2003 Peugeot 406 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2003 Peugeot 406 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2003 Peugeot 406 diesel than on all cars registered in 2003.

• Brake discs2× usual
  Peugeot 406

  25.5% All 2003 cars

  12.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, 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.

• Anti-roll bar link joints3× usual
  Peugeot 406

  10.2% All 2003 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.4%, against 1.2% of all 2003 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 repeaters4.2× usual
  Peugeot 406

  7.2% All 2003 cars

  1.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, 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.

• Rust around suspension or steering mountings1.7× usual
  Peugeot 406

  10.7% All 2003 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.3%, against 3.1% 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.

Common 2003 Peugeot 406 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2003 Peugeot 406 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  49% 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
  46% 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
  44% 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
  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.

• 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  17% 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 2003 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× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 406 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 3× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 406 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the side repeaters? (Flagged at MOT 4.2× as often on the 2003 Peugeot 406 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?