In-depth reviews

Citroën C1 hatchback (2014-2022) - Reliability & safety

Safety is comparable to the best in class, but reliability is only rated as poor

Carbuyer Rating

3.1 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.5 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Reliability & safety Rating

3.5 out of 5

Rivals such as the Kia Picanto and Fiat 500 beat the Citroen C1 for customer satisfaction in 2020, while the C1’s safety credentials earned it a four-star Euro NCAP rating back in 2014, it does lag behind modern cars that boast newer safety technology.

Citroen C1 reliability

Overall, Citroen finished 24th out of 30 manufacturers in our 2020 brand survey, with 17.2% of owners reporting an issue in the first year. Owners praised the low running costs of their cars but were critical of the disappointing infotainment systems.

The C1 finished in 72nd place out of 75 cars in our 2020 Driver Power owner satisfaction survey, with 12.2% of owners reporting a fault in the first year of ownership.

Safety

The C1 was awarded four stars by Euro NCAP when it was crash-tested in 2014 scoring 80% for both adult and child occupant protection. However, since then Euro NCAP has continuously made its testing criteria more stringent, meaning that it would likely fare worse if tested again today due to lacking modern safety features such as pedestrian and cyclist detection.

The Citroen C1 still comes with a host of safety equipment, including six airbags, anti-lock brakes, electronic braking assistance and electronic stability control. All Citroen C1s also have hill-hold assist that prevents the car from rolling backwards on a slope when the handbrake isn’t on.

Andy is Carbuyer's managing editor, with more than a decade of experience helping consumers find their perfect car. He has an MA in automotive journalism and has tested hundreds of vehicles.

Most Popular

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light
Engine warning light
Tips and advice
1 Dec 2023

Engine management light: top 5 causes of amber engine warning light

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
8 Dec 2023

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2023/2024
Best cars for 200 per month
Best cars
28 Nov 2023

Top 10 best cars under £200 per month 2023/2024

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
20 Apr 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors 2022
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors 2022

Top 10 best electric cars 2023
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
15 Nov 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
17 May 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023