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Peugeot 406 reliability by build year

Coverage 1995-20042 named generationsSaloonDIESEL / PETROL

We've only got 933 MOT tests for Peugeot 406 models built before 2000 (over 25 years old). Treat these numbers as a rough guide.

At a glance

Peugeot 406 built before 2000: about average at the MOT

Peugeot 406 models built before 2000 fail their MOT a little more often than similar cars the same age. An independent inspection matters more than the wider numbers on cars this old.

Check a Peugeot 406 by number plate

Key figure

29% of MOT tests on Peugeot 406 models built before 2000 ended in a fail (retests included), against 24% for similar cars the same age.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Peugeot 406 models built before 2000 involves the suspension.

Before you view it

What to check before viewing

The Peugeot 406's most common MOT issues, turned into things to 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.

Leaks

Worth checking

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

Suspension springs

Worth checking

Check ride height is even side-to-side and look for cracked or rusted coils.

Tyres

Worth checking

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

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.

By build year

How build years differ

Over the last three years, fail rates rose, then fell back. Use the build-year guide below to separate newer build years from older ones.

Find your 406's generation

Each card below is a different generation. Select your year and we'll highlight the match.

406 Mk2 (facelift)

Mk2 (facelift) (1999-2004)

Not enough tests to rate
DIESELPETROL

29.3% fail rate, built before 2000 (over 25 years old)

Likely between 26.4% and 32.3%

Fails more often than the average car this age (about 1 in 4 MOTs, 25.2%)

From 933 MOT tests at this ageView details →

Not sure which one you're looking at?

Match your build year to its generation, then see the fail rates for those build years of the Peugeot 406.

See every build year for the Peugeot 406

By age

Peugeot 406 fail rate by age

This chart combines every Peugeot 406 ever sold. It's good for the big picture. For one generation, scroll up to the build-year cards.

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rate
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
21 yearsbuilt around 2004
43130.2%
22 yearsbuilt around 2003
72633.8%
23 yearsbuilt around 2002
68730.0%
24 yearsbuilt around 2001
54732.5%
25+ yearsbuilt 2000 or earlier
93329.3%

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 22 years old.

All generations of this model

What goes wrong most often on 25+ year old Peugeot 406 models

These issues come from 25+ year old Peugeot 406 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this modelNot much data

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

    27.9%
    Advisory: 263Fail: 8 (3% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

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

    19.8%
    Advisory: 253Fail: 38 (13% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

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

    19.0%
    Advisory: 250Fail: 4 (2% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

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

    18.3%
    Advisory: 233Fail: 11 (5% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Suspension part corroded, but not seriously weakened

    16.3%
    Advisory: 238Fail: 0 (0% of the times it was found)

Based on 933 MOT tests on 25+ year old Peugeot 406 models, every generation combined.

All generations of this model

Issues that often appear together

The pairs seen most often when an MOT on 25+ year old Peugeot 406 models notes problems with more than one part of the car.

Issues that often appear together on this model

All generations of this modelEnough data
  1. Brakes + Suspension38%
  2. Body & structure + Suspension29%
  3. Suspension + Tyres29%
  4. Fuel & oil + Suspension26%

Both were noted at the same test. That doesn't mean one caused the other.

Across 619 MOT tests on Peugeot 406 cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old) where more than one part of the car was noted.

Still registered

How many are still registered, and recalls

How many of these are still registered in the UK, and what's been recalled across the model.

How many are still registered

Not enough registration data to show this for the Peugeot 406.

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Recall context

13 recalls in all

5 of the 13 Peugeot 406 recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 4 more

Top concerns

  • Water may enter cooling fan - risk of fire.
  • Possible reduction in braking assistance plus engine operating problems.
  • Failure of camshaft drive belt

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

Like-for-like

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons to compare

  1. 1

    Nissan Skyline

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    10.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.8%
    Dangerous
    2.1%

    Lower fail rate: 10.7%, against 29.3% for the Peugeot 406, both built before 2000.

    1,007 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  2. 2

    Morris Minor 1000

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    18.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    8.8%
    Dangerous
    4.8%

    Lower fail rate: 18.5%, against 29.3% for the Peugeot 406, both built before 2000.

    1,272 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  3. 3

    Jaguar XJ

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    93.8%

    Lower fail rate: 21.2%, against 29.3% for the Peugeot 406, both built before 2000.

    5 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    4,238 MOT tests on cars built before 2000

  4. 4

    BMW 3 Series

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.8%
    Still registered at 10 years
    89.8%

    Lower fail rate: 22.8%, against 29.3% for the Peugeot 406, both built before 2000.

    15 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    17,892 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.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Built before 2000 (over 25 years old), the Peugeot 406 across all generations combined fails MOTs noticeably more often than typical for this age. This is based on 933 25+ year old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

These figures come from DVSA's MOT records. Across every Peugeot 406 ever sold: 3,324 tests. The main figures are for cars built before 2000 (over 25 years old): 933 tests. They are a guide, not a guarantee. Always inspect the car or have a mechanic check it.