Used Citroën C4 Picasso

What to know before buying: Citroën C4 Picasso

From 3 forum threads and 3 press tests · updated 12/10/2026

What the reviews say

• The Croatian Citroën forum lists the C4 Picasso model period as October 2006 to May 2013.[2]one sourceC4 Picasso
• The C4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer is a 2013–2022 MPV offered with petrol and diesel engines; the specific engine, gearbox, service history and diagnostics are crucial.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer
• A 2007 long-term test described the C4 Picasso as comfortable but more troublesome than the other four cars, with two further faults occurring during one test stage.[3]one sourceC4 Picasso

Typical faults

• From about 60,000 km, the 1.2 PureTech may develop high oil consumption from coked piston rings; deposits and lubrication issues accelerate timing-belt deterioration.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer

  60 000+ km · 1.2 PureTech

• From about 80,000 km, the 1.6 HDi DV6 turbo oil-feed filter can clog, while injector copper washers may leak and leave soot around the injectors.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso

  80 000+ km · 1.6 HDi DV6

• From about 60,000 km, 1.6 THP/VTi EP6 engines are associated with chain stretch, tensioner wear, oil consumption and intake deposits; THP versions also have turbo-oiling and high-pressure-pump issues.[4]one sourceC4 PicassoC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer

  60 000+ km · 1.6 THP, 1.6 VTi, EP6

• From about 60,000 km, the four-speed AL4/DP0 automatic is associated with pressure-solenoid, valve-body and reverse-gear faults; its “S/*” indicator flashes in limp mode.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso

  60 000+ km · 1.6 petrol

• From about 100,000 km, urban use can clog the DPF and EGR on 2.0/2.2 HDi engines; BlueHDi versions may suffer AdBlue pump or heater failure. A 2015 2.0 HDi owner also reported an AdBlue pump fault.[4][1]C4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer

  100 000+ km · 2.0 HDi, 2.0 BlueHDi, 2.2 HDi

• ETG/EGS/BMP automated manuals are reported to pause during shifts and wear their clutch and actuator quickly; the issue is scoped to 2008–2018 gearboxes from about 60,000 km.[4]one sourceC4 PicassoC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer

  60 000+ km · 2008–2018 · 1.2 PureTech, 1.5 BlueHDi, 1.6 HDi

• A recall for Argentina-sold cars built from September 2016 cites incorrectly routed starter wiring that can overheat and, in very rare cases, cause a fire.[5]one sourceC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer

  2016+

Which engine and version to take

• The 2.0 BlueHDi 150 and 180 stand out in the supplied comparison: each has two listed risks and a “less risk” rating. The DPF, EGR and AdBlue systems still require checking.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer

What to avoid

• Consider the 1.2 PureTech only with convincing oil-service records and a verified timing belt: the source links it to oil consumption, coked rings and belt deterioration.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer
• A 1.6 THP/VTi EP6 without documented maintenance is a risky choice because of its chain, tensioner, oil-consumption and intake-deposit issues.[4]one sourceC4 PicassoC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer
• Choose a pre-2012 1.6 HDi DV6 only after careful checks of turbo lubrication and injector seals; the source identifies these versions as the more problematic ones.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso

What to check at the inspection

• On a 1.2 PureTech, check oil use between services, blue smoke, compression, timing-belt condition and oil-service history.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer
• With a cold 1.6 HDi, listen for turbo whistling, look for oil in the exhaust and soot around the injectors, and verify oil-change intervals.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso
• On a cold 1.6 THP/VTi start, listen for chain rattle; check oil consumption, timing faults, service history and the THP turbo oil lines.[4]one sourceC4 PicassoC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer
• During an AL4/DP0 test drive, check 2–3 and 3–4 shifts, jolts and limp mode, and establish the gearbox-fluid service history.[4]one sourceC4 Picasso
• Use diagnostics to inspect DPF loading and EGR/AdBlue faults. Pay particular attention to warnings that starting will become impossible after a stated distance.[4][1]C4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer
• Use the VIN to identify any ETG/EGS/BMP automated manual; check clutch adaptation and hill starts. EAT6/EAT8 units are different, conventional automatics.[4]one sourceC4 PicassoC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer
• For an Argentina-market car built from September 2016, ask an authorised workshop to verify recall status, starter-wire routing and protection of the remaining engine-bay wiring.[5]one sourceC4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]clubcitroen.bg — Проблем с Ситроен Ц4 - Клуб Citroën БЪЛГАРИЯ · forum
2. [2]citroenforum.hr — Citroën C4 Picasso | Page 3 · forum
3. [3]vibilagare.se — Fortsatt krångel med C4 Picasso · press
4. [4]autoradars.lv — Citroën C4 Picasso II / SpaceTourer - AutoRadars.lv · press
5. [5]actualidadmotor.com — Tagasi kutsuti Citroën C4 Picasso ja Grand ... · press
6. [6]c4owners.org — Forums / C4 Picasso Problems and issues · forum

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