Common problems by part
Citroen Relay steering problems
DVSA MOT tests 2022–2025 · 4,990 MOT tests · Updated
At 8 years, 1.3 in 100 MOT tests of the Citroen Relay failed on steering, against 1.2 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 4,990 MOT tests) [1].
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- Against all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years), 67 MOT tests with a fail
- By age: seen at 18 ages from 3 to 20 years, 57,180 MOT tests
- MOT tests at 8 years: 4,990 for the Citroen Relay
Figures are for the model as a whole, not for one car.
What the MOT tests show
What we know
1.3 fails per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.2 for all class 4 vehicles tested at 8 (all test years). That is about average.
Why it matters
A steering fail stops the car passing until it is fixed.
What to check
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The Citroen Relay is a commercial or van-based vehicle: it is compared with all class 4 vehicles, cars and vans together, so part of any difference can come from how vans are used.
Citroen Relay steering fails by age
| Age | MOT tests | Fails per 100 | All class 4 vehicles the same age |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 1,932 | 0.3 | 0.1 |
| 4 | 2,244 | 0.6 | 0.2 |
| 5 | 2,996 | 1.1 | 0.3 |
| 6 | 3,974 | 1.3 | 0.5 |
| 7 | 4,618 | 1.1 | 0.8 |
| 8 | 4,990 | 1.3 | 1.2 |
| 9 | 4,674 | 2.1 | 1.8 |
| 10 | 4,052 | 2.8 | 2.1 |
| 11 | 3,338 | 3.0 | 2.5 |
| 12 | 3,034 | 1.5 | 2.8 |
| 13 | 2,857 | 2.2 | 2.9 |
| 14 | 2,987 | 2.6 | 3.2 |
| 15 | 3,367 | 3.0 | 3.3 |
| 16 | 3,385 | 3.0 | 3.4 |
| 17 | 3,206 | 3.2 | 3.6 |
| 18 | 2,509 | 3.0 | 3.9 |
| 19* | 1,823 | 3.1 | 4.1 |
| 20* | 1,194 | 2.3 | 4.2 |
All first-use years of the Citroen Relay pooled at each age, against all class 4 vehicles at that age over all 2022–2025 test years. * Only survivors are still tested at this age.
What fails in the steering at 8 years
Advisories (not fails)
- Play in steering rack inner joint(s): 2.3 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.6. Play in steering rack inner joint(s) MOT advisory
- Track rod end: ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt: 1.2 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.7. Track rod end ball joint dust cover damaged or deteriorated, but preventing the ingress of dirt (MOT minor defect)
- Other components: has slight seepage from a component: 0.6 advisories per 100 MOT tests, all class 4 vehicles 0.0. Power steering component has slight seepage from a component MOT advisory
Buying a Citroen Relay? Check that exact car before the viewing.
Buying Report £14.99 incl. VAT · one car · no subscription · Not a mechanical inspection.
- Model risks for this year and fuel
- What similar cars did at their next MOT
- Repairs ahead
- Viewing checklist
How to check on a test drive
With the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: listen for knocks or groans and feel for play at the straight-ahead position. On the drive the car should not wander.
The most common advisory here in MOT records: Play in steering rack inner joint(s).
Check one Citroen Relay, not the average
The figures here describe Citroen Relay cars as a group. These free tools answer for one car. Each line says what the tool reads.
- Check a Citroen Relay's MOT history Every MOT test, fail item, advisory and mileage reading DVSA holds for that registration.
- MOT advisory checker Paste an advisory or defect to read DVSA's wording, its grade and what tends to happen at the next MOT.
Other Citroen Relay problems
- Citroen Relay suspension problems
- Citroen Relay brakes problems
- Citroen Relay lights and electrics problems
- Citroen Relay body and structure problems
- Citroen Relay exhaust, emissions and leaks problems
- Citroen Relay seat belts and airbags problems
- Citroen Relay windscreen, wipers and mirrors problems
- Citroen Relay tyres problems
Steering on rival models
- Peugeot Boxer steering problems: 0.8 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.3 for the Citroen Relay (12,586 MOT tests)
- Fiat Ducato steering problems: 0.6 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.3 for the Citroen Relay (10,306 MOT tests)
- London Taxis International TX4 steering problems: 2.9 per 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.3 for the Citroen Relay (7,039 MOT tests)
Questions people ask
Does the Citroen Relay have more steering problems than other cars?
1.3 in 100 MOT tests at 8 years, against 1.2 for all class 4 vehicles the same age: about average by our test (all test years; 4,990 MOT tests).
How common are Citroen Relay steering problems?
1.3 in 100 MOT tests at 8 years failed on steering, against 1.2 for all class 4 vehicles the same age (all test years; 4,990 MOT tests).
Sources
- Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency, Anonymised MOT tests and results, 2022 to 2025. DVSA MOT data, Open Government Licence v3.0, 57,180 MOT tests. Accessed 7 Oct 2026.
Parts: against all class 4 vehicles at the same age, all 2022–2025 test years pooled, not adjusted for mileage. Breakdowns and non-MOT faults are not in this data. How we compare