Used car guide

2004 Peugeot 307: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2004 Peugeot 307s, from 2,519 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

2,519MOT tests in 2025
48%pass first time (all 2004 cars: 58%)
4,700typical miles a year
3.9×the usual rate for steering rack inner joints

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2004 Peugeot 307s than on all cars registered in 2004.

  • Steering rack inner joints3.9× usual
    Peugeot 307
    14.9% All 2004 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

  • Brake discs1.8× usual
    Peugeot 307
    23.9% All 2004 cars
    13.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.5%, against 0.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

  • Sidelights2× usual
    Peugeot 307
    13% All 2004 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 11.7%, against 5.6% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

  • Side repeaters4.1× usual
    Peugeot 307
    8.2% All 2004 cars
    2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 1% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
    Peugeot 307
    12.6% All 2004 cars
    6.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 2.9% of all 2004 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 7% here, against 17.1% of all 2004 cars. Sub-frame: 0.8% here, against 6.2% of all 2004 cars.

By area

The share of 2004 Peugeot 307 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    53% 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 electrics
    47% of testsRough price £10–£80

    At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

  • Brakes
    40% 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.

  • Tyres
    35% 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 leaks
    21% 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.

  • Steering
    18% of testsRough price £100–£450

    At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

Looking at a Peugeot 307?

Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.

Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
20081,458Suspension 52%
20075,772Suspension 54%
20065,352Suspension 53%
20053,375Suspension 53%
20031,710Suspension 54%
20021,028Suspension 55%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2004 Peugeot 307s registered in 2004. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score