2003 Peugeot 307 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Peugeot 307

  23.6% All 2003 cars

  12.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, 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.

• Exhaust system1.8× usual
  Peugeot 307

  17.6% All 2003 cars

  10%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.9% of all 2003 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Side repeaters4.9× usual
  Peugeot 307

  8.4% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, 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.

• Steering rack inner joints3× usual
  Peugeot 307

  10.2% 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.

• Horn7.8× usual
  Peugeot 307

  6.2% All 2003 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.2%, against 0.7% 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 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Peugeot 307 petrol 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
  46% 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
  39% 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
  34% 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  20% 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 an engine warning light.

• 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.

Known faults on the 2003 Peugeot 307 petrol

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

• Head gasket failure (early 1.4 petrol)

  Early 1.4 petrol

  Some early 1.4 petrols have had head gasket failures.

  At the viewing: Check the coolant level and look for white exhaust smoke or creamy sludge under the oil cap.

  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 petrol

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 1.8× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 307 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 307 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 307 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?