Citroen Xsara Picasso - Recalls

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Fri 15 Dec 2017 21:01
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Recalls - Starman999

I'm presently looking to buy a cheap as chips car. I see that an important recall (front coil spring issue) was issued iro a particular 2002 Picasso I'm interested in.

I have no knowledge of how recalls work.... So the question is: If this car has not had the recall work done, can I (all these years on!) get this work done for free somewhere or other if I buy the car?

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Fri 15 Dec 2017 23:31
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Recalls - RobJP

The recall work could only be done for free at a Citroen dealership, not some random garage.

As to whether or not the recall is still active, or if had been carried out on the car in question, only a call to a Citroen garage or (more likely) Citroen GB would tell you.

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Sat 16 Dec 2017 00:18
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Recalls - SLO76
Funny you should mention one of these, I’m running about in one right now that I took in part ex. I supplied it 4yrs ago. It’s a 2007 1.6 petrol with less than 70k on the clock and it’s been a good bus to its last owner. As a cheap workhorse they do make sense, I’m hanging onto this as a dog wagon and pub/station car park abandon bus. Comfy and hugely spacious yet next to worthless while mechanically they’re pretty robust as long as you avoid the 1.6 diesels.

However there’s plenty of potential hassle with ropey electrics as per the norm on old French motors, rotten sills are common and often poorly repaired and clutches are a bit of a pain to do I believe so make sure it’s got plenty of life left. The idiotic positioning of the battery under the front passenger seat without fitting any mechanism to access it is pure French lunacy. You actually have to unbolt the seat and remove it to get at the battery!!!

There’s loads of them around so be picky and even late 07 cars like this are selling in the hundreds of pounds not thousands so a few quid extra goes a long way here. The 2.0 HDi 8v Diesel is a bit of a legend and fit for 500k if looked after but as with all diesels it’s much more complex and costly to fix when it does go wrong so I’d largely stick with a basic petrol model with as few gadgets as possible.

Great cars for around town with very supple suspension but high speed stability is poor. As for the recall, well I’ve no idea but they are prone to snapped coil springs and front top mounts failing, one is creaking away on this particular example, I’ll get to it at some point. Not a dear fix.
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Sat 16 Dec 2017 02:40
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Recalls - Starman999

Thanks for the replies, guys. The recall in question is a mod that stops a front spring coil from trashing the tyre if it breaks, which apparently it is quite likely to do otherwise! Could be important if travelling at speed while it happens!

I just wanted to make sure that the recall mod is something that wouldn't cost me if this particular car hasn't had the work done.

So can I assume that a Citroen main dealer would oblige free of charge, if necessary?

Yes the Picasso does seem to offer unusually good value. Sadly, I've noticed that because my budget is SO restricted... sigh.

I rather like the car's floaty feel!

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Sat 16 Dec 2017 07:34
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Recalls - RobJP



I just wanted to make sure that the recall mod is something that wouldn't cost me if this particular car hasn't had the work done.

So can I assume that a Citroen main dealer would oblige free of charge, if necessary?

No, don't assume anything. As I suggested, ask a Citroen dealer or Citroen GB.

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Sat 16 Dec 2017 11:04
Citroen Xsara Picasso - Recalls - Starman999

Will do!

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