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Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift) (1997-2002) reliability

At a glance

Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift) built before 2000: more dangerous faults than average

Testers find a dangerous fault on Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift) models built before 2000 more often than on similar cars the same age. Look closely at fluid leaks on any car you view. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Looking at a Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift) right now?

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

Key figure

7% of MOT tests on Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift) models built before 2000 found a fault the tester marked as dangerous, against 4% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift) models built before 2000 involves fluid leaks.

Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift)
No reliability rating: too close to call between ratings1997-2002HatchbackPETROL / DIESEL

Based on 4,056 tests of 306 models registered 1997-2002.

About 1 in 7 306 Mk2 (facelift) MOTs (13.5%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 2,464 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 15 306 Mk2 (facelift) MOTs (7.3%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Based on 2,464 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025). Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk2 (facelift) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
42031.4%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
1,17230.2%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
2,46429.5%

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 23 years old.

How the 306 Mk2 (facelift) compares

At each age below, see how the 306 Mk2 (facelift) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 11,900 tests across 6 Peugeot models, built before 2000 (over 25 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail ratePeugeot average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
42031.4%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
1,17230.2%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
2,46429.5%

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.

Independent inspection

High priority

Have an independent specialist inspect the car before you commit.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

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.

Leaks

Worth checking

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

Tyres

Worth checking

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

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

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

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 306 Mk2 (facelift).

  1. 1

    Ford Sierra

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    11.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6%
    Dangerous
    1.5%

    Lower fail rate: 11.5%, against 29.5% for the Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift), both built before 2000.

    3,022 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Vauxhall Nova

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    15.2%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    6.8%
    Dangerous
    2.2%

    Lower fail rate: 15.2%, against 29.5% for the Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift), both built before 2000.

    1,003 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Ford Escort

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    16.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    9.6%
    Dangerous
    3.8%

    Lower fail rate: 16.8%, against 29.5% for the Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift), both built before 2000.

    10,088 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    Austin Mini

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.9%
    Dangerous
    4.5%

    Lower fail rate: 22.6%, against 29.5% for the Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift), both built before 2000.

    3,373 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

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.

Recall context

17 recalls in all

8 of the 17 306 Mk2 (facelift) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 8 recalls

Top concerns

  • Possible reduction in braking assistance plus engine operating problems.
  • Possible insecurity of steering rack
  • Potential collapse of front suspension

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

What has gone wrong on 306 Mk2 (facelift) cars built before 2000

The share of petrol cars that have ever failed an MOT on each part of the car. Based on 12,837 cars.

Structural systems

Emissions
54%
Suspension
45%
Drivetrain
25%
Steering
5%
Bodywork
3%

Wear items

Brakes
67%
Lighting
58%
Tyres
40%

Rust, which the MOT calls corrosion: 6% of these cars show rust-related issues at this age.

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

How 306 Mk2 (facelift) cars have aged

How 306 Mk2 (facelift) 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.

Some lines cover only a year or two, so read this as a rough guide.

0%10%20%30%19202122232425Age at MOTBuilt around 2002, 19 years old at the time of MOT: 30.9% (314 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2002, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 30.5% (262 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2002, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 33.8% (222 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2002, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 28.0% (161 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2002, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 30.3% (89 tests, 2025 data)2002Built around 2001, 20 years old at the time of MOT: 33.2% (1,484 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2001, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 31.8% (1,195 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2001, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 31.0% (939 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2001, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 30.2% (775 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2001, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 28.8% (636 tests, 2025 data)2001Built around 2000, 21 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (1,664 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2000, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (1,347 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2000, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 30.8% (1,000 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2000, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 33.5% (848 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2000, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 28.5% (659 tests, 2025 data)2000Built around 1999, 22 years old at the time of MOT: 32.8% (998 tests, 2021 data)Built around 1999, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 32.6% (831 tests, 2022 data)Built around 1999, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 33.3% (652 tests, 2023 data)Built around 1999, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 34.4% (523 tests, 2024 data)1999Built around 1998, 23 years old at the time of MOT: 32.2% (755 tests, 2021 data)Built around 1998, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 34.2% (619 tests, 2022 data)Built around 1998, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 28.6% (461 tests, 2023 data)1998Built around 1997, 24 years old at the time of MOT: 35.7% (487 tests, 2021 data)Built around 1997, 25 years old at the time of MOT: 30.1% (376 tests, 2022 data)1997
First registered around 2002First registered around 2001First registered around 2000First registered around 1999
Mk2 (facelift) variants compared

306 Mk2 (facelift) variants built before 2000

The fail rate for each 306 Mk2 (facelift) variant, grouped by fuel. Each row counts fails per MOT test, the same way as the main fail rate chart.

Petrol

  • 30629.1%1,535 tests

Diesel

  • 30630.1%929 tests
All generations of this modelEnough data

Most common issues on Peugeot 306 models of this age

This list covers every Peugeot 306 built before 2000, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk2 (facelift) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

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

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Oil leak, but not excessive

    24.4%
    Advisory: 745Fail: 9 (1% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    15.0%
    Advisory: 483Fail: 141 (23% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    13.6%
    Advisory: 559Fail: 65 (10% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pipe corroded or covered in grease

    12.1%
    Advisory: 456Fail: 63 (12% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    11.9%
    Advisory: 480Fail: 15 (3% of the times it was found)

Based on 2,989 tests

Looking at a Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift) right now?

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

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Peugeot 306 Mk2 (facelift) (1997-2002) fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 2,464 25+ 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 4,056 MOT tests on Peugeot 306 models first registered between 1997-2002. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.