2011 Peugeot 407: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2011 Peugeot 407?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2011 Peugeot 407 than on all cars registered in 2011.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints6.3× usual
  Peugeot 407

  26% All 2011 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 15.5%, against 2% of all 2011 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 joints3.8× usual
  Peugeot 407

  13.7% All 2011 cars

  3.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.4% of all 2011 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.

• Washers2.5× usual
  Peugeot 407

  7.6% All 2011 cars

  3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.6%, against 3% of all 2011 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.

• Brake lights2.2× usual
  Peugeot 407

  8.6% All 2011 cars

  4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.6%, against 3.3% of all 2011 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  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.

Common 2011 Peugeot 407 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2011 Peugeot 407 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  38% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  35% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Suspension
  34% 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.

• Brakes
  29% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  26% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  12% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2011 Peugeot 407

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

1. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.3× as often on the 2011 Peugeot 407 as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2011 Peugeot 407 as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the washers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2011 Peugeot 407 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?