2001 Citroen C5 SX 2.litre petrol

Faults:

The automatic gearbox shudders intermittently on changing gear. It has been back to Dealer four times in as many months and Dealer accepts that a fault exists, but as yet has not given me a fix.

Automatic headlights come on in dull conditions, but frequently stay illuminated in strong sunshine. Has been back three times for this fault, but as yet no fix.

General Comments:

A very comfortable car, but manufacturers do not seem to be able to get in touch with its various computers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 8th July, 2002

2001 Citroen C5 LX 2.0 HDI

Summary:

A very comfortable to drive, but unreliable with poor service from the dealer

Faults:

A rattling and knocking noise from the rear of the vehicle.

A faulty temperature gauge.

Remote central locking system failed.

The alarm system drew excessive current resulting in a flat battery.

Flashing indicators for alarm arming or disarming works only intermittently.

General Comments:

Perhaps I could bear all these faults if the dealer knew how to fix them. The dealer seems to lack technical knowledge of the vehicle. The rattling or knocking noise is a general problem with the C5. Citroen now say they can fix the problem however communication between Citroen and the dealer is poor. The mechanics in the Citroen dealership are poorly trained fitters rather than mechanics. I have dealt with two different dealerships and have had similar problems.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 24th June, 2002

7th Aug 2002, 05:16

I purchased my C5 Hdi in June 2001 shortly after launch here in Ireland having previously owned 3 Xantia's.

My problems to date have been as follows:

1. My A/C unit did not function from day one and has been rectified to my satisfaction. This was due to a faulty seal which allowed the Frion Gas to leak. No problem since.

2. My next problem was the rear suspension rattle which was rectified and was satisfactory for about 10 months, but this problem has now re-appeared and my C5 is presently in the garage for a further upgrade to rectify this problem. This must be a design fault?

3. Recently after my C5 was laid up for a couple of weeks at the aiport whilst on holidays and on my return it totally lacked power. This problem was also rectifed with a software upgrade and is actually going better than ever it did.

Apart from the above I've had no other problems I like the car especially on long journeys. Around town I find it slightly cumbersome especialy for parking.

5th Dec 2002, 03:40

I have spoken to a Citroen dealer regarding this noise coming from the rear of the C5. They say if you call Citroen they will send you 2 pieces of foam with instructions on how to fit it underneath your spare wheel and ratling will stop.

22nd Dec 2002, 16:07

I live in the Netherlands and own a C5. My C5 also suffered from the rattling noise in the rear suspension. After a lot of tinkering in the garage and some software upgrades, the car was finally fitted 2 new, different suspension spheres and the rattling stopped. The ride has become much smoother too, although I had to get used to the much softer dampening...

John.

29th Sep 2004, 12:17

I purchased a used C5 2.2 HDI SX auto estate with 26000 miles on the clock. I like the car very much and think it is under rated. Unfortunately a few problems have occurred that spoil the driving pleasure.

Head lights that go up and down in brightness, dealer says he could not make fault appear.

Squeaking brakes, very annoying to other drivers in slow traffic. Dealer says too much metal in the brake pads, won't happen when non Citroen pads fitted. Lost engine power when "antipollution alert"displayed on screen. Power restored after the alarm was cleared with a computer software reboot.

2001 Citroen C5 Exclusive V6 3.0

Summary:

A spacious car, that makes getting from A to B comfortable

Faults:

No problems.

General Comments:

At last Citroen have realised that people come in taller than 1.6 Metres/5 ft 5", this being a saloon with space for the taller driver and unlike previous Citroen's the head restraints can be positioned correctly.

I am impressed with the automatic gearbox, very often I am unaware of it changing gear.

Despite the available power, the car is quite happy going though town at 30mph (or slower when required).

The suspension is every bit as refined as the XM's, with the added benefit that it adjusts any sink when you unlock it. A really strange sight when you first watch it after using the blip to unlock it.

A minor irritation is the stalk mounted stereo volume controls, they seem very slow to start responding.

While the automatic climate control system is good, if you wish to override where it wants to send the air, it is awkward while driving to know what the settings are since the controls are touch buttons with small LCD Display to show settings.

On the climate control the button to switch to de-misting front screen, increases the air flow and changes puts it on the screen - something I find really useful.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th June, 2002