2001 Peugeot 406 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2001 Peugeot 406 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2001 Peugeot 406 diesel than on all cars registered in 2001.

• Brake discs2.1× usual
  Peugeot 406

  25.1% All 2001 cars

  12.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1%, against 0.8% of all 2001 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.

• Sub-frame2.8× usual
  Peugeot 406

  11.5% All 2001 cars

  4.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0.2% of all 2001 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £300–£1,000 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look underneath at the frame the suspension bolts to. Flaky rust or holes are expensive to fix.

• Ball joint2.2× usual
  Peugeot 406

  12.6% All 2001 cars

  5.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.4%, against 2.4% of all 2001 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.

• Side repeaters5× usual
  Peugeot 406

  7.5% All 2001 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 0.8% of all 2001 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3.1× usual
  Peugeot 406

  8.5% All 2001 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 0.9% of all 2001 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.

Common 2001 Peugeot 406 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2001 Peugeot 406 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  52% 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
  48% 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
  39% 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
  33% 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
  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 2001 Peugeot 406 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2001 Peugeot 406 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the sub-frame? (Flagged at MOT 2.8× as often on the 2001 Peugeot 406 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2001 Peugeot 406 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?