1999 Peugeot 206 diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Peugeot 206 first registered in 1999 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 154 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
Small sample: there were only 154 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 1999 Peugeot 206 diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 1999 Peugeot 206 diesel than on all cars registered in 1999.
- Engine oil leaks2.5× usualPeugeot 20637.7% All 1999 cars14.9%
Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.3% of all 1999 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £80–£600 our estimateAt the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.
Common 1999 Peugeot 206 diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 1999 Peugeot 206 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension51% 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.
- Brakes46% 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.
- Lights and electrics44% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Oil and fluid leaks41% of testsRough price £80–£600
At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.
- Tyres25% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors17% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
Known faults on the 1999 Peugeot 206 diesel
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- All versions
Recalls: brake pedal, seatbelt mount, spoiler, wiring
Recalls covered a faulty brake pedal and a front right seatbelt mount (all versions), a sticking ignition key, a rear spoiler that could come off (built to Oct 2003), starter wiring that could short (mid-2004), wipers (2005 to 2006) and fuel leaks.
At the viewing: Ask a Peugeot dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.
- Automatic
Automatic gearbox problems
Automatics can leak oil, slip in first and second, change snatchily or go into limp mode.
At the viewing: Drive it from cold and feel for slipping or harsh changes.
- All engines
Running problems
Power loss, cut-outs and an uneven idle are common, and turbos can fail.
At the viewing: Let it idle and drive it properly, and look for smoke.
- Diesel
Particulate filter problems (diesel)
Diesels with a particulate filter cause many problems.
At the viewing: Look for smoke and warning lights, and ask about DPF work.
- All versions
Central locking and airbag light
The central locking control unit can lose its settings, and the airbag light can come on from a faulty passenger pre-tensioner.
At the viewing: Test the locking and make sure the airbag light goes out.
Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1999 Peugeot 206 diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Have the brake pedal and seatbelt mount recalls been done?
- Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 1999 Peugeot 206 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Peugeot 206?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Peugeot 206 compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 1,781 | Suspension 48% |
| 2008 | 3,709 | Suspension 46% |
| 2007 | 8,241 | Suspension 42% |
| 2006 | 19,741 | Suspension 47% |
| 2005 | 26,924 | Suspension 49% |
| 2004 | 27,915 | Suspension 47% |
| 2003 | 19,881 | Suspension 46% |
| 2002 | 14,550 | Suspension 45% |
| 2001 | 9,048 | Suspension 49% |
| 2000 | 3,569 | Suspension 46% |
| 1998 | 197 | Suspension 46% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test done in Great Britain during 2023–2025, counting the MOTs of Peugeot 206 cars first registered in 1999. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score