Used car guide

2005 Peugeot 407: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2005 Peugeot 407s, from 806 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

806MOT tests in 2025
51%pass first time (all 2005 cars: 58%)
6,400typical miles a year
2×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2005 Peugeot 407s than on all cars registered in 2005.

  • Brake discs2× usual
    Peugeot 407
    27.8% All 2005 cars
    13.9%

    Failed outright at MOT: 1.7%, against 1% of all 2005 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.

  • Anti-roll bar link joints3.5× usual
    Peugeot 407
    14.9% All 2005 cars
    4.2%

    Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.5% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Ball joint2.2× usual
    Peugeot 407
    14.5% All 2005 cars
    6.5%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

    At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

  • Anti-lock braking system5.2× usual
    Peugeot 407
    6.7% All 2005 cars
    1.3%

    Failed outright at MOT: 6.7%, against 1.3% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

    At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

  • Washers2.4× usual
    Peugeot 407
    9.2% All 2005 cars
    3.8%

    Failed outright at MOT: 9.2%, against 3.8% of all 2005 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

    Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

    At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

Better than most

Flexible brake hoses: 2.6% here, against 5.8% of all 2005 cars.

By area

The share of 2005 Peugeot 407 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    48% 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
    46% 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
    43% 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
    40% 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
    25% 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.

  • Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
    15% of testsRough price £15–£250

    At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

Looking at a Peugeot 407?

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Other years

YearMOT testsMost flagged
2010928Suspension 41%
2009988Suspension 42%
2008908Lights and electrics 41%
20071,329Suspension 43%
20061,332Suspension 48%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2005 Peugeot 407s registered in 2005. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score