Log inCheck a car
Known Faults Database

Citroen C4 Picasso problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Citroen C4 Picasso, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 2 known faults for this model, 1 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

Free advert check

Found a Citroen C4 Picasso for sale?

Paste the advert and we read it against its known faults, its MOT history and the DVLA record, and tell you what the seller has not. Free, about a minute, no card.

Check a Citroen C4 Picasso advert (free) →
Works with any listing: paste the text from AutoTrader, Gumtree, eBay, Facebook Marketplace or a dealer’s own site.

Is the Citroen C4 Picasso reliable?

The Citroen C4 Picasso has 2 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 1 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (adBlue system failure on the BlueHDi diesels) and engine (carbon builds up in the pipe that feeds oil to the turbo bearings on the 16-valve 1.6). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Citroen C4 Picasso years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

2004-2011 Models, 2004 to 2011
1 known fault, none rated high severity
2014-2022 Models, 2014 to 20221 high severity
1 known fault, the serious ones in the engine

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2014 to 2022, 1.6 BlueHDi (from 2014) and 1.5 BlueHDi (from 2017): adBlue system failure on the BlueHDi diesels

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 21 known fault · 40 owner reports · 10 good notes

Citroen C4 Picasso 2004-2011 Models (2004 to 2011) problems

Engine/EmissionsMedium severity💬 7 owner reports, 2012 to 2020

Carbon builds up in the pipe that feeds oil to the turbo bearings on the 16-valve 1.6 HDi, starving the turbo until it fails, often around 100,000 miles but sometimes far sooner. A replacement turbo fitted without also renewing the oil feed pipe and cleaning the oil supply can fail again within a few thousand miles; some owners have gone through two or three turbos in a row.

Rough guide
£947-1000

Typical symptoms

  • Whining or whistling from the turbo
  • Loss of power or limp mode
  • Blue or grey smoke
  • Oil in the intake or intercooler pipes

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6 HDi 16v (DV6TED4 and related DV6 engines)
Typical mileage:
30000-100000 miles
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the 2004-2011 Models

