2003 Peugeot 307 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Peugeot 307 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Peugeot 307 diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Brake discs1.9× usual
  Peugeot 307

  24% All 2003 cars

  12.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.1%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Steering rack inner joints4× usual
  Peugeot 307

  13.6% 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.

• Suspension arm bushes and joints2.1× usual
  Peugeot 307

  18.4% All 2003 cars

  8.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints2× usual
  Peugeot 307

  13.2% All 2003 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.4%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Side repeaters4.3× usual
  Peugeot 307

  7.3% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.7%, against 0.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

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

Common 2003 Peugeot 307 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Peugeot 307 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  57% 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
  47% 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
  42% 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
  36% 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
  17% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  15% 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 2003 Peugeot 307 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.

• Over 15 recalls

  All engines

  The 307 has been recalled more than 15 times, including for the ignition, seatbelt anchorages and fuel leaks.

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

  Source: What Car?: Peugeot 307 (2001-2009) reliability

• Suspension faults and indicator stalks

  All engines

  Suspension faults are common, even on later cars, and the indicator stalks can fail.

  At the viewing: Avoid a car that's noisy or lurches over bumps, and test every stalk function.

  Source: What Car?: Peugeot 307 (2001-2009) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2003 Peugeot 307 diesel

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

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.9× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 307 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 4× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 307 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the suspension arm bushes and joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 307 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?