2021 Peugeot Rifter diesel: common problems and MOT failures
What MOT testers find on the diesel Peugeot Rifter first registered in 2021 (diesel cars only): we looked at the 2,230 MOTs these cars had during 2023–2025. Plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Peugeot Rifter diesel?
Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Peugeot Rifter diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.
- Wipers4.1× usualPeugeot Rifter14.2% All 2021 cars3.5%
Failed outright at MOT: 10.5%, against 2.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £15–£60 our estimateAt the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.
- Brake discs1.7× usualPeugeot Rifter10.5% All 2021 cars6.1%
Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £150–£350 our estimateAt 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.
- Headlights5× usualPeugeot Rifter2% All 2021 cars0.4%
Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 0.4% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.
Rough price £40–£400 our estimateAt the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.
Common 2021 Peugeot Rifter diesel MOT failures and advisories
The share of 2021 Peugeot Rifter diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Tyres20% 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.
- Wipers, windscreen and mirrors17% of testsRough price £15–£250
At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.
- Brakes15% 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 electrics8% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Driveshafts and joints1% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
- Exhaust and emissions1% 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 2021 Peugeot Rifter diesel
Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.
- Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 4.1× as often on the 2021 Peugeot Rifter diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2021 Peugeot Rifter diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 5× as often on the 2021 Peugeot Rifter diesel as on other cars the same age.)
- Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?
Looking at a Peugeot Rifter?
Check the actual car: its own MOT history, mileage and what to ask the seller. Free, no sign-up.
Other years
Every year of the Peugeot Rifter compared
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2025 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2024 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2023 | – | Too new for MOT data |
| 2022 | 1,299 | Tyres 17% |
| 2020 | 7,532 | Tyres 22% |
| 2019 | 9,862 | Tyres 23% |
| 2018 | 1,375 | Tyres 26% |
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 Rifter cars first registered in 2021. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score