CITROEN Relay road test reports and car reviews

Citroen Relay

I’ve had to fix the wind screen jets and have had 3 new EGR valves fitted. The rear door fell to bits and I’ve had to readjust the side door. Full spare wheel now fitted in the back due to holder jamming. The van has only done 50000 miles. Never going to buy a relay again - James Harkness from Renfrewshire

Citroen Relay Panel van 2007

I’ve submitted a review before but thought I just might update; which might help someone else. Firstly I took the van for first service (£250), I took to main dealers because the steering started making a noise when turning right or left and seemed to pull to left. I was convinced it was top of suspension struts, it wasn’t, it was tracrod arm on drivers side. They replaced it on warranty, no problems any more. But then I turned the engine off one night, tried to start it next morning, no chance. It turned over but would not start. I rung Citroen breakdown cover only to find out it only has 12 months cover. When I bought the motorhome in 05 it had 3 years breakdown cover, lesson there for me. Anyway, to cut a long story short, I checked fuses in van on drivers side they were all OK. That left the main fuses under the bonnet on passengers side; I checked all the main fuses, the fat ones, no fault there. Then I found it was a twenty amp fuse, one of three which supplies power to ECU. I replaced it and it fired up straight away but the problem is that the fuse box is covered with a plastic top with 8 mm nuts so at the side of the road you wouldnt be able to fix it and you would be stranded. I now have 8 mm socket on screwdriver and torch just in case. That’s about it for now.

Responses to this review

I cannot locate the fuse for the cigarette lighter and blower. Can you please tell me where I might locate these fuses? I have checked the one on the left of the steering wheel but the others are difficult to locate. Cheers - Graham from Kent

If you look under the bonnet on the passengers side, just back from the headlight you will see a black plastic cover held in place by two 8 mm nuts. When you remove it, which is a bit of a fiddle, you will see some more fuses. Check all the big main fuses, I am almost sure it is the second fuse on from right, 30 amp I think. Make sure you pull out one at a time to check and replace so you dont mix them up as they are different ratings. I hope this is of some help - John Stansfield from Lancashire

I had the same problem with that fuse. Van was new (10k), but overall van is ok - Mario from Yorkshire

Anyone any idea where the window wiper fuse is located? My wipers just stopped working yesterday on my 2001 1.9 swb Citreon Relay - David Laurence from Angus (Forfarshire)

Citroen Relay 2007

I have two of the new Citroen Relay’s and if I could come out of the financial ties I have with them I would do it yesterday... Nothing but problems... Warranty issue after warranty issue and the thing that costs the most is the hiring of a replacement van whilst waiting for warranty approval... then parts to arrive and finnally getting it sorted for the next problem... Faults so far are - side sliding door sensor; side sliding door operation not closing properly; exhaust catalyst; both vans back door hinges starting to rip at hinge mount; front door hinges clicking; heater does not work; knocking noise in engine at 77000mls; timing belt change due at 100000mls; paint cracking and peals very easily. These are a few of the problems. I would understand if it was a one off but when you see it happening to both, not nessarilly at the same time as one van is 64000mls and the other 77000mls. one can see the problems repeating themselves. Cheap van = cheap quality obviously... I have got a Mercedes Sprinter on 190000mls with less problems... come on Citroen, work it out.

Citroen Relay LWB 2008

I have had nothing but problems with our Relay’s. From clutches burning out to gearbox’s being replaced. We will not be buying any more. They are in Citroen’s work shop more than they are out on hire. We can’t strust these vans to do the job they need to do. Also, Citroen always blame driver error.

Citroen Relay L2 H1 2008

Bought my 08 plate van earlier this year from Evans Halshaw in Hull. It was a dealer demo, 1 year old, with 4k on the clock. Coming from a 04 plate Transit moneypit, the Citroen was in a different league in terms of toys and load space. I have covered just over 15k to date with only a few minor issues which were sorted by my local Citroen dealer, washer jet broke and an annoying squeak from the brakes were sorted under warranty. An amazing tank range and mpg at a regular 35mpg plus. This is a great van with storage everywhere in the cab plus loads of tie hooks in the back with a handy 12v socket at the back door, tyre tread still looking like new as is the paintwork.... will update at 25k service.

