Skip to content
MotorFiable
en

Citroën carsCode C41

Citroën C4 III problems (2020–today)

All 3 engines and 1 gearbox of the Citroën C4 III that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.2 PureTech, the 1.5 BlueHDi, the EAT6/EAT8 gearbox and the Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…). None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…), with a «With caution» verdict.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Outside the engine: The Citroën C4 III, built in Madrid on the CMP platform, combines reasonable reliability in daily use with several recalls: fire risk from the small gap between the particulate filter and the 48 V starter-generator in the mild-hybrid version, cracks in the rear axle (built in 2023) and a possible internal brake fluid leak in the EBS unit (built in 2024). Complaints about the multimedia screen freezing are also common.[7][8][9][10]

Citroën C4 III (2020–today)
Photo: © M 93 · CC BY-SA 3.0 de · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.
02468104.5out of 10

Citroën C4 III rating: low reliability

Calculated using only 18 documented faults and their sources: the most serious and frequent faults weigh more. How it is calculated

  • Engine3.6From 1.8 to 6.8 depending on the engine
  • Gearbox6.23 faults
  • Suspension7.21 fault
  • Brakes6.91 fault
  • Tyres and wheels10.0No documented faults
  • Steering7.80 faults
  • Electrical system7.11 fault
  • Headlights and lights6.80 faults
  • Electronics and infotainment8.91 fault
  • Climate control10.0No documented faults
  • Bodywork and interior7.60 faults
  • Airbags and safety10.0No documented faults

Ranked 86 of 90 among the compact cars with solid evidence. See the ranking

The weak points of the Citroën C4 III

  1. 1Critical severity: Oil-bath timing belt degradation1.2 PureTech engine · repair €400–€800
  2. 2Critical severity: Wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts1.5 BlueHDi engine · repair €730–€820
  3. 3High severity: Excessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failure1.2 PureTech engine
  4. 4Critical severity: Fire risk from the small gap between the particulate filter and the 48 V starter-generator (mild-hybrid version)Electrical system
  5. 5Critical severity: Cracks or fractures in the rear axle (built January-February 2023)Suspension

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: Check of the gap between the particulate filter and the 48 V starter-generator. See the campaigns for the Citroën C4 III

41 sourcesHow we work

1.2 PureTech

PSA / Stellantis 1.2 PureTech (EB2) · Petrol

In the C4 III
since 2020[11][12]
Names
1.2 PureTech 100 · 1.2 PureTech 130 · Hybrid 136
Faults that affect it
4 · all of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
82
Very high risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

Faults that affect the C4 III

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: 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.
  3. Critical severityFrequency: RareFuelPossible petrol leak in the high-pressure circuit (chain-driven generation)In 2025 Stellantis recalled the new-generation 1.2 turbos (chain-driven, 100 and 136 hp, hybrids included) built from 2023 to 2025: a joint on the high-pressure pipe could leak petrol, with a risk of fire. It is fixed with a free re-tightening taking under 30 minutes.Repair: €0
  4. High severityFrequency: RareTimingTiming misalignment from the camshaft sprocket bolts (chain-driven generation)On the third-generation 1.2 (chain-driven) built up to 17 February 2024, the camshaft sprocket bolts could be incorrectly fitted and throw the timing out: engine warning light, loss of power and, in the worst case, contact between pistons and valves.

C4 III 1.2 PureTech pageAll versions and faults of the 1.2 PureTech

1.5 BlueHDi

PSA/Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5) · Diesel

In the C4 III
2020–2023[19][20]
Names
1.5 BlueHDi 110 · 1.5 BlueHDi 130
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.[21][22][23]

Faults that affect the C4 III

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.

