Breakdown of MOT failures by type

[SteveLP]

I've just seen that the 'Honest John' website allows you to see how each XM failed its mot. You can even do it by year!

For example here are the results for XMs built in 1998....
It looks better on the actual website as you get the indentation that won't copy and paste!

http://good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co. ... citroen/xm

21% fail on Lighting and signalling
8.2% fail on Headlamp aim
7.1% fail on Headlamps
5.1% fail on Position lamps
4.1% fail on Direction indicators
3.1% fail on Registration plate
2.0% fail on Fog lamp
2.0% fail on Stop lamp
17% fail on Brakes
11% fail on Brake performance
8.2% fail on Front wheels (160% worse than other 1998 cars)
7.1% fail on Parking brake performance
2.0% fail on Rear wheels
4.1% fail on Hydraulic systems
4.1% fail on Components
4.1% fail on Pipes
3.1% fail on ABS
2.0% fail on Parking brake
2.0% fail on Condition
1.0% fail on Mechanical components
1.0% fail on Cable
1.0% fail on Hub components
1.0% fail on Brake pads
12% fail on Suspension (49% better than other 1998 cars)
4.1% fail on Fluid suspension (68 times worse that other 1998 cars)
2.0% fail on Operation (115 times worse that other 1998 cars)
2.0% fail on Pipes (302 times worse that other 1998 cars)
1.0% fail on Suspension unit
1.0% fail on Other components
2.0% fail on Shock absorbers
2.0% fail on Prescribed areas
1.0% fail on Gas suspension
1.0% fail on Suspension arms
1.0% fail on Front suspension joints
1.0% fail on Drive shafts
10% fail on Fuel and exhaust
7.1% fail on Exhaust system
3.1% fail on Spark ignition
1.0% fail on Compression ignition
1.0% fail on Fuel system
10% fail on Driver's view of the road
5.1% fail on Wipers
3.1% fail on Washers
2.0% fail on Mirrors
7.1% fail on Steering
7.1% fail on Steering system
4.1% fail on Track rod end
1.0% fail on Free play
1.0% fail on Steering rack
1.0% fail on Steering rack
1.0% fail on Ball joint
7.1% fail on Tyres
4.1% fail on Condition
3.1% fail on Tread depth
3.1% fail on Registration plates and VIN
3.1% fail on Registration plate
2.0% fail on Body and structure
1.0% fail on Vehicle structure
1.0% fail on Chassis
1.0% fail on Body condition
1.0% fail on Seat belts
1.0% fail on Condition

[MTXM]

That is interesting Steve, especially as I have just had a car fail on dipped headlamps, which were apparently not bright enough to pass the latest tests. I think the headlight issue will increasingly plague XMs, especially earlier cars, due to the internal plastic lenses that consistently yellow and fade, thus restricting light output - remedies anyone? Another common problem and failure I find is handbrake adjustment! With regards, Matthew T.

[xmexclusive]

Hi Matthew

I believe that the plastic used for the lenses was changed in late 1995.
In my experience these later ones do not yellow with age.
I expect I can find you a set to try.

John

[Dieselman]

take the lamps apart and wash the reflectors, it makes a considerable difference.

[MTXM]

Many thanks John and if you had a spare 'non-yellow' set that would be very much appreciated, since all of my cars and surplus headlights are much the same being series one. I have dismantled and carefully cleaned the headlights inside Will and also changed the plastic lenses, which has hopefully made enough difference to get through the MOT tomorrow!! With regards, Matthew T.

[Vince]

This is interesting...apparently 1.6% only, fail on structural issues...ie rust. I was looking at 1992 XM's

I thought you all say these cars are rotting for fun? Doesnt seem that way if the above figures are accurate...

[Dean]

It depends on the life of the car, rust can get hold of them now if they were abused/never cleaned etc through their life and if they have had the salt they can get bad, they have their areas the same as xantias do but on the whole they are ok, almost all xm's get a patch of surface rust inside the n/s door right down the bottom by the puddle lights, sills are an issue too especialy if the crud doesnt get cleaned out behind the front wheelarch liners, front bumper mounts also go but thats an easy repair, estates seem to be worse than the hatches from what ive seen but others may know different.

D