2002 Peugeot 306: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the Peugeot 306 first registered in 2002: we looked at the 493 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 493 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2002 Peugeot 306?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2002 Peugeot 306 than on all cars registered in 2002.
- Flexible brake hoses2× usualPeugeot 30611.8% All 2002 cars5.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 3%, against 1.1% of all 2002 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £50–£200 our estimateAt the viewing: Look for cracked or bulging rubber hoses behind the wheels and in the engine bay.
Common 2002 Peugeot 306 MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2002 Peugeot 306 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Brakes49% 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.
- Suspension34% 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 electrics32% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Tyres26% 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 leaks24% 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.
- Exhaust and emissions18% 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.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2002 Peugeot 306
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the flexible brake hoses? (Flagged at MOT 2× as often on the 2002 Peugeot 306 as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Peugeot 306?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Peugeot 306 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | – | Too few tests |
| 2001 | 2,510 | Brakes 49% |
| 2000 | 3,229 | Brakes 46% |
| 1999 | 2,247 | Brakes 42% |
| 1998 | 1,562 | Brakes 41% |
| 1997 | 1,061 | Brakes 40% |
| 1996 | 599 | Brakes 36% |
| 1995 | 442 | Suspension 39% |
| 1994 | 230 | Brakes 42% |
| 1993 | – | Too few tests |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Peugeot 306 cars first registered in 2002. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score