Timing chain Citroën: problems by model and engine

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the Citroën models it appears in.

- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear 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
In Berlingo III, C-Elysée, C3 III, C3 Aircross I, C4 III and C4 Cactus and 3 more models
- Critical severityFrequency: Common1.6 THPTiming chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)Yes: on the turbo versions of the 1.6 THP, built mostly before 2012, the timing chain and its tensioner wear out prematurely; if the chain jumps teeth, the engine can go out of time or seize. BMW, co-designer of the block, issued a technical bulletin on this fault in 2013.
In C4 I, C4 II and C5 II
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.4/1.6 VTiWear of the timing chain and tensionerYes, although with fewer documented cases than on the turbocharged 1.6 THP: a German garage says the timing chain and its tensioner can wear in any version of the Prince family, including the naturally aspirated one, although the most reported cases in forums are on the turbo engine.
In C3 Picasso, C4 I and C4 II
- High severityFrequency: Rare1.2 PureTechTiming 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.
In C3 IV, C3 Aircross II, C4 III, C4 X, C5 Aircross and C5 X

By Citroën model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Parts for your Citroën for faults with the timing chain

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Timing chain kit
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Frequently asked questions

What faults with the timing chain do Citroën cars have?

In 16 models from Citroën there are 4 documented faults with the timing chain. The most important: wear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshafts, timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012) and wear of the timing chain and tensioner. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which Citroën models have the most problems with the timing chain?

Citroën C4 I (2 faults), Citroën C4 II (2 faults), Citroën C5 Aircross (2 faults) and Citroën C4 III (2 faults).

Which Citroën engines have faults with the timing chain?

1.2 PureTech (1 fault), 1.4/1.6 VTi (1 fault), 1.5 BlueHDi (1 fault) and 1.6 THP (1 fault).