Responses to this review

Just a quick update; I had the van serviced last month at a non dealer garage. The cost of the service was £145 fully inc. The heating resistor pack failed last week so had a new one fitted at local citroen dealer under warranty. No other problems and the van has now covered 28k - Mike Stockport from Durham

Citroen Relay 30 L1 H1 2008

Best van I have ever owned. Had 2 Transits and they were possibly the worst experience of my life. Yes, I’ve had a few problems, namely: Windscreen washers blew apart, 1 recall for roof rack points, 2 new drive shafts, 1 new power steering pump. This sounds bad and maybe it is, however the dealer has always sorted my problems out and sorted a courtesy van FOC. Nice to drive, comfortable, 35mpg, spacious, well built!

Citroen Relay 2001

I’ve had my van, a 2001 Y plate Relay with 73,000 miles a few months now and it’s an OK van. It failed its MOT on one break line; the near side front one needed a new starter motor at £126; a front tyre at £48 but that’s all. It carries weight very well but I’m only a gardener so that’s only a few mowers. It really hates hills; I felt like I needed to ask the lads to jump out an push a few times. It’s stupid, the smallest hill and I’m right down the gear box in 2nd or 1st just to get to the top. But, it’s only a 1.9 diesel and does weigh 2.8 tons so it’s not that bad. The problem I have is that if I’ve got a trailer on the tow hitch I can’t open the rear doors to get tools out so have to un-hitch the trailer. It costs around £58 to fill up an I’m filling it up every 6 to 8 days and I am not the fastest of drivers; I just keep up with the flow of traffic. I feel like I’ve slated this van but I’m actually happy with it; it does the job i want it to very well.

Responses to this review

I’ve got a Relay Y reg. I’ve had it 2 years, so far... one snapped clutch cable, 2 snapped clutch pedals, £70 of welding to sill, it hates hills, but it’s nice to drive, not parting with it, only 60k - Bob Davis from London

Citroen Relay 2009

Just bought a motorhome using the Citroen Relay SWB van as base vehicle. It is pulling to the left noticeably, and dealer tried to tell us it is the camber of the road. It does it on a flat motorway! Having it checked in a couple of days with local dealer. Otherwise van is lovely, comfortable, nippy, great turning circle, just like driving a car. I’d like to know how John Parker of Kent has resolved the same problem.

Responses to this review

Hi Sue. I have just purchased a Citroen Relay 2008 L3 H2. The Relay has the same problem pulling to the left. Has yours been rectified? If so what was the problem? Please provide any information, as this would be a great help. Kind Regards. Nick - Nick H from Swansea

Citroen Relay mwb panel van 2008

I bought this van to convert into a motor home and did so with out too many problems... apart from the stainless steel door guide which seems to have flecks of rust on it - put this down to poor grade used. I have also had two tyre valves that leaked - had them replaced. Engine management light came on a few times, disconnected battery to reset it and have had no problems since. I have covered 16000 miles so far and have had no major faults the van has had two recalls one point when buying a new van always walk round it and check it it for damage as when I washing the van a week later I noticed a patch of tiny little holes on sliding door. I was surprised that it was filler and after jumping up and down I returned the van and got another door off the dealer. That is about it really.

Citroen Relay MWB 2.2 6 speed 2008

Pleased with panel van motorhome conversion on Citroen Relay. So far so good 7000 miles fuel 37 to 38mpg. Do feel at times on limit of ability in reverse as if could do with lower gear although no judder etc. Can anyone tell me what parts if any are different on a Citroen van than on Fiat van regards drive train units from axels gearbox clutch engine or any differences at all. Regards Ray.

Citroen Relay 35 HDI 160 LWB 2007

Van purchased in April 2007. Nice cab and good to drive till the problems started. Spare wheel carrier would not work - lost days of work getting it fixed. Had accident van in repair shop 10 weeks waiting for body panel. Side door warning light kept coming on - still disconnected. Starter motor has been replaced twice, off road 3 days both times. Back door been replaced as 2 cracks appeared in it, days work lost again. Waiting for this door to be replaced as same 2 cracks appeared in new door. Side door hinge had to be replaced. Steering rack went, off road another week. Charge light stayed on garage said it needed alternator took 4 days to fit , just the same then said it needed wiring harness another 3 weeks off the road. Day I picked it up fuel gauge was not working took 3 more days to sort out. Got van back it now uses 1lt of water a day - I’d never used any in the previous 2 years. 10 days later the clutch has gone. Up to now I’ve spent over £2500 on van hires. Phoned Citroen UK to complain but they say it has nothing to do with them.

