Citroën C5: common problems, APK failures and recalls
There are 20,767 Citroën C5 cars registered in the Netherlands, first registered between 1922 and 2026.
In a sample of 390 cars, 42.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, less often than average (51.5% across all models).
The most common defect is number plate light not working (properly) / missing (12.3% of inspected cars).
The RDW lists 30+ recalls for this model; 2.6% of registered cars still have an open recall.
1.9% have an odometer reading the RDW marks as illogical, a sign of a rolled-back odometer.
Check a specific Citroën C5
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 | 12.3% |
| Tyre pressure incorrect | 10.5% |
| Tyre tread depth insufficient | 9.2% |
| Dipped beam incorrectly aimed | 6.4% |
| Drive shaft boot damaged and not sealing | 5.6% |
| Tyre damaged | 4.6% |
| Excessive leak of other fluids | 3.8% |
| Wipers give insufficient visibility | 3.6% |
| Rear light not working (properly) | 2.6% |
| Brake light not working (properly) | 2.3% |
Share of 390 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 | 7.2% |
| Mechanical brake parts show wear | 4.4% |
| Steering or kingpin ball joint wear up to 1.0 mm | 3.3% |
| Shock absorber leaking | 1% |
Advisories are noted at the APK but are not a failure.
Fleet figures
| Registered in the Netherlands | 20,767 |
| Open recall (not yet fixed) | 2.6% |
| Illogical odometer reading | 1.9% |
| Used as a taxi | 0.1% |
| First registered | 1922 to 2026 |
All Citroën C5 passenger cars in the RDW register, 2026-10-06.
Recalls
| Published | Component | Risk | Cars in NL |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-07-20 | electrical system | serious | 0 |
| 2026-06-22 | windows and wipers | – | 0 |
| 2026-06-09 | doors, bonnet and tailgate | – | 2,268 |
| 2026-04-30 | electrical system | – | 1,829 |
| 2026-02-10 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 13 |
| 2025-11-03 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 23,904 |
| 2025-10-21 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 92 |
| 2025-09-18 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 12,893 |
| 2025-09-18 | electrical system | serious | 627 |
| 2025-09-08 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 14,788 |
| 2025-01-31 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | serious | 1 |
| 2024-10-16 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 108 |
| 2024-08-16 | electrical system | serious | 117 |
| 2023-12-01 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 2,889 |
| 2023-07-20 | engine, fuel, lubrication and cooling | – | 5,891 |
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 C5 fail the APK?
In a sample of 390 cars first registered 2012–2021, 42.8% had at least one defect at an APK inspection since 2024, against 51.5% across all models.
What are common problems with the Citroën C5?
The most common APK defects are: number plate light not working (properly) / missing (12.3%), tyre pressure incorrect (10.5%), tyre tread depth insufficient (9.2%).
Does the Citroën C5 have recalls?
Yes, the RDW lists 30 recalls. 2.6% of registered cars still have an open recall. Check a specific car by licence plate on factline.dev/vehicle.
Other Citroën models
C1 · C3 · C4 · 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.