C4 III 1.5 BlueHDi pageAll versions and faults of the 1.5 BlueHDi

EAT6/EAT8 gearbox

PSA/Stellantis EAT6 and EAT8 (Aisin, convertidor de par)

In the C4 III
since 2020[9][24]
Names
1.2 PureTech 130 EAT8 · 1.2 PureTech 155 EAT8 · 1.5 BlueHDi 130 EAT8
Faults that affect it
3 · 1 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
38
Moderate risk

Verdict for the version it uses

  • EAT8 (AWF8F45, since 2017)since 2017 · AWF8F45

    With caution

    It is the most widespread version today, with the same documented pattern of jerking and hesitation, sometimes fixable with a software update, and, in a minority of cases, early failures that force a gearbox replacement; it is worth checking the history and testing the car both cold and warm.[25][26][27]

Faults that affect the C4 III

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsValve body failure leading to immobilisation or gearbox replacementYes, though in a minority of cases: there are documented failures of the EAT6/EAT8 valve body with limp mode, and several owners have had to replace the whole gearbox after very few kilometres, from around 4,200 km in one case.Repair: €2,000–€9,000
  2. Medium severityFrequency: CommonTransmissionJerking and hesitation when changing gear, especially when coldYes: several owners of EAT6/EAT8 models describe jerking or hesitation when changing gear, more often with a cold gearbox. It is usually down to valve body pressure or calibration, and the dealer often fixes it, though not always completely, with a software update to the control unit.Repair (garage): €1,000–€2,000
  3. Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationGearbox oil advertised as "lifetime" that is best changed preventivelyThe manufacturer does not include a scheduled EAT6/EAT8 oil change in the official maintenance, but several specialists recommend renewing it every 60,000-80,000 km: it degrades with heat and mileage even if sold as everlasting, and ageing fluid contributes to the jerking of the related fault.Repair (garage): €150–€400

C4 III EAT6/EAT8 gearbox pageAll versions and faults of the EAT6/EAT8

Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…)

Safest option

Stellantis e-CMP: motor síncrono de 100 and 115 kW and baterías de 50 a 75 kWh · Electrical

In the C4 III
since 2021[7][28]
Names
ë-C4 136 CV · ë-C4 156 CV 54 kWh
Faults that affect it
4 · 2 of high or critical severity
Risk index on this car
32
Moderate risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • e-CMP 50 kWh, 136 hp (2019-2024)2019–2024 · 136 hp

    With caution

    Cars built before 2022 may have two outstanding campaigns: one for a high-voltage power cut (2022) and one for battery control calibration (2023). Check with the VIN that they were carried out. The battery, on the other hand, holds up well: Aviloo measures a median of 94% at 50,000 km and 90.7% at 150,000 km in the e-208 and Corsa-e.[1][2][3]

  • e-CMP second generation 54 kWh, 156 hp (2022-)since 2022 · 156 hp · eMotors M3

    With caution

    This generation is still recent: there are few owner reports and only one campaign of its own (Astra Electric, 2023), but it also inherits the charger and power electronics design of the first. Check for campaigns and remaining warranty.[4][5][6]

Faults that affect the C4 III

Only those that affect the versions and years that this car used. The Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…) has 5 documented faults in total.

  1. High severityFrequency: OccasionalTraction batteryTraction battery control calibration: motor cut-out from faulty readings (2022)A faulty software calibration of the battery control unit could misread the cell voltage or temperature and trigger an emergency motor cut-out. It affected Stellantis and Toyota electric cars built in 2022.
  2. Critical severityFrequency: RareElectronicsAstra Electric: communication fault between control units that can make the car move backwards (2023)In 2023 Opel recalled 1,466 Astra L Electrics because a communication fault between the engine control unit and the body control unit misread the immobiliser data, and the car could move in reverse when pulling away on a slope.
  3. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalChargingOn-board charger and charging port: AC charging refused or interruptedOwners of the e-208, e-2008, Corsa-e, ë-C4 and 600e mainly cite faults with the on-board charger, the cable lock or the charging port, which stop AC charging even when the battery is healthy.
  4. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalElectronicsFaulty air-conditioning compressor that can cut the drivetrain (2023)In 2023 the KBA published a campaign for Opel, Peugeot, Citroën and DS electric cars over a faulty air-conditioning compressor that can cause the drivetrain to disconnect. It is fixed with a software update.