Responses to this review

Reading your report, I can make yours look like a small problem. Here is a list of my problems on a 07 model: 2x gear boxes, 3x clutches, 1x steering rack, 1x cv joint, 1x spare wheel housing,, 2x cat converter 1x set of new back doors, 1x air bag sensor, 1x starter motor, 8x set of brake pads, the list is endless, and i have only done 35000 miles. It has cost me thousands in hire charges, I will never recommend citreon. Glad to get that of my chest - John Simons from Yorkshire

Citroen Relay 2.2HDi L2H2 2007

Traded in a 2003 Ducato. It is a good van, nice and quiet and very comfortable cab, mine has a/c & factory bulkhead. Fully adjustable seat and steering column makes for a perfect driving position with lots of space for stowing odds and ends. Good access to load space in the rear, MUCH better to step intro than any RWD van (e.g. Sprinter, Transit, Iveco). Mercedes dealer could not get anywhere near the contract rental I got from Citroen & the van has more spec that a Sprinter too. Great on fuel too if driven carefully, I can get almost 40mpg! & average 35+mpg. Only real criticism is with the mirrors as they are not as good for vision as the previous models. Good all round reliable van will have another one.

Citroen Relay 2008

I’m leasing a Citroen Relay LWb 08. This van is currently on 28000 miles and the amount of work that has been carried out has shocked me and a part of me is glad that is on a lease. I have had a new gearbox and clutch fitted. The fuel pump failed, the brakes gave up on me and the driver’s seat has locked itself in the worst position going. Also, the most recent fault is that the exhaust pipe has snapped... this van is costing me £600 per month and if the truth be known its not worth £6 a month, I think the only good thing about this van is that it looks really smart; shame the engine is not as good.

Citroen Relay 3lt Relay 2007

I have the 3lt Relay which has now done only 21k, I have a problem with the clutch slipping. I have been told this could be a problem with the duel mass flywheel, is this a common fault?

Citroen Relay 2008

From day 1 steering has been pulling to the left. When I reported it to the dealer their reply was "It’s down to the terrain of the road". It makes a horrible noise at the back when going over humps. Very poor for reversing, shudders quite a lot. Wing mirrors vibrate when travelling at 60+.

Citroen Relay 2007

Van purchased in June 2007, new clutch fitted June 2008 at 17,900 miles. Now its back into Citroen for ANOTHER clutch at 28,000 miles (Jan 09). I have noticed other people have had juddering whilst reversing which is why I’m wondering if its a common fault, not purely driver error as has been commented by Citroen UK?! Oh and plus several software updates when it has been into Citroen!!

Citroen Relay L2 H1 2.2 2007

I needed to change my Merc Vito for a wider vehicle, so having spent some time and measuring many interior widths decided on 2 - the Merc Sprinter or the Citroen Relay 3. However, Merc dealer failed to ring me back so the Citroen Relay was ordered. I opted for special order paint and lots of extra’s. Having waited 3 months for the vehicle to arrive and then it needed a full respray I should have stopped at buying it then. Vehicle then arrived another month later and wipers didnt work, fuse had blown, so checked the rest of them and all fuses were put in wrong (come on... 30amp fuses protecting 10amp circuits) How dangerous is that? A week later at 1am the horn decided to go off while I was in bed and then burnt out setting the loom on fire (tried disconnecting the battery in a hurry, you need tools to lift the floor up to do this). A week later the van broke down twice, waited 3 months for a temp repair. Egr faults every week, dash trim falls off, clutch judders in reverse, gearbox crunches in 3rd, it rains inside the van (could grow tomatoes in the back). Brake pedal decides to hit the floor randomly, paintwork is now peeling off. Smokes like my Grandads pipe, engine rattles louder than a baby on steroids, fuel consumption 26mpg, poor heating. Why oh why do they fit black mirrors and grey bumpers. I have had quite a lot of vans over the years and this has to be the worst van I have ever had. At the moment it is back in the garage for more repairs, this is 10mins after they brought it back after been away for 3 weeks. The van is generally very comfy and has a real nice driving position, loads of carrying capacity and thats about all. I do hope Citroen can sort all the major faults with these vans and I’m sure they will.

