2001 Citroen C5 Exclusive SE 2.2 HDi

Summary:

An excellent car badly let down by poor fuel consumption

Faults:

The main problem with the car has been very poor fuel consumption. I am achieving figures some 30% below those quoted by Citroen. Citroen have shown little desire to solve the problem.

General Comments:

This is an excellent car with all the equipment that you could ever want.

For a diesel the performance is excellent.

It is a nice roomy car with comfortable seats and well appointed storage pockets for passengers.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 15th June, 2002

2001 Citroen C5 SX 2.0 HDi

Summary:

One to avoid for a few years until problems are sorted

Faults:

Fuel Unit. The fuel unit reported that there was fuel in the tank - when there was not. It was replaced after the car has done 70 miles from new.

Air Conditioning. The air con exploded whilst under load. I waited 14 weeks for a replacement valve. the car was still under 1 month old.

Suspension. I detected knocks and rattles from the rear of the car. The dealer replaced the rear spheres and added weights to the back of the car. The dealer however fitted faulty spheres and two weeks after the first replacement another set were fitted.

Steering. Steering column was replaced due to connection fault.

Electrics. The new Citroen multiplexor system failed. This resulted in the radio playing by itself. the CD player doing its own thing - and the trip computer reporting I was getting 9999 mpg.

Indicators. Unit failed to cancel after cornering.

Towbar. Dealer fitted towbar came loose whilst I was towing.

Headlights. Dim and flicker at night.

General Comments:

The overall concept of this car is good. Performance is nice - just let down by poor reliability.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 12th April, 2002

21st Aug 2003, 16:33

C5 2.2 HDI Exclusive, 2002 model. Lovely M way cruiser, but numerous problems... are you ready for all this? knocking rear suspension despite upgrades, bizarre bleepings and warnings from computer, replaced steering column part (loose, rattling steering was the symptom, now it's happening again), squealing brakes, automatic headlamps switched themselves off once at night while driving on M way, electric windows failed to close, cruise control failed, loose drivers seat, metal trim on gear knob flaking off, squealing wipers, misbehaving radio (volume has mind of its own), erratic central locking, rear screen rubber perished and fell out. Have written to Citroen UK demanding replacement vehicle. The faults suggest a car that was released onto the market underdeveloped and put together with sub-standard components.

17th Nov 2008, 14:15

Had my C5 2.0 SX for four years, and have covered nearly 50,000 miles. Faults are two failed speedos, failed air mass meter, failed alternator. The rear doors sometimes fail to open, and on one occasion the car just wouldn't start... no electrics.

It eats front tyres, has noisy wipers and the airbag warning and coolant temp. lights give false warnings. The rubber coating peels off the interior handles and the suspension is noisy. It is very comfortable and economical, however my next car will not be a Citroen.