C4 III Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…) pageAll versions and faults of the Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…)

Faults of the Citroën C4 III outside the engine

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

What the MOT inspection finds on the Citroën C4 III

Official Dutch MOT (APK) inspection data: 591 inspections of 450 cars registered between 2020 and 2022, compared with cars of the same age.

  • Suspension and axles· counts in the score

    Defects in 0.7% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.6%.

    Average

  • Brakes· counts in the score

    Defects in 2.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 1.5%.

    More defects than average

  • Steering· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.2%.

    Average

  • Headlights and lights· counts in the score

    Defects in 9.5% of inspections; in cars of its age, 7%.

    More defects than average

  • Rust and bodywork· counts in the score

    Defects in 0% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Exhaust and emissions

    Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.3%.

    Average

  • Fluid leaks

    Defects in 0.3% of inspections; in cars of its age, 0.1%.

    Average

  • Glass, wipers and mirrors

    Defects in 2.4% of inspections; in cars of its age, 3.2%.

    Average

  • Tyres and wheels· depends mostly on maintenance

    Defects in 12.2% of inspections; in cars of its age, 11.9%.

    Average

The inspection measures wear and the defects visible at a periodic check, not engine or electronics failures. Source: RDW Open Data (public domain). How we calculate it · opendata.rdw.nl

Checklist for buying a used Citroën C4 III

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 1.2 PureTech (since 2020)

Oil-bath timing belt degradation

Critical severity

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

High severity

Possible petrol leak in the high-pressure circuit (chain-driven generation)

Critical severity

Timing misalignment from the camshaft sprocket bolts (chain-driven generation)

High severity

If it has the 1.5 BlueHDi (2020–2023)

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 EAT6/EAT8 gearbox (since 2020)

Valve body failure leading to immobilisation or gearbox replacement

High severity

Jerking and hesitation when changing gear, especially when cold

Medium severity

Gearbox oil advertised as "lifetime" that is best changed preventively

Medium severity

If it has the Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…) (since 2021)

Traction battery control calibration: motor cut-out from faulty readings (2022)

High severity

Astra Electric: communication fault between control units that can make the car move backwards (2023)

Critical severity

On-board charger and charging port: AC charging refused or interrupted

Medium severity

Faulty air-conditioning compressor that can cut the drivetrain (2023)

Medium severity

Buying a Citroën C4 III?

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

Own a Citroën C4 III? Tell us what faults you have had, at what mileage and how much you paid. Report your fault.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Citroën C4 III reliable?

All 3 engines and 1 gearbox of the Citroën C4 III that we have documented have high or critical severity faults: the 1.2 PureTech, the 1.5 BlueHDi, the EAT6/EAT8 gearbox and the Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…). None has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…), with a «With caution» verdict. The Citroën C4 III, built in Madrid on the CMP platform, combines reasonable reliability in daily use with several recalls: fire risk from the small gap between the particulate filter and the 48 V starter-generator in the mild-hybrid version, cracks in the rear axle (built in 2023) and a possible internal brake fluid leak in the EBS unit (built in 2024). Complaints about the multimedia screen freezing are also common.

Which Citroën C4 III engine is the most reliable?

Among the 3 engines and 1 gearbox we have documented, none has a «Buy» verdict; the safest option is the Stellantis e-CMP (e-208, Corsa-e, ë-C4…), with a «With caution» verdict. Cars built before 2022 may have two outstanding campaigns: one for a high-voltage power cut (2022) and one for battery control calibration (2023). Check with the VIN that they were carried out. The battery, on the other hand, holds up well: Aviloo measures a median of 94% at 50,000 km and 90.7% at 150,000 km in the e-208 and Corsa-e.[1][2][3]

What problems does the Citroën C4 III have apart from the engine?

