Citroen

Citroen Grand C4 Picasso (2009)

3,022 real MOT outcomes analysed • 69.4% first-time pass rate

2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

CarHunch analysed 3,022 real MOT records for the 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
Which year to buy? →

On this page
AI Analysis Reliability Overview Check a Specific Reg Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2009 Grand C4 Picasso is a notably unreliable proposition at first MOT with a 69.4% pass rate well below the UK average of 80%, and nearly half of these vehicles (47.8%) have recorded a dangerous defect at some point—a serious concern for any prospective buyer. Diesel and petrol variants perform identically, so fuel type won't help you pick a better example.

At around 70,000 miles these are well-used family cars, yet they're still racking up nearly 5 failures and almost 20 advisories per test on average, suggesting structural wear rather than one-off problems. Before buying, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically examines the suspension, braking system, and emissions kit—the dangerous defect rate points to systemic issues in these areas.

The 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso has a below-average first-time pass rate (69.4% vs ~80% UK average) — check the specific vehicle's full MOT history carefully before buying.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
69.4%
UK average ~80%
Below average
Dangerous (ever)
47.8%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
4.89
Over 15.2 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
70k
Middle half: 56k–84k
For context
⚠️ Below average. More vehicles in this cohort fail their first MOT than typical. Scrutinise this vehicle's history — look for recurring issues, not just the latest result.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 19.6 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 3,022 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Buyer beware — pass it on

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 3,022 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso cars.

UK

Before you buy a 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso

Based on MOT data from 3,022 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 47.8% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (89%) 2,695 69.4% 4.9
Petrol (11%) 325 69.3% 4.82

Colour Breakdown

Based on 9,665 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Silver 19.4%
1,872
Red 17.9%
1,726
Grey 17.1%
1,653
Blue 15.9%
1,533
Brown 10.1%
977
Purple 8%
771
Black 5.5%
532
Beige 2.8%
268
White 1.8%
178
Bronze 1.4%
132
Gold 0.2%
23

Mileage Distribution

Most 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

70,142
typical
56,452
low mileage
84,105
high mileage

Half of all 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso vehicles fall between 56,452 and 84,105 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 56,452 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
56,452–84,105 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picassos sit.
Over 113,541 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso — Still on the Road

Numbers are thinning — 27% of 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picassos are still active.

Numbers are declining — 731 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025 (27% of peak).

2,740 731 2014 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2014–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

15.2
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
4.89
Avg failures per vehicle
19.6
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Citroen Grand C4 Picasso: All Grand C4 Picasso years → Which year to buy? →
2007 2008 2010 2011 2012 2014

Or browse all models: Citroen →

Citroen logo

Compare with another model

See how the 2009 Citroen Grand C4 Picasso stacks up against a rival.

Buyer beware — pass it on