Peugeot 406 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Peugeot 406?

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.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (PureTech petrol)

  Cars registered in 2024 · 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)

Common Peugeot 406 MOT failures to check

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

• Anti-roll bar link joints

  up to 3.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

  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.

• Brake discs

  up to 2.2× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

  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.

• Sub-frame

  up to 3.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Side repeaters

  up to 4.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2004.

  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.

• Individual direction indicators

  up to 2.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2000, 2002 and 2003.

  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.

• Headlights

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 1998 and 1999.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

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

Peugeot 406 MOT pass rate by year

Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Peugeot 406

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

1. 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?
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.4× as often on the Peugeot 406 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the Peugeot 406 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the Peugeot 406 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?