The Citroën C4 III, built in Madrid on the CMP platform, combines reasonable reliability in daily use with several recalls: fire risk from the small gap between the particulate filter and the 48 V starter-generator in the mild-hybrid version, cracks in the rear axle (built in 2023) and a possible internal brake fluid leak in the EBS unit (built in 2024). Complaints about the multimedia screen freezing are also common. The most important documented faults are: fire risk from the small gap between the particulate filter and the 48 V starter-generator (mild-hybrid version) (electrical system, critical severity), cracks or fractures in the rear axle (built January-February 2023) (suspension, critical severity), internal brake fluid leak from the EBS valve block (built May-June 2024) (brakes, critical severity) and freezes, restarts and black screen on the multimedia system (electronics and infotainment, low severity).[7][8][9][10]

What faults does the Citroën C4 III have?

The most important by severity and frequency, on the engines we have documented, are: oil-bath timing belt degradation (1.2 PureTech, critical severity), wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts (1.5 BlueHDi, critical severity), excessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failure (1.2 PureTech, high severity), adBlue tank and pump failure (1.5 BlueHDi, medium severity) and seizure of the high-pressure pump and injection system (1.5 BlueHDi, high severity).

What is the best year to buy a Citroën C4 III?

According to our rating by year, the best is 2026 (7.2/10); the worst rated is 2020 (4.2/10). 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 C4 III have recalls?

Yes: we have documented 3 campaigns for the Citroën C4 III, such as check of the gap between the particulate filter and the 48 V starter-generator. Check with your VIN at the official service centre whether yours has been done.[7]

Sources

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

  1. Peugeot e-208, e-2008, DS 3 e-Tense. Un rappel de 5 761 exemplairesL'argus · Motoring press · published 20 April 2022 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  2. E-Fahrzeug-Rückruf: E-Motor könnte ausfallenauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 1 March 2023 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  3. Ni un solo eléctrico baja del 86 % de batería: 500.000 tests miden la degradación de 20 modelos a los 150.000 kmtestcoches.es · Reliability study · published 4 September 2026 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Fiat 600 : fiabilité, pannes et rappels (600e)Fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  5. Rückruf Opel Astra Electric: Kann in falsche Richtung fahrenauto motor und sport · Motoring press · published 23 November 2023 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  6. Opel Astra (Astra Electric)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  7. Fiabilité Citroën C4 (2021) : pannes et rappelsfiches-auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Avis Citroën C4 (2021)fiches-auto.fr · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  9. Citroën C4 (2020)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Citroën C4Wikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Moteur EBWikipédia (francés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  12. Confirmado: Stellantis llama a revisión a más de 200.000 coches con el motor gasolina sucesor del 1.2 PureTech: «Y también se hará en España»Motorpasión · Motoring press · published 15 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  13. 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
  14. 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
  15. 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
  16. 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
  17. 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
  18. Fiabilité du 1.2 PuretechFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  19. PSA 1.5L BlueHDi: a focus on the DV5 engineSumax · Technical documentation · published July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026
  20. Motor 1.5 BlueHDI de Stellantis, todos los Citroën implicadosAutofácil · Motoring press · published 30 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  21. Cobertura especial para los 1.5 BlueHDi del Grupo Stellantiscoches.net · Motoring press · published 3 July 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  22. 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
  23. 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
  24. Probamos el Citroën C4 PureTech 155 EAT8: comodidad y potenciaMotor1.com (ES) · Motoring press · published 9 July 2021 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  25. Boîte auto EAT8 Peugeot / CitroënFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  26. Fiabilité Peugeot 508 2 (2018), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  27. Fiabilité Peugeot 2008 2 (2020), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  28. Citroën C4 (ë-C4)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  29. 1.2 PureTech: precio y cambio de correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 2 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  30. ¿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
  31. 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
  32. 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
  33. Peugeot 1.5 BlueHDi Engine ProblemsGT Automotive · Technical documentation · published 25 September 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026
  34. Motor DV5Oryx Parts · Technical documentation · published 24 January 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  35. Rappel du 1.5 BlueHDi lié à la chaîne de distributionFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  36. 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
  37. 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
  38. 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
  39. Fiabilité Opel Grandland X (2017-2024), pannes et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  40. Fiabilité Peugeot 208 II (2019-) : pannes et avis des propriétaires (e-208)Fiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  41. E-Auto: Rückruf bei Opel, Peugeot, Citroën und DSGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 8 June 2023 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German