2005 Peugeot 206: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Peugeot 206s, from 6,657 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 2005 Peugeot 206s than on all cars registered in 2005.
- Steering rack inner joints3× usualPeugeot 20611.7% All 2005 cars3.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2005 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.
- Ball joint1.7× usualPeugeot 20611.3% All 2005 cars6.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 5.8%, against 3% of all 2005 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.
- Anti-roll bar link joints1.9× usualPeugeot 2067.9% All 2005 cars4.2%
Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.5% of all 2005 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.
- Rear fog light3.5× usualPeugeot 2064.6% All 2005 cars1.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 1.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £10–£80 our estimateAt the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.
- Side repeaters2.2× usualPeugeot 2064% All 2005 cars1.8%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1% of all 2005 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.
Headlights: 5.4% here, against 14.2% of all 2005 cars. Rust around suspension or steering mountings: 2.8% here, against 6% of all 2005 cars.
By area
The share of 2005 Peugeot 206 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension50% 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 electrics39% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres36% 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.
- Brakes34% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks24% 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 emissions17% 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% |
| 2004 | 7,049 | Suspension 48% |
| 2003 | 4,901 | Suspension 46% |
| 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 2005 Peugeot 206s registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score