Citroen Saxo vs Citroen Xsara: reliability comparison
MOT pass rates, common faults and mileage compared from real UK MOT data.
Citroen Saxo
64%
MOT pass rate · 232,208 vehicles
Citroen Xsara
69%
MOT pass rate · 355,587 vehicles
More reliable
Verdict: On MOT pass rate, the Citroen Xsara is the more reliable of the two — 69% pass first time versus 64%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Head to head
| Measure | Citroen Saxo | Citroen Xsara |
|---|---|---|
| MOT pass rate | 64% | 69% ✓ |
| MOT failure rate | 36% | 31% ✓ |
| Faults & advisories per test | 2.2 | 1.9 ✓ |
| Dangerous-fault share | 0% ✓ | 1% |
| Average mileage | 95,166 mi | 119,683 mi |
| Sample size (vehicles) | 232,208 | 355,587 |
Most common faults
Citroen Saxo
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Exhaust emissions carbon monoxide content after 2nd fast idle excessive (7.3.D.3)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Exhaust emissions Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (7.3.D.3)
- Parking brake: efficiency below requirements (3.7.B.7)
- Oil leak
Citroen Xsara
- Nearside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Front Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Offside Rear Tyre worn close to the legal limit (4.1.E.1)
- Child seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt
- Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin (3.5.1g)
Reliability FAQ
On MOT pass rate, the Citroen Xsara is the more reliable of the two — 69% pass first time versus 64%. It's one signal among several; check the full breakdown below.
Full Citroen Saxo report Full Citroen Xsara report Most reliable cars
Pass rates are computed over completed (pass/fail) MOT tests. Reliability also depends on age, mileage and upkeep — see each model's page for the full picture.