40 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Gearbox and clutch · January 2020A 2010 Grand Picasso HDi experienced clutch juddering at 65,000 miles, with a dealer diagnosing a failed activator and leaking slave cylinder, costing £3,500.
  • Engine · January 2020A 2010 Picasso 1.6 HDi EGS suffered turbo failure shortly after purchase, with engine management lights repeatedly illuminating despite repairs.
  • Suspension and steering · December 2019A C4 Picasso's airbags were not leaking, but the car would lower and only rise when driven slowly or a door was opened.
  • Suspension and steering · November 2019Rear air suspension on a 2009 C4 Grand Picasso struggled to rise and eventually stopped working, later fixed under a goodwill warranty.
  • Fuel system · October 2019A 2011 Citroen, bought with 7,920 miles, had three of its four engine injectors fail repeatedly after purchase.
  • Gearbox and clutch · August 2019A 2.0 EGS C4 Picasso continued to lurch while cruising, even after a new gearbox and clutch were fitted under warranty.
  • Gearbox and clutch · July 2019A 2009 C4 Picasso 1.6HDI EGS juddered and hesitated when pulling away in first gear from a cold start.
  • Suspension and steering · August 2018The rear air suspension of a 2007 C4 Grand Picasso experienced a complete failure.
  • Gearbox and clutch · August 2018The EGS system of a 2007 C4 Picasso 2.0HDI VTR continually changed down gears due to an actuator problem.
  • Fuel system · July 2018A single injector failed on a 2012 C4 Picasso 1.6HDI at 57,000 miles, with a replacement quoted at £295.
  • Suspension and steering · April 2018The rear suspension of a 2010 Picasso failed at 45,000 miles, with Citroen offering partial repair costs only for dealer-serviced cars.
  • Brakes · April 2018The parking brake on a 2007 Citroen C4 Picasso failed, requiring attention for the issue.
  • Gearbox and clutch · November 2017A 2008 C4 2.0 Picasso EGS displayed a gearbox faulty warning and service light, likely due to the actuator.
  • Gearbox and clutch · July 2017The EGS transmission of a 2007 C4 Grand Picasso 2.0HDI VTR+ switched to manual, entered limp mode, and would not go past third gear.
  • Fuel system · July 2017Two injectors failed in the engine of a 25,000 mile 2012 C4 Picasso 1.6HDI.
  • Bodywork · May 2017The alloy screen posts of a 2011 C4 Picasso were oxidising underneath the paintwork.
  • Fuel system · April 2017Repeated injector failures were reported in a 10,000 mile 2011 C4 Picasso 1.6HDI EGS.
  • Gearbox and clutch · March 2017A 2012 Grand Picasso EGS experienced repeated actuator problems, with fluid leaks recurring even after a replacement part was fitted.
  • General · February 2017A 2008 C4 Grand Picasso, bought used, required new tyres, wiper blades, a clutch, oil leak repair, and suffered tailgate release failure.
  • Gearbox and clutch · February 2017A 90,000 mile Grand Picasso 1.6HDI EGS experienced occasional violent juddering, indicating a likely clutch issue.
  • Gearbox and clutch · January 2017The EGS system of a 2009 Grand C4 Picasso 1.6 Auto Diesel failed at 32,000 miles, causing shuddering when starting from rest.
  • Engine · November 2016A 2012 Grand Picasso HDI suffered two injector failures, followed by a water pump failure that broke the timing belt.
  • Fuel system · July 2016A diesel injector to the first combustion chamber of a C4 Picasso failed at 37,000 miles, with advice to replace all four.
  • Suspension and steering · April 2016One rear airbag failed on a Grand Picasso, replaced at a subsidised rate, but then the compressor failed with a £1,158 quote.
  • Engine · February 2016Turbo failure was reported on a 2008 Grand Picasso 1.6HDI at 66,000 miles.
  • Brakes · January 2016Electromechanical parking brake failure was reported on a 2008 Grand Picasso at 80,000 miles, costing £1,000 for both sides.
  • Engine · September 2015The timing belt of a 2008 C4 Picasso 1.6HDI failed at 61,000 miles, with Citroen refusing goodwill due to independent servicing.
  • Electrics · July 2015A 2007 C4 Grand Picasso 1.6HDI had parking brake issues, a non-working speedo, and required a new EGR valve and display screen.
  • Suspension and steering · January 2015The rear tyres of a C4 Picasso wore out at 21,000 miles, with misalignment during manufacturing cited as the cause.
  • Exhaust · August 2014DPF and turbo failure were reported on a 95,000 mile 2008 C4 Picasso 2.0HDI automatic.
  • Engine · March 2014A Picasso 1.6 HDi experienced repeat turbo failure, likely due to a carbon-choked oil feed pipe not replaced with the turbo.
  • Gearbox and clutch · February 2014A 2008 C4 Grand Picasso HDI EGC had its clutch replaced at 67,000 miles for £715, then failed again at 78,500 miles.
  • Gearbox and clutch · October 2013A 2008 C4 Picasso with EGS transmission became jerky and shuddered from 12,000 miles, later suffering a faulty gearbox computer.
  • General · September 2013A 2007 Grand Picasso HDI EGS Executive experienced a leaking rear shock absorber, injection pipe fracture, rear suspension failure, and faulty EGR valve.
  • Interior · September 2013The air conditioning compressor failed on a 42,000 mile 2007 C4 Grand Picasso, costing £1,000 to repair.
  • Engine · April 2013The turbo of a 30,000 mile 2008 C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi failed due to coked-up oil supply pipes.
  • Engine · April 2013A 30,000 mile 2008 C4 Picasso 1.6HDI suffered turbo failure because of carbon build-up in the oil supply pipes.
  • Suspension and steering · February 2013A 2009 model experienced rear suspension sphere failure, with Citroen covering the cost of the parts.
  • Fuel system · August 2012The high pressure fuel pump failed on a 1.6THP 150 petrol C4 Picasso three months after its warranty expired.
  • Suspension and steering · June 2012Rear suspension sphere failure caused the suspension to drop and take a long time to return to ride height.

What owners like about the 2004-2011 Models

10 notes
  • This seven-seat people carrier offers good value for money, making it a practical choice.
  • The vehicle is immensely versatile, adapting well to various needs and situations.
  • The car is easy to drive, providing a good view out for all passengers.
  • The centre seats feature three Isofix fittings, enhancing child safety and convenience.
  • The five-seat cabin is versatile, complemented by a spacious 500-litre boot for luggage.
  • The interior design includes plenty of clever and practical touches, enhancing usability for occupants.
  • The rear seats are designed for easy folding, enhancing cargo flexibility and storage options.
  • The car provides a comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections well for a smooth journey.
  • This model offers decent value for money in the used car market.
  • The centre row has three individual seats, each with ISOFIX child seat tethers, plus front passenger seat ISOFIX.
Generation 2 of 21 known fault · 31 owner reports · 8 good notes

Citroen C4 Picasso 2014-2022 Models (2014 to 2022) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 Owner reports

AdBlue system failure on the BlueHDi diesels. The pump sits inside the AdBlue tank, so the usual repair is a new tank, pump and injector, and owners have had it happen well before 30,000 miles.

