Peugeot 207 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Peugeot 207?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Air con duct recall (could block the pedals)

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · All engines

  About 90,000 cars were recalled because an air con duct could come loose and get in the way of the pedals. Other recalls covered front seatbelt fixings, rear brake hoses touching the springs, a battery earth cable that could break, the wipers and the heated seats.

  At the viewing: Ask a Peugeot dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Haynes: Peugeot 207 common problems (2006-2014)

• Timing belt that runs in oil (PureTech petrol)

  Cars registered 2012–2014 · 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol

  The 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines use a timing belt that runs in the engine oil (a “wet belt”). It can break down early and shed rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some also burn too much oil. Stellantis now covers earlier engines for belt and oil-burning problems for up to 10 years or 112,000 miles, as long as the car has been serviced on schedule.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history showing the right oil, and when the belt was last checked or changed. Check the oil level on the dipstick, and that no oil-pressure or engine warning light stays on.

  Source: Parkers: Stellantis wet belt compensation, and the cars at risk, Stellantis: compensation policy for earlier PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines (7 May 2025)

• Catalytic converter warning light

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · All engines

  An engine warning light with code P0420 usually means the catalytic converter has worn out and needs replacing.

  At the viewing: Make sure the engine warning light goes out, and ask whether a new cat has been fitted.

  Source: Haynes: Peugeot 207 common problems (2006-2014)

• Loose gear cables

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · Manual gearbox

  Loose gearchange cables make the change awkward and the lever vibrate or creak. New cables fix it.

  At the viewing: Go through every gear and feel for a sloppy or awkward change.

  Source: Haynes: Peugeot 207 common problems (2006-2014)

• Rear brakes grinding after standing

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · All engines

  The rear pads can stick to the discs when the car has sat for a while, causing grinding.

  At the viewing: Listen for grinding from the back when you first move off.

  Source: Haynes: Peugeot 207 common problems (2006-2014)

• Creaking front suspension

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · All engines

  The front shock absorber bump stops dry out and creak on bumpy roads.

  At the viewing: Drive over speed bumps and listen.

  Source: Haynes: Peugeot 207 common problems (2006-2014)

• Noisy auxiliary belt (petrol)

  Cars registered 2006–2014 · Petrol

  A worn auxiliary belt, pulley or tensioner makes a noise that rises and falls with the revs.

  At the viewing: Listen at the front of the engine as you rev it.

  Source: Haynes: Peugeot 207 common problems (2006-2014)

Common Peugeot 207 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Exhaust system

  up to 5.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 3.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  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.

• Headlights

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2014.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Engine oil leaks

  up to 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Number plate lights

  up to 2.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2011, 2012 and 2013.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Braking performance

  up to 2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

  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.

Peugeot 207 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2014 Peugeot 207 did best (67% passed first time, 3 points below all 2014 cars) and the 2011 did worst (51%, 11 points below all 2011 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Peugeot 207

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Have the recalls been done, including the air con duct one?
2. When was the timing belt last checked or changed, and has it had the right oil at every service? Is the car still within Stellantis’ extended PureTech cover?
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 5.6× as often on the Peugeot 207 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the Peugeot 207 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the Peugeot 207 as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?