Citroën C4: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 53,811 Citroën C4 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1928 and 2026.
In a sample of 396 cars, 66.9% 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 number plate light not working (properly) / missing (26.8% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 6.7% of registered cars still have an open recall.
2% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Citroën C4
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 |
|---|---|
| Number plate light not working (properly) / missing | 26.8% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 15.7% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 13.1% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 10.1% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 9.1% |
| Tyre damaged | 7.1% |
| Dipped/main beam not working (properly) | 5.6% |
| Indicator colour deviates or not permitted | 3.8% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 3.8% |
| Exhaust insecurely mounted | 3.8% |
Share of 396 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 | 13.4% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 8.1% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 1% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 0.5% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 53,811 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 6.7% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 2% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.1% |
| First registered | 1928 to 2026 |
All Citroën C4 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-03-13 | electrical system | – | 19,274 |
| 2026-01-16 | axles, wheels and tyres | – | 1 |
| 2026-01-15 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 4,605 |
| 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 |
| 2025-08-04 | airbags, seat belts and occupant protection | serious | 4,578 |
| 2025-06-06 | electrical system | – | 80 |
| 2025-04-24 | electrical system | – | 3,557 |
| 2025-04-18 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | – | 11 |
| 2025-02-21 | electrical system | – | 3,254 |
| 2025-01-24 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 25 |
| 2024-12-17 | electrical system | – | 1,033 |
| 2024-10-16 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 108 |
| 2024-03-27 | suspension | serious | 30 |
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 C4 fail the APK?
In a sample of 396 cars first registered 2012–2021, 66.9% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Citroën C4?
The most common APK defects are: number plate light not working (properly) / missing (26.8%), tyre tread depth insufficient (15.7%), tyre pressure incorrect (13.1%).
Does the Citroën C4 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 6.7% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Citroën models
C1 · C3 · 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.