Citroën C3: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 98,949 Citroën C3 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1922 and 2026.
In a sample of 397 cars, 62.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, more often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is tyre pressure incorrect (16.4% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 4% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.8% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Citroën C3
Free: APK expiry, insurance, open recall and odometer verdict. The full report adds every APK inspection with its defects.
Most common APK defects
| Defect | Cars |
|---|---|
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 16.4% |
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 16.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 11.1% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 10.6% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 10.3% |
| Position light not working (properly) | 10.3% |
| Tyre damaged | 8.6% |
| Exhaust insecurely mounted | 6.8% |
| Steering ball joint has too much play | 6.8% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 6.5% |
Share of 397 sampled cars (first registered 2012–2021) with this defect at an APK inspection since 2024. RDW Open Data: Geconstateerde Gebreken.
Common advisories
| Tyre(s) with tread depth of 1.6 to 2.5 mm | 13.1% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 5.8% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 3.8% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 98,949 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 4% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.8% |
| Used as a taxi | 0% |
| First registered | 1922 to 2026 |
All Citroën C3 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-20 | electrical system | serious | 0 |
| 2026-03-23 | electrical system | serious | 1,934 |
| 2026-03-13 | electrical system | – | 19,274 |
| 2026-01-12 | brakes | serious | 1 |
| 2025-11-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 23,904 |
| 2025-09-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 12,893 |
| 2025-09-08 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 14,788 |
| 2025-06-06 | electrical system | – | 80 |
| 2025-02-24 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 4,780 |
| 2025-01-24 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 25 |
| 2025-01-23 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 101 |
| 2024-12-19 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 45,745 |
| 2024-10-16 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 108 |
| 2024-01-29 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 16 |
| 2023-12-01 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 2,889 |
Recalls registered with the RDW for this model; not every recall applies to every car. Check a plate to see if one is open.
Questions
How often does the Citroën C3 fail the APK?
In a sample of 397 cars first registered 2012–2021, 62.5% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Citroën C3?
The most common APK defects are: tyre pressure incorrect (16.4%), number plate light not working (properly) / missing (16.1%), dipped beam incorrectly aimed (11.1%).
Does the Citroën C3 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 4% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Citroën models
C1 · C4 · C5 · Berlingo · DS3 · Xsara · C2 · E-C4 · E-C3 · 2CV6 · 2 · Jumpy
Source: RDW Open Data (Gekentekende voertuigen, Geconstateerde Gebreken, Terugroepacties), CC0. Model grouping by Factline from RDW trade names. AI agents: factline.dev/llms.txt.