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Peugeot 206 Mk1 (1998-2009) reliability

At a glance

Peugeot 206 Mk1 built around 2005: about average at the MOT

Peugeot 206 Mk1 models built around 2005 fail their MOT about as often as similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Peugeot 206 Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

33% of MOT tests on Peugeot 206 Mk1 models built around 2005 ended in a fail (retests included), against 32% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Peugeot 206 Mk1 models built around 2005 involves the suspension.

Peugeot 206 Mk1
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings1998-2009HatchbackDIESEL / PETROL

Based on 47,965 tests of 206 models registered 1998-2009.

About 1 in 12 206 Mk1 MOTs (8.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2005 (20 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 9,484 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 15 206 Mk1 MOTs (7%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2005 (20 years old).

Based on 9,484 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk1 fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7936.7%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,04732.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,04532.4%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
4,54532.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
8,21732.6%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
9,48432.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
8,89733.5%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
5,81534.3%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
4,36534.2%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
2,24634.0%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
1,22535.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 15 years old.

How the 206 Mk1 compares

At each age below, see how the 206 Mk1 holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 17,144 tests across 7 Peugeot models, built around 2005 (20 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail ratePeugeot average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
15 yearsbuilt around 2010
7936.7%
16 yearsbuilt around 2009
1,04732.5%
17 yearsbuilt around 2008
2,04532.4%
18 yearsbuilt around 2007
4,54532.1%
19 yearsbuilt around 2006
8,21732.6%
20 yearsbuilt around 2005
9,48432.6%
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
8,89733.5%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
5,81534.3%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
4,36534.2%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
2,24634.0%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
1,22535.0%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Leaks

Worth checking

Inspect the leaks carefully and ask the seller for repair history.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other hatchbacks to compare

Other hatchbacks, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the 206 Mk1.

  1. 1

    Subaru Impreza

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.4%

    Lower fail rate: 20.4%, against 32.6% for the Peugeot 206 Mk1, both built around 2005.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    2,234 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  2. 2

    Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.6%

    No clear edge over the Peugeot 206 Mk1 on these figures.

    Some figures could not be compared for these two cars. So this comparison uses the fail rate and recalls only.

    23,656 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  3. 3

    Toyota Prius

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    28.1%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.4%
    Dangerous
    6%
    Still registered at 10 years
    94.4%

    Lower fail rate: 28.1%, against 32.6% for the Peugeot 206 Mk1, both built around 2005.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    2,028 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

  4. 4

    Toyota Yaris

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    32.4%
    Still registered at 10 years
    95.4%

    No clear edge over the Peugeot 206 Mk1 on these figures.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    18,714 MOT tests on cars built around 2005

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Recall context

15 recalls in all

6 of the 15 206 Mk1 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 5 more

Top concerns

  • Fuel may leak from fuel filter
  • Fuel pipe may leak
  • Possibility that the starter motor wiring loom is incorrectly positioned

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

What has gone wrong on 206 Mk1 cars built around 2005

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 3,908 cars.

Structural systems

Suspension
63%
Emissions
45%
Steering
9%
Drivetrain
7%
Bodywork
4%

Wear items

Lighting
72%
Brakes
54%
Tyres
54%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 22% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

Check the sills, subframe and brake pipes before you decide.

Fail rate by engine size, built around 2005 (20 years old)

Engine sizes across all petrol 206 tests (not specific to Mk1).

1.0 to 1.4 litres31.9%5,380 tests1.4 to 2.0 litres33.0%2,246 tests
How 206 Mk1 cars have aged

How 206 Mk1 cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%40%12141618202224Age at MOTBuilt around 2009, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 29.8% (1,110 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2009, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (980 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2009, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (853 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2009, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 34.9% (746 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2009, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (592 tests, 2025 data)2009Built around 2008, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (2,012 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2008, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (1,747 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2008, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.0% (1,456 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2008, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (1,150 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2008, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.3% (942 tests, 2025 data)2008Built around 2007, 14 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (4,406 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2007, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 32.5% (3,754 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2007, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (3,022 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2007, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (2,476 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2007, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (1,934 tests, 2025 data)2007Built around 2006, 15 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (11,907 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2006, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (9,510 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2006, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (7,524 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2006, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.0% (5,786 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2006, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (4,372 tests, 2025 data)2006Built around 2005, 16 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (16,411 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2005, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (12,443 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2005, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (9,599 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2005, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 32.1% (7,262 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2005, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (5,361 tests, 2025 data)2005Built around 2004, 17 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (16,571 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2004, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (12,752 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2004, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (9,886 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2004, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (7,523 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2004, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.1% (5,716 tests, 2025 data)2004Built around 2003, 18 years old at the time of MOT: 35.4% (11,659 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2003, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (8,760 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2003, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 34.7% (6,648 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2003, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (4,904 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2003, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 33.6% (3,638 tests, 2025 data)2003Built around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 36.4% (8,886 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.7% (6,588 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 35.0% (5,014 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 35.1% (3,870 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (2,921 tests, 2025 data)2002Built around 2001, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 35.2% (4,929 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2001, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (3,781 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2001, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (2,927 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2001, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 33.9% (2,209 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2001, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (1,682 tests, 2025 data)2001Built around 2000, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 36.9% (2,198 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2000, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 36.2% (1,589 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2000, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 36.9% (1,180 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2000, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 35.9% (844 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2000, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 34.0% (600 tests, 2025 data)2000Built around 1999, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 36.3% (998 tests, 2021 data)Built around 1999, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 36.6% (719 tests, 2022 data)Built around 1999, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 36.3% (553 tests, 2023 data)Built around 1999, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 39.6% (369 tests, 2024 data)1999
First registered around 2009First registered around 2008First registered around 2007First registered around 2006
How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age

How each part holds up as Mk1 cars age

The share of petrol cars built 2005-2008 that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Rates usually rise with age, but can dip slightly as cars leave the road.

Part of the car17 years18 years19 years20 years
Suspension48%54%57%63%
Brakes34%48%53%54%
Emissions38%44%45%45%
Tyres44%47%51%54%
Lighting53%59%66%72%
Drivetrain31%31%5%7%
Bodywork2%4%4%4%
Steering15%11%18%9%
Corrosion18%24%21%22%

Based on petrol cars in the 2005-2008 build-year band, from 188 to 3,908 cars at each age.

Mk1 variants compared

206 Mk1 variants built around 2005

The fail rate for each 206 Mk1 variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 20632.2%7,630 tests

Diesel

  • 20634.1%1,853 tests
All generations of this modelPlenty of data

Most common issues on Peugeot 206 models of this age

This list covers every Peugeot 206 built around 2005, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk1 on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    24.1%
    Advisory: 2,357Fail: 831 (26% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    24.0%
    Advisory: 2,327Fail: 40 (2% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    19.1%
    Advisory: 2,441Fail: 252 (9% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    18.8%
    Advisory: 2,244Fail: 229 (9% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Exhaust has a minor leak

    14.5%
    Advisory: 1,144Fail: 381 (25% of the times it was found)

Based on 9,484 tests

Looking at a Peugeot 206 Mk1?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2005 (20 years old), the Peugeot 206 Mk1 (1998-2009) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 9,484 20-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 47,965 MOT tests on Peugeot 206 models first registered between 1998-2009. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.