Used car guide

1993 Peugeot 405: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the Peugeot 405 first registered in 1993: we looked at the 106 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 106 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

106MOTs of 1993 cars, done in 2023–2025
69%pass first time (all 1993 cars: 68%)
4,400typical miles a year
39%had suspension flagged

Common 1993 Peugeot 405 MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1993 Peugeot 405 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    39% 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.

  • Brakes
    33% 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.

  • Oil and fluid leaks
    31% 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.

  • Tyres
    21% 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.

  • Lights and electrics
    18% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Exhaust and emissions
    18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1993 Peugeot 405

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

  1. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?

Looking at a Peugeot 405?

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Other years

Every year of the Peugeot 405 compared

YearMOT testsMost flagged
1997–Too few tests
1996–Too few tests
1995241Suspension 48%
1994194Suspension 41%
1992–Too few tests
1991–Too few tests
1990–Too few tests
1989–Too few tests
1988–Too few tests

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 405 cars first registered in 1993. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score