C5 Mk 3 Disaster

[seefive]

I have owned C5's for 7 years now, a Mk1 and currently a Mk2, both petrol, both good cars

 

I have to say I'm pretty apalled at the number and seriousness of the problems reported on this board for the Mk3 (4 door saloon/tourer). Given the disappointing sales of this car, we are seeing some horrible problems. So far, from memory, I have seen

 

Feet getting stuck between accelartor and kick panels - panic when trying to brake

Brake delays when you actually manage to hit the pedal - very scary

Premature failure of diesel engine ( one poster said he was on the second engine in a 2009 car)

Premature failure of clutch

Electric windows not working.

Complete failure of electrics necessitating vehicle recovery.

Climate control blasting hot and cold air when not asked to do so!

Excessive tyre noise.

Mysterious vibrations when idling

Bursting tyre valves, and immovable dust caps

Brake pads shot after 17,000 miles

Uncomfortable seats

and to cap it all - You can't even put something in a storage/glovebox, for fear of the lid jamming.

 

 

As far as I can see, this car is a total disaster. Citroen have to do some serious re-engineering, or their

reputation will be shattered.

 

I don't know what car I will be buying next as my "daily driver" but it sure won't be one of these..

 

Comments anyone?

[paul.h]

Citroen have tried to copy German cars (pointed out in their ads) and these are not known for their reliability, so maybe this aspect has been copied. Maybe being a completely new model, customers are finding the faults and as the car is further developed it will improve. This is one reason for not buying a new model when it first comes out but waiting until it has been around for a few years. Pity the prices of used ones are so high.

[Guest ukwide]

Citroen have tried to copy German cars (pointed out in their ads) and these are not known for their reliability, so maybe this aspect has been copied. Maybe being a completely new model, customers are finding the faults and as the car is further developed it will improve. This is one reason for not buying a new model when it first comes out but waiting until it has been around for a few years. Pity the prices of used ones are so high.

 

Paul, I have to agree with you, the reliability of Citroen Cars is no better and no worse than any other manufacturer, I have owned Renaults, Peugeot's Citroens (still do), Audi's, BMW's, Merc's, Ford's and lord knows how many others and they all have their faults. In fact BMW are terrible, but their owners keep quiet, don't want to be seen spending small fortunes on cars and then telling the world it has faults.

 

Where Citroen falls down and it must be agreed, even just by reading the posts on this site is, their Customer Service is shocking, even non-existant. They take your money then run for the hills. My wife's C3 Exclusive has had terrible problems with starting (1.6 Sensodrive), all manner of lights would come on and the damn thing wouldn't start. Citroen would tinker with it and then tell us it was repaired only for it to happen again the next day, even on the forecourt having been repaired. The answer from Citroen was "Wait till it goes completely and we'll fix it then". Well it did the day after the warranty expired and Citroen then played the sorry card and even wiped the details off it's computer to show the 15 or 20 times it had been back to them for repair. It eventually cost me £1100 to have repaired.

 

I will never by new from Cutroen and definately wouldn't use their Servicing and Repair facilities, well not unless I fancied a laugh.

 

Gary

[ronat]

I have owned C5's for 7 years now, a Mk1 and currently a Mk2, both petrol, both good cars

 

I have to say I'm pretty apalled at the number and seriousness of the problems reported on this board for the Mk3 (4 door saloon/tourer). Given the disappointing sales of this car, we are seeing some horrible problems. So far, from memory, I have seen

 

Feet getting stuck between accelartor and kick panels - panic when trying to brake

Brake delays when you actually manage to hit the pedal - very scary

Premature failure of diesel engine ( one poster said he was on the second engine in a 2009 car)

Premature failure of clutch

Electric windows not working.

Complete failure of electrics necessitating vehicle recovery.

Climate control blasting hot and cold air when not asked to do so!

Excessive tyre noise.

Mysterious vibrations when idling

Bursting tyre valves, and immovable dust caps

Brake pads shot after 17,000 miles

Uncomfortable seats

and to cap it all - You can't even put something in a storage/glovebox, for fear of the lid jamming.

 

 

As far as I can see, this car is a total disaster. Citroen have to do some serious re-engineering, or their

reputation will be shattered.

 

I don't know what car I will be buying next as my "daily driver" but it sure won't be one of these..

 

Comments anyone?