Rough guide
£1600

Typical symptoms

  • AdBlue/UREA warning light
  • engine management light
  • countdown indicating 'Engine Will Not Restart in X miles'

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6 BlueHDi (from 2014) and 1.5 BlueHDi (from 2017)
Typical mileage:
22000-28500 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • October 2022A 2015 Citroen Picasso displayed a urea warning alarm, requiring a new urea tank, pump, and injector at a cost of £1,600.
🔍 We have a specific pre-purchase check for this faultCheck an advert →

What owners report on the 2014-2022 Models

31 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Interior · November 2019The air conditioning on a 2015 C4 Picasso gradually failed, eventually traced to a faulty condenser.
  • Electrics · October 2019The stop/start system on a 2017 C4 Picasso 1.2 PureTech 130 only functioned when major electrical components were not in use.
  • Engine · September 2019A 2015 C4 Grand Picasso suffered water pump failure at 57,000 miles, causing the timing belt to detach and destroying the engine.
  • Electrics · September 2019A 2017 C4 Grand Picasso 1.2 Puretech 130 Manual had faulty ECU, BCM, and wiring loom, requiring five weeks of warranty repair.
  • Engine · August 2019A 2016 C4 Picasso 1.2 Puretech 130 required two engine replacements, yet an.
  • Bodywork · June 2019A 2014 C4 Picasso developed cracks at the top of the tailgate on both sides, identified as a manufacturing defect.
  • Engine · June 2019A 1.2 Puretech 130 C4 Picasso engine required a new camshaft and valve cleaning due to carbon pitting, costing £678.02.
  • Engine · May 2019A 2016 C4 Picasso 1.2 Puretech 130 experienced engine management faults, causing the engine to turn off while driving.
  • General · May 2019A 2015 C4 Picasso 1.6 E-HDI 115 Exclusive experienced multiple rattles, heavy gearbox, broken tailgate buffer, failed heated seat, and parking brake fault.
  • Interior · May 2019A 2015 C4 Picasso required an R1234YF aircon re-gas in July 2018, but the gas leaked again, costing £245 for a further re-gas.
  • Suspension and steering · April 2019All four blistered alloy wheels on a 2018 C4 Grand Picasso were replaced free of charge under warranty.
  • Fuel system · February 2019A fuel injector failed in a 2015 C4 Picasso 1.6 e-HDI, with the repair costing £500.
  • Interior · October 2018The air conditioning condenser of a 2015 C4 Picasso 2.0 HDI cracked at 30,000 miles, replaced free but with £350 labour charge.
  • Gearbox and clutch · October 2018A 2014 Grand Picasso had its clutch master cylinder replaced, then the slave cylinder failed at 50,000 miles, requiring a new clutch.
  • Fuel system · August 2018An injector failed on a 2013 C4 Picasso at 40,000 miles, causing power loss on the motorway, with a dealer quoting over £600 for labour.
  • Gearbox and clutch · July 2018The clutch and dual mass flywheel of a 2016 Picasso failed at 8,000 miles, with a dealer quoting £1,536 for repair.
  • Engine · May 2018An ex-rental 2016 C4 Picasso had a worn auxiliary belt at 22,000 miles during its second service.
  • Electrics · May 2018The top dashboard screen malfunctioned in a new 2018 C4 Grand Picasso.
  • Engine · March 2018An alternator belt tensioner pulley was replaced on a 2015 C4 Picasso 1.6HDI at 22,500 miles, with the owner paying £55 for the belt.
  • Bodywork · February 2018The driver's side windscreen wiper of a C4 Picasso intermittently hit the right-hand screen pillar, a problem the dealer could not rectify.
  • Bodywork · September 2017The screen washer jets on a 2016 Grand Picasso did not spray far enough, with the dealer stating this was normal operation.
  • Interior · September 2017An air conditioning regas on a C4 Picasso was expensive due to the refrigerant type, and the system failed again weeks later.
  • Electrics · August 2017Traffic Announcements on the radio of a 2015 C4 Picasso Puretech+ VTR did not function correctly, with no solution found by the manufacturer.
  • Electrics · May 2017The milometer on a 2017 C4 Picasso 1.2 Puretech 110 randomly switched between miles and kilometres, requiring a software reboot to fix.
  • Fuel system · March 2017A fault code appeared twice on a 2015 C4 Grand Picasso diesel, possibly due to fuel quality, but the dealer would not replace an injector.
  • General · March 2017A 2016 C4 Picasso 1.6 e-HDi manual broke down due to a manufacturing fault, but the necessary part was unavailable for repair.
  • Bodywork · January 2017The nearside front wheelarch liner of a Grand Picasso repeatedly detached itself during heavy rain.
  • Engine · November 2016A 2014 C4 Picasso 1.6 THP 155 had a coil pack failure, then at 37,000 miles, a faulty fuel delivery pump and carbon build-up on the inlet valves.
  • Engine · August 2016The auxiliaries belt snapped on a C4 Picasso at two years old, with the car having covered 12,000 miles.
  • Electrics · April 2015A 2015 C4 Grand Picasso experienced repeated electrical problems from new, including multiple warning lights and the parking brake activating at speed.
  • Suspension and steering · June 2014Power steering failed on a six-week-old C4 Picasso; the dealer could not repair it, leading to the car being replaced.

