2003 Peugeot 206: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2003 Peugeot 206s, from 4,901 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2003 Peugeot 206s than on all cars registered in 2003.
- Exhaust system1.9× usualPeugeot 20618.4% All 2003 cars9.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.5%, against 2.6% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Side repeaters4.5× usualPeugeot 2067.6% All 2003 cars1.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Anti-roll bar link joints2.4× usualPeugeot 2067.6% All 2003 cars3.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.4%, against 1.1% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanicAt the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.
- Load sensing valves10.5× usualPeugeot 2064.2% All 2003 cars0.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.2% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Steering rack inner joints1.9× usualPeugeot 2066.6% All 2003 cars3.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £100–£450 our estimateAt the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.
By area
The share of 2003 Peugeot 206 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension46% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Lights and electrics42% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes38% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Tyres32% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Oil and fluid leaks22% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Exhaust and emissions22% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 997 | Suspension 49% |
| 2007 | 2,184 | Suspension 44% |
| 2006 | 5,011 | Suspension 48% |
| 2005 | 6,657 | Suspension 50% |
| 2004 | 7,049 | Suspension 48% |
| 2002 | 3,631 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 2001 | 2,231 | Suspension 50% |
| 2000 | 856 | Suspension 48% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2003 Peugeot 206s registered in 2003. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score