Caravelle space at a fraction of the price
Citroen's large MPV/people carrier, built on the same EMP2 platform as the Peugeot Traveller and Toyota Proace Verso, sold in the UK from 2016 to 2022. It sits in the van-based MPV segment as a more affordable alternative to the VW Caravelle and Mercedes V-Class. Strong for large families and taxi operators needing up to nine seats.
We track 5 known issues across the Citroen Spacetourer range, with 3 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Citroen Spacetourer? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
G1 (2016–2022) — Engine options included the 1.6 HDi, 1.5 BlueHDi, 2.0 HDi, 2.0 BlueHDi. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 3 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Excessive fluid leaking (£200–£400 to address).
The 1.5 BlueHDi engine develops significant oil leaks that fail MOT environmental standards at 7.1 times the national fleet average. Common leak points include the oil filter housing, sump gasket, and rocker cover seal. The leak rate is sufficient to pose environmental hazards and requires prompt repair to maintain roadworthiness.
Oil leaks failing MOT environmental standards require immediate repair for roadworthiness. Continued driving risks engine damage from low oil levels and creates environmental hazards. Repair typically involves replacing multiple seals and gaskets.
Check the oil level before the engine is started. Ask the seller how often they top up the oil between services. After a test drive, check the level again and look behind the car for blue or grey exhaust smoke under acceleration.
All diesel variants show significantly accelerated brake disc wear, failing MOT thickness standards at up to 44.9 times the national fleet average. The 2.0-litre engines show the highest failure rate. This affects both front and rear discs and appears related to the vehicle's commercial duty cycle and weight distribution.
Worn discs below minimum thickness fail MOT and compromise braking safety. Replacement of both discs and pads is typically required. Continued use risks disc fracture and complete brake failure.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
All diesel variants use diesel particulate filters that are prone to blocking when used primarily for short journeys typical of commercial applications. The DPF warning light illuminates and the vehicle enters limp mode when the filter becomes saturated. Forced regeneration cycles may not complete successfully if the filter is heavily contaminated.
A blocked DPF causes limp mode, severely reduced power, and increased fuel consumption. Cleaning costs £300-600. Complete replacement costs £1,500-3,000. The vehicle may not be driveable until repaired.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
This abnormal wear rate appears consistent across the model range and is likely related to the commercial vehicle duty cycle and braking system design.
Pads worn below 1.5mm fail MOT and must be replaced immediately. Driving with worn pads risks scoring the brake discs and significantly increases repair costs.
Check brake disc condition for lipping or scoring. Test braking at moderate speed for pulling to one side or vibration through the steering wheel. Review MOT advisories for brake-related items.
The 1.6 HDi engine shows exhaust system failures at 7.1 times the national fleet average, typically affecting the middle section and rear silencer joints. Corrosion appears accelerated compared to other variants in the range and may be related to the exhaust gas temperature management of this particular engine.
Leaking exhaust systems fail MOT emissions and noise tests. Repair typically involves replacement of the affected section. Leaks near the cabin can introduce dangerous fumes.
Check for any engine warning lights on the dashboard. Ask about the car's MOT emissions history — repeated failures suggest underlying issues. A pre-purchase diagnostic scan is especially worthwhile to check for stored emissions fault codes.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Citroen Spacetourer common problems page.
Based on 11k real DVSA MOT tests, the Citroen Spacetourer fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is rear registration plate lamp or light source mi... at 16x the fleet average, followed by wiper fault (8x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Citroen Spacetourer MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 20k miles) typically costs £120–£180 at an independent garage.
See the full Citroen Spacetourer service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Citroen Spacetourer is a solid choice on the used market, though not without its quirks. The issues we track are well-understood and largely avoidable if you know what to look for. A thorough inspection and complete service history go a long way. 2019-2021 models benefit from the mid-life update with improved infotainment and resolved early-production issues. The BlueHDi 180 auto is the best powertrain for mixed use. Avoid the very earliest 2016 cars which bore the brunt of recall campaigns.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Citroen Spacetourer, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Citroen Spacetourer issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.