What owners like about the 2014-2022 Models

8 notes
  • The car features three individual sliding and folding rear seats, each equipped with ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
  • A flat loadspace floor is created when the rear seats are folded down, enhancing practicality.
  • The available engine range offers good fuel economy, making the car economical to run.
  • The vehicle provides five individual seats, offering flexible seating arrangements for occupants.
  • Three separate sliding and folding rear seats, each with ISOFIX, can accommodate three baby seats.
  • The 1.2 130PS PureTech three-cylinder engine combined with a six-speed automatic transmission performs very well, improving handling and ride quality.
  • The C4 Picasso offers generous load space, with 630 litres available when all seats are in use, expanding to 1,851 litres with the rear seats folded.
  • The 2013 C4 Picasso achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, with strong scores for adult and child occupant protection.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 5 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Citroen C4 Picasso advert and we check it in seconds.

Check an advert now (free) →
Free report, no credit card required.

Citroen C4 Picasso recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 26 DVSA recalls for the C4 Picasso, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ August 2025Cars built December 2017 to November 2020

Emission recall - On Board Diagnostics

Vehicles may be affected by incorrect performance of the On-Board-Diagnostics related to Selective Catalytic Reduction system and/or Diesel Particle Filter. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may not illuminate in the event of a malfunction and therefore does not comply with emission regulations.

Put right by: Update the Engine Control Unit software to ensure compliance to regulations.

DVSA R/2025/346558 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2024Cars built January 2022 to June 2022

Cross carline Engine software

On affected vehicles below 12500 miles under certain conditions engine emissions may lead to a non-compliance to regulatory requirements.

Put right by: Check the mileage of the vehicle and update the ECU (Engine Control Unit) calibration on vehicles below 12500 miles.

DVSA R/2024/136120 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2022Cars built April 2017 to December 2020

On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.

On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.

Put right by: To rectify this issue a software update will be downloaded which will improve the vacuum diagnosis (in order to warn earlier about the risk of loss or reduction of braking assistance).

DVSA R/2023/03613,740 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2022Cars built March 2017 to March 2017

On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.

On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.

Put right by: To rectify this issue a software update will be downloaded which will improve the vacuum diagnosis (in order to warn earlier about the risk of loss or reduction of braking assistance). The timing belt will be checked and if needed replaced with other components of the braking assistance system and the vacuum pump.

DVSA R/2023/046652 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2021Cars built March 2013 to April 2017

The brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt

The brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt.

Put right by: Update detection software inspect and if necessary replace vacuum pump and timing belt.

DVSA R/2020/32721,226 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2020Cars built April 2019 to July 2019

The filtering performance of the diesel particulate filter may not meet the required specification

The filtering performance of the Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) may not meet the required specification.

Put right by: Replace the DPF on affected vehicles.

DVSA R/2020/330432 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2019Cars built September 2013 to May 2016

Due to the calibration of the engine management software nox emissions may not comply with regulatory limits

The calibration of the engine management software could result in emissions of NOx which do not comply with the regulatory limits.

Put right by: Download new engine management software

DVSA R/2019/3295,290 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2018Cars built November 2017 to November 2017

Airbags may not be triggered in the event of a collision

On the affected vehicles an internal component within the airbag triggering ECU may have been damaged which could lead to non deployment. There are no early warning signs or symptoms for the customer to indicate if the ECU is incorrect.

