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Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech 110 and 130 hp problems

The Citroën C4 Cactus used the 1.2 PureTech from 2014 to 2020 (1.2 PureTech 110 and 1.2 PureTech 130). 4 documented faults affect it; the most important is “oil-bath timing belt degradation” (critical severity, very frequent). Our verdict: “With caution”. Among the documented engines of the Citroën C4 Cactus, the safest option is the 1.6 HDi.

Citroën C4 Cactus (2014–2020) — Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

0.4 out of 10Very low reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the C4 Cactus. How we calculate it

Overall score for the Citroën C4 Cactus

3.8 out of 10Low reliability

Engines, gearbox, suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car. See breakdown

Reviewed on 27 September 202612 sources How we work

1.2 PureTech

PSA / Stellantis 1.2 PureTech (EB2) · Petrol

In the C4 Cactus: 2014–2020^[1][2][3]
Names: 1.2 PureTech 110 · 1.2 PureTech 130
Faults that affect it: 4 · all of high or critical severity

Risk index on this car

Very high risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

1.2 PureTech turbo 110 and 130 hp Euro 6.1 (EB2DT, EB2DTS, 2013-2018)2013–2018 · 110–130 hp · EB2DT, EB2DTS, HNZ, HNY
With caution
It combines the three documented problems (belt, brake vacuum pump and oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings) and many units have already passed the 10 years of Stellantis cover. Only buy with the belt replaced and invoiced, the campaigns done and normal oil consumption.^[2][4][5][6]
1.2 PureTech turbo 100-155 hp Euro 6.2/6.3/6d (2018-2022)2018–2022 · 100–155 hp · EB2DT, EB2DTS, EB2ADTD, EB2ADTX
With caution
It has the pre-June 2022 belt and can suffer oil consumption from the separator; in return, almost all units are still within Stellantis's 10 years or 180,000 km of cover if the maintenance is documented.^[5][6][7]

Faults that affect the C4 Cactus

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

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
Critical severityFrequency: Very frequentLubricationLoss of braking assistance from vacuum pump damageOn 1.2 PureTech turbos built between 2013 and 2018, belt debris can damage the vacuum pump that feeds the brake servo and reduce braking assistance. There were two free recalls (2020 and 2022); it is worth confirming they were done.
High severityFrequency: Very frequentLubricationExcessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failureThe 2014 to 2023 1.2 PureTech turbos can use too much oil: those from 2014-2018 through carbon blocking the piston rings and those from 2018-2023 through a defective oil separator. Stellantis considers more than 0.3 l per 1,000 km abnormal and includes it in its cover.
High severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionSpark plug breakage on the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech turboOn the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech/e-THP turbo the original spark plugs can break; if a fragment falls into the cylinder it can damage the engine. Autojournal cites a 2015 recall to replace them on the 308 II.

All versions and faults of the 1.2 PureTech

The Citroën C4 Cactus by year

Which engines were sold each year and which faults affect the cars of that year.

2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020

What to check before buying a used Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech 110 and 130 hp

Each point comes from a documented fault that affects this car. You can tick them off as you inspect it.

If it has the 1.2 PureTech (2014–2020)

Oil-bath timing belt degradation

Critical severity

Ask for the maintenance invoices: oil changes on time and to the specified standard, and the invoice for the belt change if the car has passed 100,000 km or 6 years.^[8][9]
Ask a workshop to measure the belt width with the specific tool and inspect its surface and edges; if it has swollen, it needs replacing.^[8]
Check the oil for rubber fragments and make sure the oil pressure light goes out on starting.^[8]
Check by VIN whether the car qualifies for Stellantis cover or the free Check Plus certificate, which also works on used cars with documented maintenance.^[7]

Loss of braking assistance from vacuum pump damage

Critical severity

Ask an official dealer, with the VIN, to confirm that the 2020 and 2022 campaigns have been done.^[2][4]
On the test drive, with the engine running, brake several times and check that the pedal keeps the same feel and does not harden.

Excessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failure

High severity

Ask about oil consumption and check the level before and after the test drive; if the seller tops it up often, be wary.
Ask for the invoices for the consumption test or the repair (piston cleaning, separator or block) if it has already been done.^[5]
Smoke from the exhaust when accelerating after a spell idling is a sign it is burning oil.^[10]

Spark plug breakage on the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech turbo

High severity

Ask whether the spark plug replacement from the 2015 campaign was carried out and ask for the invoice or the dealer's proof.^[11]
Check the maintenance history: an engine that burns oil and carbons up encourages the knock that weakens the spark plugs.^[12]
Start from cold and accelerate under load; judder or the engine warning light deserve a diagnosis before buying.

