Skip to content
MotorFiable

Citroën C8 (2002–2014)

Citroën C8 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 158 hp problems

The Citroën C8 used the 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 from 2002 to 2010 (2.0 16v 136/140 and 2.2 16v 158). 1 documented fault affects it; the most important is “faulty ignition coils” (medium severity, occasional). Our verdict depends on the version: “Buy” for 2.0 16v 136 hp (EW10J4, RFN/RFR, 1999-2005) and 2.0 16v VVT 140-143 hp (EW10A, RFJ, 2004-2011); “With caution” for 2.2 16v 158-163 hp (EW12J4, 3FZ/3FY, 1999-2010). It is the safest option among the documented engines of the Citroën C8.

Citroën C8 (2002–2014)
Photo: Vauxford · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Reference image for this generation.

Engine score on this car

8.6 out of 10Good reliability

Only counting the faults that affect the versions and years of the C8. How we calculate it

Overall score for the Citroën C8

7.2 out of 10Acceptable reliability

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

13 sourcesHow we work

2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12

Safest option

PSA 2.0 16v EW10 and 2.2 16v EW12 (gasolina, 1999-2010) · Petrol

In the C8
2002–2010[1][2]
Names
2.0 16v 136/140 · 2.2 16v 158
Faults that affect it
1
Risk index on this car
14
Low risk

Verdict for the versions it uses

  • 2.0 16v 136 hp (EW10J4, RFN/RFR, 1999-2005)1999–2005 · 135–136 hp · RFN, RFR

    Buy

    It is the simplest 2.0 (no variable valve timing or direct injection) and owner reviews of the 206, 406, Xsara Picasso and 307 point to wear parts - coils, lambda sensors, catalytic converter or manifold - rather than internal failures; gebrauchtwagenberater.de describes the 307's petrol engines as simple and easy to maintain.[3][4][5][6][7][8]

  • 2.2 16v 158-163 hp (EW12J4, 3FZ/3FY, 1999-2010)1999–2010 · 158–163 hp · 3FZ, 3FY

    With caution

    Oil consumption is what comes up most in owner reviews of the 2.2 (10 of 56 according to the Fiches-auto.fr table, 5 of them in the 407 2.2, although in the 407 at least one testimony refers to the steering oil rather than the engine). It is a small sample with no independent second source, so it is worth measuring oil consumption and demanding proof of the last timing belt replacement.[2][6][9][10][11]

  • 2.0 16v VVT 140-143 hp (EW10A, RFJ, 2004-2011)2004–2011 · 140–143 hp · RFJ

    Buy

    Owner reviews of the 407, C4 and C5 with this 2.0 mainly mention sensors, catalytic converter, oil and the gearbox, with no repeated internal failures; there are no recorded cases of variable valve timing failure in the pages consulted, although the sample is small.[9][12][13]

Faults that affect the C8

  1. Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalIgnitionFaulty ignition coilsIgnition coils are the fault reported by the press (gebrauchtwagenberater.de, CarsGuide) and by 16 of the 170 owner reviews of the 2.0 EW10; they also appear on the 2.2. A weak coil causes misfires, jerking and the engine warning light coming on.

All versions and faults of the 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12

What to check before buying a used Citroën C8 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 158 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 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 (2002–2010)

Faulty ignition coils

Medium severity

Other engines and gearboxes of the Citroën C8

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

Faults of the Citroën C8 outside the engine

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

Buying a Citroën C8 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 158 hp?

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

Frequently asked questions

Is the Citroën C8 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 158 hp reliable?

The Citroën C8 used the 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 from 2002 to 2010 (2.0 16v 136/140 and 2.2 16v 158). 1 documented fault affects it; the most important is “faulty ignition coils” (medium severity, occasional). Our verdict depends on the version: “Buy” for 2.0 16v 136 hp (EW10J4, RFN/RFR, 1999-2005) and 2.0 16v VVT 140-143 hp (EW10A, RFJ, 2004-2011); “With caution” for 2.2 16v 158-163 hp (EW12J4, 3FZ/3FY, 1999-2010). It is the safest option among the documented engines of the Citroën C8.

What faults does the Citroën C8 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 158 hp have?

The documented ones that affect this car are: faulty ignition coils (medium severity).

Which engine should you choose for the Citroën C8?

The safest option is the 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 in the 2.0 16v 136 hp (EW10J4, RFN/RFR, 1999-2005) and 2.0 16v VVT 140-143 hp (EW10A, RFJ, 2004-2011) versions, with a «Buy» verdict.

Own a Citroën C8 2.0 and 2.2 16v EW10/EW12 158 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.

  1. Peugeot 807 (Citroën C8, Fiat Ulysse, Lancia Phedra)Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  2. Tous les problèmes sur Citroën C8 2002-2015 (opiniones por motorización)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  3. PSA EW/DW engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  4. Tous les problèmes sur Peugeot 206 1998-2006 (opiniones por motorización)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  5. Tous les problèmes sur Peugeot 307 2001-2008 (opiniones por motorización)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  6. Tous les problèmes sur Peugeot 406 1995-2004 (opiniones por motorización)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  7. Tous les problèmes sur Citroën Xsara Picasso 1999-2010 (opiniones por motorización)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  8. Peugeot 307 Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 2 November 2022 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
  9. Tous les problèmes sur Peugeot 407 2004-2010 (opiniones por motorización)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  10. Tous les problèmes sur Peugeot 607 2000-2011 (opiniones por motorización)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  11. Peugeot 307 2.0 16V 140 ch: courroie de distribution (intervalo, tiempo y riesgo)Mecazen · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  12. Tous les problèmes sur Citroën C4 2004-2010 (opiniones por motorización)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French
  13. Tous les problèmes sur Citroën C5 2001-2008 (opiniones por motorización)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French