Put right by: The manufacturer has no simple method to check the internal component. Therefore all ECU's in affected vehicles to be changed as a precaution.

DVSA R/2018/128110 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2018Cars built December 2012 to April 2015

Engine may overheat

The engine electronic cooling management control strategy and the maximum temperature alert threshold could cause the engine to overheat. This could result in a warning light and a message being displayed on the instrument panel.

Put right by: On affected vehicles download a new engine management software in order to modify the cooling management parameters to improve the control of the engine operating temperature.

DVSA R/2018/0492,098 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2017Cars built October 2017 to November 2017

Engine component may not be to specification

An engine component may not be to specification which could result in loss of engine performance. This may lead to the engine stalling and potentially causing an engine failure. In very unlikely circumstances the vehicle speed may increase without warning but will stop on its own after a few seconds.

Put right by: On affected vehicles carry out a functional diagnostic check of the engine. If necessary replace the engine.

DVSA R/2017/33975 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2017Cars built September 2016 to April 2017

Bonnet skin may become insecure

The bonnet inner skin may not be adequately retained. This may cause the bonnet to vibrate or distort. In extreme cases the skin could detach.

Put right by: On affected vehicles apply additional adhesive between the bonnet skin and its inner panel.

DVSA R/2017/3266,848 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ September 2017Cars built June 2016 to July 2016

Starter motor supply wiring harness may become damaged

The positioning of the starter supply terminal may be incorrect. This may allow it to foul other components and cause a short circuit.

Put right by: On affected vehicles check the positioning of the terminaL. Correct it if necessary and add additional protection.

DVSA R/2017/2699 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2017Cars built June 2016 to October 2016

Starter motor may not operate correctly

A possible nonconformity of an internal component of the starter motor relay could affect the control of the starter motor. This could adversely affect the starting operation and damage the starter motor due to overheating and in extreme cases there is a risk of fire.

Put right by: On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace the starter motor relay.

DVSA R/2017/1393,607 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2016Cars built November 2014 to January 2015

Front suspension may fail

The front suspension wishbones fixing bolts may not be to the correct specification which could lead to a risk of them breaking. This may affetc the driver's ability to control the vehicle.

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the wishbone fixing bolts.

DVSA R/2016/2762,662 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2016Cars built August 2015 to November 2015

Door may open unexpectedly

A manufacturing defect in one of the components of the door locks could cause jamming of the internal mechanism and prevent the closing of one or more of the vehicle's doors. In rare cases the door could unlock and open unexpectedly.

Put right by: On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace door locks.

DVSA R/2016/0521,292 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2016Cars built May 2015 to November 2015

Door may open unexpectedly

A manufacturing defect in one of the components of the door locks could cause jamming of the internal mechanism and prevent the closing of one or more of the vehicle's doors. In rare cases the door could unlock and open unexpectedly.

Put right by: On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace door locks.

DVSA R/2016/0541,914 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2016Cars built August 2015 to November 2015

Door may open unexpectedly

A manufacturing defect in one of the components of the door locks could cause jamming of the internal mechanism and prevent the closing of one or more of the vehicle's doors. In rare cases the door could unlock and open unexpectedly.

Put right by: On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace door locks.

DVSA R/2016/055919 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2016Cars built September 2015 to November 2015

Seat belt buckle strap may fail

The seat belt buckle fitted to the second row rear seat/s may have been damaged during the production process at the supplier. In the event of an impact the seat belt buckle strap could fail and not restrain the occupant correctly.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the batch numbers and where necessary replace the seat belt buckle.

DVSA R/2016/0572,238 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2016Cars built January 2016 to February 2016

Oil leak may damage engine

An oil leak could develop at the turbocharger lubrication union retaining bolt due to a non-conformity of this part.

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the turbocharger lubrication union bolt and its seals.

DVSA R/2016/04217 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2016Cars built August 2015 to November 2015

Doors may open unexpectedly

A manufacturing defect of a component within any of the four door locks could result in jamming of the internal mechanism which prevents the closing of any of the vehicle's doors or risk unexpected unlocking and opening of the doors.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary replace the affected door locks.

DVSA R/2015/2611,939 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2015Cars built September 2012 to January 2014

Fuel may leak

The fuel filter's integrated heater may be defective and could cause the cover to distort. This could cause air ingress and fuel egress. Either could cause poor starting and a warning light should illuminate

Put right by: On affected vehicles replace fuel heater cover. Check and if necessary replace connector.

