Used Citroen C4 Cactus 2014-2021 reliability
Category: Family car
The Citroën C4 Cactus has its foibles, but it’s a good choice if you want SUV styling in a top-value package
What should I look for in a used Citroën C4 Cactus hatchback?
The C4 Cactus is as likely to be used in urban areas for school and shopping runs as it is pelted down motorways, so watch for kerbed alloy wheels and scuffs to the bodywork. Obviously, the car benefits from those eye-catching Airbumps, which are primarily designed to protect the flanks from door dings and errant shopping trolleys, but it’s still worth checking the front and rear of the car for damage.
Diesel models have a diesel particulate filter (DPF). The car will need to be taken on frequent motorway journeys to ensure this can regenerate, because this process is only triggered at high speed. If you don't and the DPF gets blocked, it could be expensive to fix. Check how the previous owner has used the car if you're unsure.
What are the most common problems with a used Citroën C4 Cactus hatchback?
Diesel particulate filter (DPF)
The DPF on some diesel models made between 5 January 2018 and 3 May 2018 could be damaged by a piece of plastic in the exhaust system. Check with a dealer to find out if your car is affected, because the dealer might need to replace the filter.
Bumper trim
The glue bonding some trim to the bumper might could become unstuck over time. This applies mostly to cars produced between 20 January 2016 and 24 November 2016. A dealer will be able to stick it down with better glue to sort the issue.
Bonnet latch
A part in the bonnet latch mechanism of cars built from 26 May 2014 to 8 September 2015 might not be secure enough to hold the bonnet down at speed. Any Citroën dealer can find out if your car is affected and fix the issue for you if the recall is still outstanding.
Automatic gearbox
Some cars built between 25 April 2016 and 29 August 2016 that have an automatic gearbox might have a problem with the actuator, which could cause trouble when changing gear. If your car is affected, it'll need a new actuator to sort the issue.
Starter motor
The starter motor can overheat due to a problem with the electrical relay going to it and in extreme circumstances catch fire. Affected vehicles were made between 15 June 2016 and 11 October 2016 and will need to inspected by a dealer to check the relay and replace it if necessary.
Fuel leak
The protective sleeve on the fuel pipe could wear against other engine components, resulting in a fuel leak. This applies to cars made between 1 September 2016 and 1 February 2017. If you car is affected by this recall, it will need to be inspected by a dealer to check the condition of the pipe, which might need repositioning or replacing.
Is a used Citroën C4 Cactus hatchback reliable?
The C4 Cactus didn't feature in our latest Reliability Survey, however, Citroën as a brand ranked 11th out of 30 manufacturers, which is respectable.
To read more from our Reliability Survey in detail, check out the full results here.