I have had mine (2.0 HDI Exclusive 08) for about nine months,and the only one of your faults that I have had,are the immovable dust caps. It has done 18000 miles,and the brake pads are still perfect. Mine has the leather seats with the massage option, and they are certainly as comfortable as any I have had. Last year I motored to Spain, and never felt tired or uncomfortable for the whole journey. It might not be perfect,but I am certainly very happy with it.

[Guest shieldsman]

I have owned C5's for 7 years now, a Mk1 and currently a Mk2, both petrol, both good cars

 

I have to say I'm pretty apalled at the number and seriousness of the problems reported on this board for the Mk3 (4 door saloon/tourer). Given the disappointing sales of this car, we are seeing some horrible problems. So far, from memory, I have seen

 

Feet getting stuck between accelartor and kick panels - panic when trying to brake

Brake delays when you actually manage to hit the pedal - very scary

Premature failure of diesel engine ( one poster said he was on the second engine in a 2009 car)

Premature failure of clutch

Electric windows not working.

Complete failure of electrics necessitating vehicle recovery.

Climate control blasting hot and cold air when not asked to do so!

Excessive tyre noise.

Mysterious vibrations when idling

Bursting tyre valves, and immovable dust caps

Brake pads shot after 17,000 miles

Uncomfortable seats

and to cap it all - You can't even put something in a storage/glovebox, for fear of the lid jamming.

 

 

As far as I can see, this car is a total disaster. Citroen have to do some serious re-engineering, or their

reputation will be shattered.

 

I don't know what car I will be buying next as my "daily driver" but it sure won't be one of these..

 

Comments anyone?

 

 

 

 

Is that all? You want to try owning a Alfa Romeo for 6yrs, i could give u a list 3xs as long .. out of the frying pan into the fire? hope not lol

1st post, sorry saw this and it made me grin :)

[Johndouglas]

I have owned C5's for 7 years now, a Mk1 and currently a Mk2, both petrol, both good cars

 

Comments anyone?

 

I would dearly like to replace my 2005 C5 Exec Estate but I too am put off by adverse reports on the latest C5 models. I've owned hydropnuematic Citroens for over twenty years and would like to continue. We also have in the family three other PSA cars, none of which have been to a garage - other than for an MOT ticket - since their warranties expired, so my opinion of PSA reliability is high. But currently as far as the C5 goes, they have lost their way.

 

My present C5 is the first car I've owned where 600 miles can be covered in a day without beginning to feel fatigue.

[Guest Bobster]

I would dearly like to replace my 2005 C5 Exec Estate but I too am put off by adverse reports on the latest C5 models. I've owned hydropnuematic Citroens for over twenty years and would like to continue. We also have in the family three other PSA cars, none of which have been to a garage - other than for an MOT ticket - since their warranties expired, so my opinion of PSA reliability is high. But currently as far as the C5 goes, they have lost their way.

 

My present C5 is the first car I've owned where 600 miles can be covered in a day without beginning to feel fatigue.

 

Hi John,

 

I do sympathise. I have a Mark 1 C5 2.2 HDi with Hydractive 3+ and it is for me a fabulous car. It replaced a BX which I had had for nearly 20 years and like you will struggle to replace the C5 as I would like to stay with Citroen hydropneumatic suspension. When you think that the smallish GS had proper suspension years ago, why is it that only C6s and top of the range C5s now have it fitted. From what I have read from C4 owmers, the C4 would be great with proper Citroen suspension.

 

The complexity of these machines is always in the back of your mind though, and having just read the latest Citroenian magazine, I note that some dyed-in-the-wool Citroen enthusiasts are having abysmal service from Citroen with faults on their C6s. Citroen has made great strides over the years and is winning accolades with the new DS3 & 4 ranges, but this will be to no avail if it loses customer confidence.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bob H.

[DaveHerns]

I'm wondering what to replace mine with , too . New C5's are far too expensive and the spec is far lower . Citroen should stick to what they are known for - good value cars at sensible prices .If they want to go German style and German prices , they need to up the game with their customer service

[Randombloke]

I'm pretty sure the German reference in the ads is a UK only thing, I think if it was done in France then the factory in Rennes would be torched.... :)

 

Get ready for Alfa Romeo levels of depreciation on Mk III C5s.

 

AFAICT it's a smaller car so I'd hopefully end up with a late Mk II when my Mk I estate needs to be scrapped.

 

I predict that most MkIIs will eventually end up with the DPF removed from the engine management system (by re-programming) when they are past 10 years old.