DVSA R/2015/2439,483 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ May 2015Cars built March 2013 to November 2014

Possibility of loss of control

The fixing bolts of the front suspension wishbones may not be to the correct specification. This could lead to the bolts failing and the security of the wishbones being compromised. If this occurs there is a possibility that the directional control of the vehicle could be adversely affected.

Put right by: Recall the vehicle that are likely to be affected and replace all the fixing bolts of the front suspension wishbones.

DVSA R/2015/10123,035 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2014Cars built April 2013 to November 2013

The incorrect gear maybe selected

It has been identified that the reverse gear locking collar on the gear lever may not have been manufacturered to specification. This could result the incorret selection of gears.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to replace the locking collar.

DVSA R/2014/16952 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ February 2014Cars built January 2014 to July 2014

Fuel may leak and create fire risk

It has been established that the high pressure fuel rail pipes on the engine have not been torqued to the correct specification. This can result in poor sealing of the rail which can cause as fuel leak onto the engine. If the vaporised fuel comes into contact with a hot engine component there can be a risk of an engine bay fire.

Put right by: Recall all the affected vehicles and retorque the high pressure fuel rail pipes.

DVSA R/2014/025279 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2012Cars built July 2006 to October 2010

Risk of fire

The starter motor wiring harness may be subject to long term wear due to rubbing. This can cause electrical problems or in the worst case a fire.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to add further protection to the starter motor wiring harness.

DVSA R/2012/0949,848 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2012Cars built November 2011 to November 2011

Seat belt fixing bolts may loosen

The fixing bolts of the front LH and RH seat belt return rail may loosen and in cases of extreme force break.

Put right by: The bolts on the left and right- hand sides will be replaced.

DVSA R/2012/02688 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Citroen C4 Picasso cambelt, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used C4 Picasso. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing belt (cambelt)Wet belt
1.2 PURETECH, 1.2 VTI
62,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first

Wet belt (belt in oil). The original schedule was 10 years / 175,000 km (about 109,000 miles). Stellantis cut it to 6 years / 100,000 km (62,000 miles), with the belt checked at every service, after degraded belt material was found blocking the oil pickup strainer and starving engines of oil. Officially the cut applies to engines built from April 2017 and to older engines whose belt was replaced under the 2020 to 2022 recalls; the shorter figure is recorded for every year. Stellantis now covers belt and oil consumption failures on earlier-generation 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech engines for 10 years / 112,000 miles (180,000 km) when serviced to schedule. On the C3 Aircross, C4 and C5 Aircross the Hybrid versions have a chain instead (see the separate row).

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
1.6 BLUEHDI, DV6F
60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first

The 1.6 BlueHDi (DV6F/DV6FC, eight valves, single camshaft) uses a conventional DRY timing belt that also drives the water pump. It is NOT a wet belt: no belt maker lists it as belt-in-oil, and Stellantis' wet belt support schemes cover only the 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrols. PSA's schedule is reported as 10 years / 112,000 miles; specialists advise 5 years / 60,000 miles, and that shorter figure is recorded. Replace the water pump with the belt.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
1.6 HDI, 1.6 E-HDI, DV6
87,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first

Generally 10 years or 87,000 to 112,500 miles. Always replace the water pump with the belt.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
2.0 HDI, 2.0 BLUEHDI, DW10
125,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first

10 years or 125,000 miles. A very robust engine, but the interval should still not be exceeded. Water pump must be done simultaneously.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026

Citroen C4 Picasso buying questions

Which Citroen C4 Picasso years should I avoid?

No Citroen C4 Picasso year is a write-off, but the 2014-2022 Models (2014 to 2022) carries the most serious faults: engine. The 2004-2011 Models (2004 to 2011) has none rated high severity. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Citroen C4 Picasso?

Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for adBlue/UREA warning light and whining or whistling from the turbo. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against its known faults before you travel. Check a Citroen C4 Picasso advert →

Are there any recalls on the Citroen C4 Picasso?

The DVSA lists 26 safety recalls for the Citroen C4 Picasso issued between 2012 and 2025. The most recent, from August 2025, is "Emission recall - On Board Diagnostics". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

Looking at a Citroen C4 Picasso right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Citroen C4 Picasso fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Citroen C4 Picasso owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Citroen C4 Picasso goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

AI car check: what AI can and can't tell you about a used car9 min readShould I buy this car? The ten-minute check that answers it from the advert12 min readWhat used car advert phrases really mean, from spares or repairs to sold as seen10 min read
All buyer's guides →

Other Citroen models

C46 known faultsC34 known faultsC14 known faultsBerlingo3 known faults