2012 Peugeot 207: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Peugeot 207s, from 12,631 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 2012 Peugeot 207s than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Exhaust system3.1× usualPeugeot 20717.1% All 2012 cars5.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.2%, against 1.5% of all 2012 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.
- Number plate lights2.1× usualPeugeot 20715.3% All 2012 cars7.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 4.8%, against 2.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £5–£40 our estimateAt the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints2.5× usualPeugeot 20710.8% All 2012 cars4.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 7.8%, against 2.1% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £60–£350 our estimateAt the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Headlights2.3× usualPeugeot 20710.7% All 2012 cars4.7%
Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.9% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
- Engine oil leaks1.7× usualPeugeot 20712.5% All 2012 cars7.3%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.3%, against 0.2% of all 2012 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
Suspension arm bushes and joints: 3.1% here, against 10.1% of all 2012 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 0.5% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Peugeot 207 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- 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.
- Suspension38% 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.
- Tyres35% 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.
- Brakes28% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions19% 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.
- Oil and fluid leaks14% 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.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 961 | Brakes 36% |
| 2013 | 2,635 | Lights and electrics 34% |
| 2011 | 19,404 | Lights and electrics 44% |
| 2010 | 22,207 | Suspension 45% |
| 2009 | 20,735 | Suspension 46% |
| 2008 | 15,996 | Lights and electrics 45% |
| 2007 | 14,346 | Lights and electrics 47% |
| 2006 | 4,126 | Lights and electrics 53% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Peugeot 207s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score