[Johndouglas]

I predict that most MkIIs will eventually end up with the DPF removed from the engine management system (by re-programming) when they are past 10 years old.

 

It's something I've been thinking about with my own - particularly with it coming close to requiring to be refilled with Eolys. But then I saw this and it made me wonder if it was the way to go. This is copied from another forum whose members are mainly working mechanics and MOT testers. They are supposed to be notes made during a VOSA seminar:-

From 1st January 2012, the new test items will be:

 

Warning lights for the engine, airbags, main beam, electronic stability, brake fluid, electronic

parking brake, tyre pressure monitoring.

Light switches to check that front and rear work at the same time.

Headlamp adjuster presence.

Steering lock operation.

Seatbelt safety devices, no mechanical flags have been triggered to indicate a deployed seatbelt pretensioner.

HID headlamps have washers and self levelling.

Visible wiring security and condition.

Battery security.

Engine mountings and the structure to which they are attached.

Power steering fluid, where the level can be seen without removing the reservoir cap.

Rear doors open from the outside.

Driveshaft gaitors, will include inner gaitors on front wheel drive, may even include a non steered axle.

Ball joint dust cover condition.

Electrical testing of 13 pin tow bar sockets.

Leak detection test for LPG systems.

Fuel pipe condition.

Missing anti pollution equipment, catalyst or DPF.

There will be a new section introduced for inappropriate repairs or modifications, which may include things like stretched tyres, inappropriately low suspension.

 

From 1st September 2013 for cars registered after 24th July 2010,brake performance requirements will change from 25% on a steered axle; to 30% on all axles for imbalance, from 50% to 58% for service brake efficiency.

 

But if the FAP had just had its innards taken out - how would they know? Only by an increase of smoke - which FAP removal isn't supposed to do.

[Guest V6C5]

I have owned C5's for 7 years now, a Mk1 and currently a Mk2, both petrol, both good cars

 

I have to say I'm pretty apalled at the number and seriousness of the problems reported on this board for the Mk3 (4 door saloon/tourer). Given the disappointing sales of this car, we are seeing some horrible problems. So far, from memory, I have seen

 

Feet getting stuck between accelartor and kick panels - panic when trying to brake

Brake delays when you actually manage to hit the pedal - very scary

Premature failure of diesel engine ( one poster said he was on the second engine in a 2009 car)

Premature failure of clutch

Electric windows not working.

Complete failure of electrics necessitating vehicle recovery.

Climate control blasting hot and cold air when not asked to do so!

Excessive tyre noise.

Mysterious vibrations when idling

Bursting tyre valves, and immovable dust caps

Brake pads shot after 17,000 miles

Uncomfortable seats

and to cap it all - You can't even put something in a storage/glovebox, for fear of the lid jamming.

 

 

As far as I can see, this car is a total disaster. Citroen have to do some serious re-engineering, or their

reputation will be shattered.

 

I don't know what car I will be buying next as my "daily driver" but it sure won't be one of these..

 

Comments anyone?

 

Well my 2p's worth.

 

I've been driving for over 20 years now and have owned 2 x 5 Series BMW 540's, Mercedes E 320 CDI, VW Golf GTI MK5, VW Golf GTI Edition 30, a VW Passat R36, Volvo S80 D5, Volvo S60R, Volvo XC90, Honda Accord, Jaguar X Type to name but a few and I have to say without a doubt that my current C5 3.0 HDI Exclusive is by far the best car I have every owned.

 

The build quality is better than any of my prior cars my a country mile, no rattles, no squeaks even after 24k miles, still sounding very solid indeed.

 

No problems at all to report, not missed a beat in all that mileage. All of my previous cars have spent considerable time in the dealers and some for very serious costly faults that outside of warranty would of cost me and arm and a leg!

 

The seats are mega comfy and it's the first car I've been able to keep driving in for long mileages without having a bad back.

 

I did a lot of research prior getting this car and didn't find half the problems you eluded to, very strange??

 

All cars will no doubt have problems and if I had to be picky, the only thing on your list that does happen with mine is the tyre noise, however they are 19 inch low profile so I do expect some noise as I've had on other cars.

 

I carry 3 kids around in total comfort and really like everything about this car, from the comfort, build quality, economy (getting 37mpg with very heavy right foot), performance of the twin turbo v6 is lovely and the looks of course of the Tourer is still turning heads.

 

I just wish the motoring press would spend some time with the car and learn to drive it as mine has proved to handle exceptionally well even with the fancy suspension and the sport mode definitely works a treat!!

