The electric Citroen e-Berlingo was first introduced back in 2017 and has since been sold side-to-side with Citroen’s Berlingo combustion engine variants. The e-Berlingo promises to offer the same level of functionality and utility, but with the added benefit of not destroying the environment along the way. As such, the e-Berlingo is really similar to the regular Berlingo, but with the added EV powertrain.
In this article, we are going to mention common problems with Citroën ë-Berlingo and tell you what you need to look out for if you are interested in buying one. It’s worth mentioning that electrical cars come with far fewer mechanical parts as opposed to combustion engine cars which is why the e-Berlingo should also be the more reliable model.
The most common issues with the e-Berlingo include problems with the front suspension, problems with the A/C, issues with the sliding doors, issues with the brakes, and potentially even issues with the range. All in all, most of these issues are carried away from regular Berlingo models and are as such, really easy to take care of.
Either way, the e-Berlingo comes with a significant premium over the regular Berlingo. Some might even argue the logic behind buying a commercial-grade electric vehicle, yet it seems like the e-Berlingo is selling very well.
Citroen e-Berlingo – Front suspension issues
The Citroen Berlingo is known to experience issues with the front suspension, no matter if it is the combustion engine model or the electric model. However, given the fact that the electric model adds a ton of weight on top of the regular Berlingo, these issues can become even more apparent, especially if you add lots of weight through cargo.
As such, if you hear any rattling noises coming from the front suspension area, chances are that your strut mounts are failing. The noise becomes even more noticeable while traveling over road undulations such as speed bumps or potholes. The only way to fix this properly is to replace the front struts altogether.
Citroen e-Berlingo – A/C issues
The A/C fan in the Citroen Berlingo that pump cold air through the air vents is a known failure point on many Citroen models, and the e-Berlingo is no different. To test this out, be sure to set the A/C on its coldest setting and wait a bit. If the air coming out of the vents is not particularly cold, you are likely experiencing a broken fan.
However, owners have also reported that this issue can sometimes be solved by re-gassing the system. If that does not help, you are likely going to have to invest in a brand-new A/C fan.
Citroen e-Berlingo – Issues with the sliding doors
One of the most complained about aspects of the Berlingo is associated with the sliding doors which can sometimes fail. The issue is likely caused by a broken sliding door catch which will have to be replaced in order to solve the issue. If your doors are refusing to stay open, chances are that your door catches are to blame.
However, a few owners have also reported issues with the interior door handle as well. If your doors are not opening smoothly, or if they are catching while opening, be sure to inspect your interior door handle mechanism. If it truly is the issue, you ought to replace it before it causes any more issues.
Citroen e-Berlingo – Issues with the brakes
According to quite a few reports, all Berlingo models suffer from weak brakes. This is typically caused by a material detaching from the timing belt and thus is affecting the brake vacuum pump. Citroen acknowledged this issue and they even incorporated a software unit designed to detect this issue before it takes place.
Sadly, the only way to solve this issue completely is to replace the brake vacuum pump, the timing belt, and by updating/rebooting the detection software. You do need to keep in mind that a fully packed e-Berlingo weighs a lot, and you do need effective brakes for the car to come to a complete stop.
Citroen e-Berlingo – Range anxiety
A range of 183 miles is not something to brag about, but certain reports have shown that the e-Berlingo maximum range is actually closer to 130 miles. If you pair this with lots of cargo, the range can drop by a dozen or two miles further.
Finally, if you add cold weather into the equation, the e-Berlingo might not even be able to do 100 miles on a full charge which is really frustrating, especially if you are using it for commercial purposes.
More about Citroën Berlingo problems.
FAQ Section
Should I buy the Citroen e-Berlingo?
If you are after a well-rounded family MPV/van, and you want to save the environment, the e-Berlingo is not a bad choice at all. However, the e-Berlingo comes with a hefty premium over the regular Berlingo and is thus much less financially reasonable. If you tend to use it for long-distance journeys, then the electric powertrain becomes a hassle.
The reality is that the regular gasoline/diesel Berlingo is a much better choice for everything except maybe town commuting. Yes, you can get serious discounts and grants if you buy these as fleet vehicles, but those benefits will soon diminish when you start using these for long-distance journeys.
Are electric vans a good idea?
Electric vans are good and bad at the same time. The good thing about them is that they benefit the environment, they are quick, they come with all sorts of grants, tax cuts, and other benefits for businesses of all scales. Moreover, you don’t have to pay congestion charges in certain cities, and you can typically enjoy cheaper parking.
On the other hand, electric vans don’t get nearly the same range as a comparable diesel variant, and they are much more expensive too. Long-distance journeys are not what these are made for, and you don’t have the confidence that you will always be able to recharge it on time while on the road.
Is the Citroen e-Berlingo a good family car?
The Citroen e-Berlingo is actually a really good family car is offers lots of space, a fairly well-appointed cabin, and is relatively comfortable. Furthermore, it is a 5-star rated car when it comes to crash protection and it gets a whole host of family-friendly features.
Is the Citroën e-Berlingo a good family car?
The Citroën e-Berlingo is actually a really good family car is offers lots of space, a fairly well-appointed cabin, and is relatively comfortable. Furthermore, it is a 5-star rated car when it comes to crash protection and it gets a whole host of family-friendly features.
What goes wrong with Citroën Berlingo?
The most common issues reported by owners are water getting into the fuse box and problems with interior door handle mechanisms. In addition, all models have weak brakes due to a material detaching from the timing belt which affects the brake vacuum pump. Furthermore, range anxiety is a problem for the e-Berlingo as it can only travel around 130 miles on a full charge, and this can drop even further when carrying cargo or in cold weather. Other minor annoyances have also been mentioned such as creaking suspension joints, electrical niggles, power steering failure, and air conditioning issues.
