Citroen Nemo MOT Failures
An analysis of 369,291 real DVSA MOT tests on the Citroen Nemo — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: MK1 (2008–2019).
Where the Citroen Nemo fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Citroen Nemo is power steering fault — this model is 238 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it an extreme outlier for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 369,291 MOT tests, 1.94% of all Citroen Nemo tests recorded this as a failure.
Steering faults include worn track rod ends, power steering leaks, and rack wear. These are safety-critical — any play in the steering should be investigated immediately.
Other notable weak points include abs fault (41x the fleet average), brake pedal anti-slip provision missing, loose ... (37x the fleet average), emissions failure (46x the fleet average), and light unit fault (187x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Citroen Nemo's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 6 categories: Steering, Suspension, Brakes, Exhaust & Emissions, Lights & Electrics and others. If you're inspecting a Citroen Nemo before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Citroen Nemo's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Citroen Nemo specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are power steering fault (238x the average) and light unit fault (187x). headlight fault (114x) and suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing worn (92x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Citroen Nemo specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (46x the average) and suspension component missing, (44x). rear registration plate lamp throwing direct wh... (19x) and power steering fault (19x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Citroen Nemo specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are suspension component fractured or (52x the average) and fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective ... (27x). power steering fault (18x) and brake pedal anti-slip provision missing, loose ... (18x) also appear frequently.
The shift from power steering fault at lower mileages to suspension component fractured or at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Citroen Nemo specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Power steering fluid leaks and system failure (MK1) Major
The hydraulic power steering system on Nemo diesel variants suffers from widespread seal failures in the pump and pressure lines. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £350–£650.
Shock absorber bush wear (MK1) Major
The rubber bushes supporting the shock absorbers deteriorate rapidly on the Nemo, with MOT data showing failure rates 62.6 times the fleet average. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£300.
Excessive exhaust smoke from DPF issues (MK1) Major
Diesel variants suffer from severe DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) blockage issues, with MOT data showing smoke emission failure rates 104.1 times the fleet average on 1.4 diesel and 45.7 times average on 1.2 diesel engines. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Suspension pin and joint wear (MK1) Major
The suspension pins, bushes and joints throughout the Nemo's suspension system wear prematurely, with MOT failure rates 38.3 times the fleet average for pin/bush/joint wear and 36.9 times average for general joint wear. Affects MK1; typical independent garage repair cost is £80–£200.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Citroen Nemo common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Citroen Nemo
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Citroen Nemo:
Steering — check for power steering fault. Suspension — check for abs fault, suspension component damaged or corroded, suspension pin, bush, joint or bearing worn. Brakes — check for brake pedal anti-slip provision missing, loose .... Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about power steering fluid leaks and system failure and shock absorber bush wear. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £350. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Citroen Nemo?
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Citroen Nemo MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Citroen Nemo?
Based on 369,291 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is power steering fault — at 238x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include abs fault and brake pedal anti-slip provision missing, loose ....
Is the Citroen Nemo reliable based on MOT data?
The Citroen Nemo has 15 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag power steering fluid leaks and system failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Citroen Nemo most commonly fails on suspension component fractured or and fuel system leaking, or missing or ineffective .... Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are power steering fault and light unit fault.
How do I check a Citroen Nemo's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.