Other engines and gearboxes of the Citroën C4 Cactus

Score for each one with the faults that affect this car, from best to worst.

1.6 HDi2014–2018 · 4 faultsHigh severity3.7 out of 10
1.5 BlueHDi2018–2020 · 3 faultsCritical severity2.3 out of 10

Faults of the Citroën C4 Cactus outside the engine

Suspension, brakes, electronics and the rest of the car: they occur with any engine.

Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesBrake servo vacuum pump failure due to insufficient lubrication (loss of braking assistance)Citroën recalled C4 Cactus cars built between February 2017 and November 2019 because the brake servo vacuum pump can be insufficiently lubricated and fail, which reduces braking assistance and stiffens the pedal.
Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorRisk of the bonnet opening while driving due to a mounting that could be improved (built 2014-2015)Citroën recalled the first C4 Cactus cars, built between March 2014 and September 2015, because the bonnet can open while driving owing to a mounting that could be improved, which blocks the driver's view.
Critical severityFrequency: RareBrakesBrake hose failure from rubbing against the shock absorber (built July-September 2019)Citroën recalled C4 Cactus cars built between July and September 2019 because the brake hose can rub against the shock absorber and fail, causing a brake fluid leak.
Critical severityFrequency: RareSuspensionPoor mounting of the rear torsion beam (built March 2019)Citroën recalled C4 Cactus cars built in March 2019 because the mounting of the rear torsion beam may be defective, which compromises how the rear suspension is held in place.
Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalGearbox and clutchPremature clutch wear and failure on the manual gearboxSeveral owners of manual C4 Cactus cars document clutch failures (the disc or the hydraulic release bearing mechanism) between 60,000 and 65,000 km, a short life for this type of part.Appears at around 60,000 km

Buying a Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech 110 and 130 hp?

Check the history before buyingMileage, inspection record (ITV in Spain), outstanding finance and accidents for the car you are interested in, from the registration number or the VIN.Request a report

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

The 1.2 PureTech in other cars

Citroën Berlingo II
Citroën Berlingo III
Citroën C-Elysée
Citroën C1 II
Citroën C3 Aircross I
Citroën C3 Aircross II
Citroën C3 II
Citroën C3 III
Citroën C3 IV
Citroën C3 Picasso
Citroën C4 II
Citroën C4 III
Citroën C4 Picasso II
Citroën C5 Aircross
Citroën C5 X
Alfa Romeo Junior
DS DS 3
DS DS 3 Crossback

And 30 more on the 1.2 PureTech page.

What are you noticing on your Citroën C4 Cactus?

Choose what you notice and we will tell you which faults of this car cause it.

Engine warning light4
Engine stalls4
Uses oil3
Hard brake pedal3
Hard to start3
Jerking3
Pollution control faulty2
AdBlue warning2
Engine knock2
Less power2
Chain noise2
Vibrations1

Citroën C4 Cactus warning lights: what each light means

The Citroën C4 Cactus has 4 documented recalls and campaigns. See which ones and how to find out if they affect you

Frequently asked questions

Is the Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech 110 and 130 hp reliable?

What faults does the Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech 110 and 130 hp have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: oil-bath timing belt degradation (critical severity), loss of braking assistance from vacuum pump damage (critical severity), excessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failure (high severity) and spark plug breakage on the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech turbo (high severity).

Which engine should you choose for the Citroën C4 Cactus?

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.

Own a Citroën C4 Cactus 1.2 PureTech 110 and 130 hp? Tell us what faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

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

El Grupo PSA llama a revisión a más de 31.000 coches en España por un posible fallo en el servofrenoMotorpasión · Motoring press · published 26 November 2020 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Peugeot-Citroën-DS-Opel. Nouveau rappel de grande ampleur pour le moteur 1.2 PureTechL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 January 2023 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Moteur EBWikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
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
Fiabilité Stellantis 1.2 PureTech. De nouvelles solutions contre la consommation d'huileL'argus · Motoring press · published 23 June 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
Moteur PureTech. Stellantis généralise sa garantie de 10 ans ou 180 000 kmL'argus · Motoring press · published 26 May 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
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
1.2 PureTech: precio y cambio de correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 2 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
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
¿Qué es el separador de aceite de los motores 1.2 PureTech?Motor16 · Motoring press · published 2 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
Peugeot 308 : quelles sont les pannes les plus fréquentes sur les 3 générationsAutojournal · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
Fiabilité du 1.2 PuretechFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French