1997 · 27 years old at test · Petrol mostly

1997 Peugeot 406 MOT pass rate and common faults

123 MOT tests in 2024. 61.8% passed first time, compared with 65.5% for all cars the same age.

94Below average
Passed first time61.8%
Failed or needed repairs38.2%
Typical mileage at test116,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 123 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases7.3%
  2. Steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt7.3%
  3. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength7.3%
  4. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.3%
  5. Service brake performance: efficiency below requirements3.3%
  6. Emissions not tested: unable to be completed2.4%
  7. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced2.4%
  8. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively2.4%
  9. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure2.4%
    6 marked dangerous
  10. Position lamp: not working2.4%

Problem areas

Failure items found per 100 tests, by part of the car.

  1. Suspension20.3%
  2. Brakes20.3%
  3. Lights & electrics18.7%
  4. Body & chassis12.2%
  5. Emissions & leaks9.8%
  6. Tyres9.8%
  7. Steering8.9%
  8. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.5%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine30.9%
  2. Coil spring: corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened24.4%
  3. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded15.4%
  4. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened15.4%
  5. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure13.0%

What this means if you are buying one

This model year fails more often than most cars its age, so budget for repairs and check the history carefully. Before buying, check the area that fails most: exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

All 406 years1998 406 →

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 1997 Peugeot 406?

In 2024, 61.8% of 1997 Peugeot 406 cars passed their MOT first time, across 123 tests. The average for all 27-year-old cars was 65.5%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 1997 Peugeot 406?

The most common failure reasons were exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases; steering rack: gaiter missing or no longer prevents the ingress of dirt; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength. The biggest problem area was suspension.

Is the 1997 Peugeot 406 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 94, which is below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).