Used car guide

2006 Peugeot 407: common problems and what to check

What gets flagged at MOT on 2006 Peugeot 407s, from 1,332 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

1,332MOT tests in 2025

53%pass first time (all 2006 cars: 57%)

6,500typical miles a year

1.9×the usual rate for brake discs

What stands out

Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2006 Peugeot 407s than on all cars registered in 2006.

Brake discs1.9× usual

Peugeot 407
27.6% All 2006 cars
14.3%

Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 1% of all 2006 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.
Ball joint2.6× usual

Peugeot 407
16.7% All 2006 cars
6.4%

Failed outright at MOT: 7.4%, against 3% of all 2006 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.
Drive shaft (CV) joints2.3× usual

Peugeot 407
17.6% All 2006 cars
7.6%

Failed outright at MOT: 9.7%, against 3.4% of all 2006 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.
Anti-roll bar link joints2.9× usual

Peugeot 407
12.3% All 2006 cars
4.2%

Failed outright at MOT: 2.5%, against 1.5% of all 2006 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 system7.3× usual

Peugeot 407
8.7% All 2006 cars
1.2%

Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 1.1% of all 2006 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.

Better than most

Rigid brake pipes: 2% here, against 14.1% of all 2006 cars. Exhaust system: 1.9% here, against 9.4% of all 2006 cars.

By area

The share of 2006 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

45% 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

42% 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

39% 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

22% 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.
Driveshafts and joints

18% of testsRough price £60–£350

At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Looking at a Peugeot 407?

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Other years

Year	MOT tests	Most flagged
2010	928	Suspension 41%
2009	988	Suspension 42%
2008	908	Lights and electrics 41%
2007	1,329	Suspension 43%
2005	806	Suspension 48%

Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2006 Peugeot 407s registered in 2006. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score