2003 · 21 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2003 Peugeot 406 MOT pass rate and common faults

603 MOT tests in 2024. 50.7% passed first time, compared with 57.3% for all cars the same age.

89Well below average
Passed first time50.7%
Failed or needed repairs49.3%
Typical mileage at test144,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 603 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements7.6%
  2. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength6.6%
  3. Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively4.8%
  4. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.8%
  5. Exhaust system: has a major leak of exhaust gases4.3%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.3%
  7. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn4.1%
  8. Service brake performance: excessively binding3.6%
  9. Position lamp: not working3.3%
  10. Service brake imbalance: across an axle3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes37.5%
  2. Lights & electrics36.3%
  3. Suspension27.5%
  4. Body & chassis15.8%
  5. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)10.0%
  6. Tyres7.8%
  7. Emissions & leaks6.0%
  8. Steering5.1%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened21.2%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm19.4%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine18.2%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.5%
  5. Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded9.3%

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: rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements. Then look up the car's own MOT history on GOV.UK with its number plate, and look for repeat advisories.

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Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2003 Peugeot 406?

In 2024, 50.7% of 2003 Peugeot 406 cars passed their MOT first time, across 603 tests. The average for all 21-year-old cars was 57.3%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2003 Peugeot 406?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength; wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2003 Peugeot 406 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 89, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).