2008 Peugeot 407 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Peugeot 407 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Peugeot 407 diesel than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints3.3× usual
  Peugeot 407

  22% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 11.3%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

• Anti-roll bar link joints2.6× usual
  Peugeot 407

  11.1% All 2008 cars

  4.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 1.6% of all 2008 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.

• Ball joint1.7× usual
  Peugeot 407

  10.6% All 2008 cars

  6.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.2%, against 3.2% of all 2008 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.

• Anti-lock braking system3.1× usual
  Peugeot 407

  3.1% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.1%, against 0.9% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

• Steering rack2.1× usual
  Peugeot 407

  2.1% All 2008 cars

  1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.4%, against 0.6% of all 2008 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 2008 Peugeot 407 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Peugeot 407 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• 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
  39% 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.

• Suspension
  38% 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
  37% 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.

• Driveshafts and joints
  22% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  18% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Peugeot 407 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 drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.3× as often on the 2008 Peugeot 407 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the 2008 Peugeot 407 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the ball joint? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2008 Peugeot 407 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?