2002 Citroen Dispatch 1.9 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I would have kept the 1999 model

Faults:

One sliding door locating device broke at under 2000 miles.

Intermittently, the engine sounds like it is running without oil and loses power. (No warning lights are activated.) Other people have experienced this symptom with this model.

The nearside sliding door is not aligned correctly.

General Comments:

These newer models have some electronic control of the diesel injection system.

The steering and clutch have been "over-lightened" on the latest models.

Throttle response is terrible. The engine reaches full power at about half throttle. In my view this is dangerous as I have attempted (and had to abandon) overtaking maneuvers because the vehicle has not accelerated as I have put my foot down.

Fuel economy seems slightly better than the 1999 model.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 6th September, 2002

13th Oct 2004, 13:55

The Problem you are having with the van, we have with our Berlingo, 'transit' mode is what it is referred to (because it sounds like a transit van) It is the fuel solenoid, Causing deisel knock. Only Citroen know about this. Hope this helps!

7th Nov 2004, 03:07

Is this a 1.9 or 2.00 hdi dispatch.

8th May 2008, 14:57

I have a 54 plate Dispatch 2.0HDI and on a decent run the engine management light comes on taking away the top end power. It is fine when in and around town and only comes on after about 15 minutes or so of a long run. Manual says the light is for ignition, injection and emissions but dealer has had it on their diagnostic machine and says they can't find anything wrong. Is there a known problem with faulty sensors or is it more than likely an actual problem with the engine?

26th May 2008, 15:45

I have a 57 plate Citroen dispatch which has done less than 4000 miles. Last week the cam belt snapped and local dealer have advised that the fuel pump has seized. A fuel sample has been sent to France and no further work has been done on the van in the last 7 days. Is this a common problem with these vans and if so what is the cause?

25th Jul 2008, 07:56

I own a 1.9D Citroen Dispatch van 2003-2004 which has recently had a cam-belt snap after 24500 miles causing extensive work to the engine. Is this known to be a common problem found with these vans?

25th Jul 2008, 14:40

When I took my C3 in for a service last year, a customer came about booking a 80,000 miles service for a 54 Reg Dispatch, and he was asking whether it needed a cambelt change, as it had a new engine at 30,000 miles.

When I heard that, I was shocked the engine went at only 30,000.

In reply to 25th Jul 2008, 07:56

25th Nov 2014, 20:30

Had the same thing happen my 2003 Dispatch. Had to get a new head. Cost a lot.

1999 Citroen Dispatch 1.9 diesel from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Suited for urban usage. Under-powered for motorways

Faults:

Regularly, the locating devices for the sliding doors break.

After about 2 years, the door locks became difficult to open. This was down to poor maintenance and incorrect lubricant.

After 3 years, the accelerator cable snapped and the rear exhaust silencer fell off within the space of a week.

General Comments:

These vans are unsuitable for long distance motorway driving.

Above 60mph the cabin is very noisy.

The basic 1.9D is under-powered, but has withstood the bulk of its life at full throttle impeccably, with no faults or signs of wear. Average fuel consumption was 30mpg.

Security of vehicle contents is pathetic. Once, when I locked my keys inside, it took me only a few seconds to open the front passenger door with a coat hanger.

However, the engine immobiliser is effective at preventing theft OF the vehicle.

Turbo Diesel or the later HDi models are a better choice for regular motorway driving.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th August, 2002

29th Jan 2006, 06:16

Just got a P reg. Nice to drive, but the trim falls off, locks just are a joke, and the speedo doesn't work.

Good parts: the heater works and the shell doesn't rust like the Ford.

At the end of the day, it's a working van that will keep going. Still looks like an up to date van for its age. A P reg Ford would be rusted to bits by now. For 900 pounds, I can't moan.