Used car guide

1995 Peugeot 405 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What MOT testers find on the diesel Peugeot 405 first registered in 1995 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 150 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.

Small sample: there were only 150 MOTs of these cars during 2023–2025, so treat the percentages as rough. The known faults below don't depend on it.

150MOTs of 1995 diesel cars, done in 2023–2025
59%pass first time (all 1995 cars: 67%)
5,000typical miles a year
53%had suspension flagged

Common 1995 Peugeot 405 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 1995 Peugeot 405 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

  • Suspension
    53% 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
    43% 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 electrics
    31% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

  • Tyres
    25% 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
    22% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 1995 Peugeot 405 diesel

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
1994194Suspension 41%
1993106Suspension 39%
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 1995. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score