Citroen Relay H2 L2 2007

Improvement over old model, however poor build quality, dealership backup and understanding will have me looking for alternative manufacturers when replacing this vehicle. 1. Washer jets failed to work correctly from new. 2. Rear door button releases fell out 1st time used. 3. Door mirrors vibrate and rattle at high speed. 4. Drivers lumber support failed with a loud bang while negotiating a roundabout (at 5000 miles) 5. Stitching in duel passenger seat started coming apart which is hardly ever used.(at 7000 miles) 6. Sat nav failed to work (at 11000 miles) 7. Cooling system fractured a pipe and lost fluid (at 13000 miles)

Citroen Relay h1l1 2007

I am with David Bamlett on this - mine is just over 12 months old and I have had it in every month for one thing or another. It’s had an egr problem for the last 12 months and Citroen say it’s nothing to do with them. The van is on my drive and not running at all. Citroen should look after the people that have their vans. I WOULD NEVER HAVE A VAN FROM THEM AGAIN!!! Looks like mine is going to take a court case to put it right...

Citroen Relay L1H1 STANDARD 2006

Same as the first review. Build quality was poor. My roof has no paint on it, just a gritty primer I think. Numerous recalls, one being the steering rack reported on other review, same with the imaginary door open buzzer when going round roundabouts. Also taken back now for the fifth time with poor brakes, they have changed nearly all except the servo under warranty and still broke, going in to have the servo changed next week. Side door being repaired as it locked me in the van without being able to open it from the inside, then I couldn’t open it from the outside either. Windscreen washers have fell apart once and been replaced. This is a good one that caused me some havoc on the roads... when indicating, the corners of the van flashed the right direction but the mirror indicators flashed the other direction.. the solution by Evans Halshaw at the time was black tape over the glass till the fault was found (classic) and one more I can remember is the heaters are so useless I had them looked at... no problem says Citroen - it’s that bad I have bought an inverter for the van to convert 12 volts into 240 volts and I now have a 1000 watt electric heater plugged in by my feet! It was a lot cheaper than going down the diesel cab heater route for about 600 quid plus fitting... I have had the van 2 years and am now looking for something else as the warranty is about to expire.. all this from brand new.

Responses to this review

Is this a wind up, or does this guy really plug a kilowatt fire into his van electrics? - Peter Eddowes from England

Citroen Relay L2 H2 2007

The New Relay offers a higher level of comfort and specification than any of its competitors. ie: the driving position, cab layout, storage compartments, cd-rds radio and free sat-nav are nothing short of superb. The low rear-loading door height is also top-class. However, the problems with this vehicle are build-quality, reliability and after sales service. I drive approximately 1000 miles per week and have previously used Transits, Merc Sprinters or VW’s but was attracted to the Citroen by positive professional reviews, the enhanced cab specification and competitive pricing. After just 10000 miles I required AA asistance to repair a fractured coolant pipe. A temporary repair lasted a further 5000 miles without any problem, until a Citroen replacement could be sourced. This lasted only another 8000 miles before again fracturing in an identical weld position. The AA patrolman who made the 2nd repair advised me not to replace the part as he had recently been called to three identical failures. Interestingly, the temporary repair has now lasted twice as long as two genuine parts combined although Citroen deny there is a fault. From time of purchase, the door hinges and door release quality was poor. The drivers door was difficult to close without force (until the retainer fell apart). The side loading door generates an alarm in the cab to indicate an imaginary open door and, additionally, prevents the central locking from working. The rear door releases fell out in the first week of ownership. Again, from time of purchase, attempting to reverse up any sort of incline will result in either excessive judder or clutch-burning. After approx 25000 miles I noticed a grinding noise from the steering column when maneuvering at slow speeds. According to Citroen, the vehicle is unsafe to drive and requires a replacement steering rack. I was not aware that a steering rack is required at 25k mile intervals! If you want a comfortable driving position, well laid out and high spec cab then buy a Relay. However, if you would prefer a reliable large panel van that spends more time on the road than in the workshop, then buy anything else!

Citroen Relay 2.0HDi 1100 SWB 2005

Good van, works hard. Nice and quiet and very comfortable cab. Fully adjustable seat and steering column make it very easy to find the perfect driving position and lots of space for stowing odds and ends. Good access to load space in the rear. Good all round reliable van.