 

I does make me laugh though, if this had a BMW badge on the front, they'd be nothing but praise, however because of the badge, preconception sets in before anyone even bothers to drive the car! I remember reading an article about a long term new 5 series BMW GT car that had major engine failure twice! The mag still insisted on giving this car the full set of stars and yet had that happened in a Citroen, they would've slated it.

 

I must also say that as a Citroen owner, you do seem to be a tad harsh with your comments bearing in mind the old Citroen image!

 

The bottom line is, this a cracking car.

[seefive]

Hi V6C5 and welcome to the forum.

 

The faults I listed are taken from various posts on this site, not made up or taken from some dubious journalistic source. It's just not building a very good image of the car, and as you can see from some of the replies, other members on the site share my concerns

 

My own car history includes 13 years driving 4 Rover 800's, which were supposed to be terrible cars - never had a problem. So I certainly don't take any notice of "expert" opinions - much more interested to hear real experiences. I have never owned a German car, but know people who have come badly unstuck on BMW's and VW's. I certainly would never buy anything German.

 

So that leaves me pondering the future. My current C5 is only just coming up to 3 years old, 25k on the clock and good as gold. It's a late registered Mk2, petrol exclusive auto, very nice. I have a company fuel card, so the 30-ish MPG isn't a problem, and the maintenance is simpler and cheaper than a diesel. I plan to keep it for another 3 r 4 years but have no idea what will replace it. Maybe Citroen will have the DS5 out by then, but it won't be cheap, and who knows what the relability will be like.

 

Kia anybody? Or maybe I should modernise my old Anglia, without distracting from its classic looks..

[Guest V6C5]

SEEFIVE,

 

I think the main problem is more related to how complex cars are becoming, so reliant on so many computers and electrical gadgets that something is bound to go wrong.

 

I suppose,..... is it better the devil you know or taking on a another car knowing that it won't always be perfect and things may go wrong??

[ronat]

SEEFIVE,

 

I think the main problem is more related to how complex cars are becoming, so reliant on so many computers and electrical gadgets that something is bound to go wrong.

 

I suppose,..... is it better the devil you know or taking on a another car knowing that it won't always be perfect and things may go wrong??

 

I would agree on the complexity,but I must say that my previous three cars,Xantia 2.0 SX (2 years)Xantia 2.0HDI (5years)and Peugeot 607 2.0HDI(5years),were all fairly problem free,and my only real costs were for tyres.My present C5,(2.0HDI Exclusive)has more technology than the rest,so we will wait and see.As I said in my previous post,I am very pleased with it,and although I would never buy a new car,this certainly makes a lot of sense as a used buy.(A good bit less than half price at 2 years old.)

[grsleyland]

I think, as with any forum such as this one, you're necessarily going to see a collection of complaints, gripes, horror stories etc. because of the specific nature of this forum. It's a place where people come to get help.

 

For my part, I've used Citroën cars since 1999. I then used a 1994 vintage ZX Aura 1.9D, which gave up the ghost in 2007 when the fuel pump decided not to let the engine go below 2000rpm! We then bought Mk. I C5 110HDi second hand. Apparently it's still going strong (I've since separated from my then partner who kept the car). Last year I bought a second hand Mk. II C5 2.0 VTR 138BHP with which I've had a few problems, all of them attributable to poor care on the part of the previous owner's garage (a Citroën garage in Yorkshire!). Otherwise the car has been an absolute star. It's taken me and my partner from Southport to Ipswich and back in absolute comfort, without breaking a sweat and doing a commendable 48 mpg thanks in no small part to the 6-speed gearbox, cruise control and the turbo.

 

I've since seen a few Mk. III C5's on the road over the past couple of months and I really like the look of the car. I'm going to keep my current C5 for a few years yet, by which time there may be some reasonable deals to be had on used Mk. III's. If there are, I'll be there looking for one.

[Randombloke]

The Mk III estate is a poor copy of the Audi A4/6 estate with a smaller luggage area (AFAICT) than the Mk I and Mk II. Witness the pathetic "so very German" ad campaign.

 

I'll be looking for an end of line Mk II Exclusive with either 2.0 or 2.2 HDi soon.

 

Unfortunately, PSA are acquiring a reputation for very unreliable (and expensive to replace) ECUs.

 

This is made worse by the need to configure them when they are replaced, and the fact that once VIN tied they may not be re-configured, so the breaker route is becoming limited.