysée has no chronic faults backed by the specialist press, reliability studies or official bodies that we have been able to open. What is documented is three safety recalls limited to specific batches: the airbag control unit (November 2017 production), the brake pedal cover (2019) and the right driveshaft pinion (April 2021). The most important documented faults are: airbag control unit damaged during transport to the factory (November 2017 production) (airbags and safety, critical severity), brake pedal cover that can come off (momentary loss of braking effectiveness) (brakes, high severity) and breakage of the outer pinion of the right driveshaft due to missing heat treatment (gearbox and clutch, high severity).[3][4][5]

What faults does the Citroën C-Elysée have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts (1.5 BlueHDi, critical severity), oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech, critical severity), timing belt failure and premature wear (1.6 HDi, high severity), adBlue tank and pump failure (1.5 BlueHDi, medium severity) and adBlue tank and pump fault (1.6 BlueHDi) (1.6 HDi, medium severity).

What is the best year to buy a Citroën C-Elysée?

According to our rating by year, the best are 2016 and 2015 (7.4/10); the worst rated is 2019 (5.6/10). Each year's rating counts only the engines sold that year and the faults that affect those units: open each year to see what changes.

Does the Citroën C-Elysée have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 3 campaigns for the Citroën C-Elysée, such as outer pinion of the right driveshaft that can break (C-Elysée and C3, code HVY) (2022). Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[4]

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Fiabilité 1.6 HDIFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · published 22 April 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. Essai, avis et fiabilité des 1.6 HDI 92 chFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  3. C Elysee Voiture de tourisme (fiche de rappel A12/00019/19, código Citroën GXL)Rappel Conso (Gobierno de Francia) · Safety Gate UE · Official body · published 20 December 2019 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  4. C3 V4 C-Elysée Voiture de tourisme (fiche de rappel A12/00028/22)Rappel Conso (Gobierno de Francia) · Safety Gate UE · Official body · published 7 January 2022 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. C-Elysée, C4 Picasso, Berlingo Voiture de tourisme (fiche de rappel A12/0778/18)Rappel Conso (Gobierno de Francia) · Safety Gate UE · Official body · published 8 June 2018 · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. PSA 1.5L BlueHDi: a focus on the DV5 engineSumax · Technical documentation · published July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026
  7. Motor 1.5 BlueHDI de Stellantis, todos los Citroën implicadosAutofácil · Motoring press · published 30 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Cobertura especial para los 1.5 BlueHDi del Grupo Stellantiscoches.net · Motoring press · published 3 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Casse chaîne 1.5 BlueHDi. Stellantis étend sa prise en charge à 7 ans ou 180 000 kmL'argus · Motoring press · published 15 January 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  10. Fiabilité moteur Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi. Une nouvelle huile pour éviter la casseL'argus · Motoring press · published 14 January 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  11. Moteur EBWikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  12. Stellantis ofrece medidas a los afectados por los motores PureTech tras miles de demandaskm77 · Motoring press · published 28 November 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. Rappel des moteurs 1.2 Puretech 110 et 130 chFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  14. Safety Gate, alerta A12/01505/20: Peugeot 208, 308, 2008, 3008, 5008 y Partner (copia en PDF)Comisión Europea – Safety Gate · Official body · published November 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026
  15. Peugeot DV6DTED engine: specifications and applicationsMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026
  16. Motor Peugeot DV6FDTED: especificaciones y aplicacionesMyMotorList · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  17. Fiabilité 1.6 BlueHDIFiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · published 9 December 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  18. Adblue : problèmes en pagaille ?Fiches-Auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  19. OCU y BEUC consiguen que Stellantis amplíe la garantía de los coches con AdBlueOCU · Consumer association · published 27 December 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  20. Llaman a revisión a miles de Citroën, Opel, Peugeot, DS y Fiat en España con el motor diésel 1.5 BlueHDiMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 3 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  21. 1.5 BlueHDi. Stellantis rappelle 930 000 véhicules et étend la couverture à 10 ansL'argus · Motoring press · published 3 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  22. Peugeot 1.5 BlueHDi Engine ProblemsGT Automotive · Technical documentation · published 25 September 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026
  23. Motor DV5Oryx Parts · Technical documentation · published 24 January 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  24. Rappel du 1.5 BlueHDi lié à la chaîne de distributionFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  25. Stellantis amplía las compensaciones por los problemas técnicos de sus depósitos AdBlueMinisterio de Derechos Sociales, Consumo y Agenda 2030 · Official body · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  26. Compensaciones para los usuarios de vehículos Citroën, DS, Opel y Peugeot afectados por un fallo de fabricación de los depósitos AdBlue y de los vehículos PureTechConsumo Responde (Junta de Andalucía) · Official body · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  27. Moteur 1.5 BlueHDi PSA. Problème de grippage du système d'injectionL'argus · Motoring press · published 6 June 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  28. 1.2 PureTech: precio y cambio de correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 2 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  29. 10 años o 175.000 km de garantía para los modelos de Stellantis con motor PureTechAutofácil · Motoring press · published 27 March 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  30. Peugeot, sobre los motores PureTech: «Reconocemos que hemos hecho las cosas mal»Xataka · Motoring press · published 4 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  31. Automaker Stellantis recalls 68,000 units in France due to fire riskEuronews · General press · published 25 February 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026
  32. Fiabilité Citroën Peugeot. Le bloc 1.6 HDi 8 soupapes est-il fiable ? (1.6 HDi 112/115)L'argus · Motoring press · published 23 March 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  33. Plan d'entretien 308 (T9) Diesel 1.6 BlueHDi 100 S&S BVM5Peugeot (documento alojado en forum-peugeot.com) · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  34. Fiabilité Citroën Peugeot. Le bloc 1.6 HDi 8 soupapes est-il fiable ?L'argus · Motoring press · published 23 March 2015 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  35. PSA 1.5-1.6-2.0 BlueHDi. Défaut du réservoir d'Adblue pris en chargeL'argus · Motoring press · published 6 March 2021 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  36. Boletín de servicio: sustitución del turbo en motores DV6 (versión reducida de la Información de servicio nº 77)Turbotec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  37. Changer les joints d'injecteurs 1.6 HDI : procédure et étapesInjecteurland · Technical documentation · published 23 January 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  38. El filtro de partículas en motores diéselMidcar · Technical documentation · published 18 October 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  39. Cómo funciona el filtro de partículas de PSACarbon Cleaner · Other source · published 13 February 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish