2003 Peugeot 206 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Peugeot 206 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Peugeot 206 diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Steering rack inner joints3.1× usual
  Peugeot 206

  10.5% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Ball joint2.1× usual
  Peugeot 206

  13.2% All 2003 cars

  6.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.9%, against 2.9% of all 2003 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.

• Load sensing valves17× usual
  Peugeot 206

  6.8% All 2003 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.5%, against 0.3% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.6× usual
  Peugeot 206

  9% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints1.6× usual
  Peugeot 206

  14.1% All 2003 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 1.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £120–£180 (one arm) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.

Common 2003 Peugeot 206 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Peugeot 206 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  51% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  45% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  38% 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.

• Tyres
  35% 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.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  19% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  16% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

Known faults on the 2003 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.

• Recalls: brake pedal, seatbelt mount, spoiler, wiring

  All versions

  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.

  Source: Haynes: how to buy a Peugeot 206 (2002-09)

• Automatic gearbox problems

  Automatic

  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.

  Source: Haynes: how to buy a Peugeot 206 (2002-09)

• Running problems

  All engines

  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.

  Source: Haynes: how to buy a Peugeot 206 (2002-09)

• Particulate filter problems (diesel)

  Diesel

  Diesels with a particulate filter cause many problems.

  At the viewing: Look for smoke and warning lights, and ask about DPF work.

  Source: Haynes: how to buy a Peugeot 206 (2002-09)

• Central locking and airbag light

  All versions

  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.

  Source: Haynes: how to buy a Peugeot 206 (2002-09)

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Peugeot 206 diesel

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

1. Have the brake pedal and seatbelt mount recalls been done?
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 206 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 206 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the load sensing valves? (Flagged at MOT 17× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 206 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?