2004 · 20 years old at test · Diesel mostly

2004 Peugeot 406 MOT pass rate and common faults

184 MOT tests in 2024. 51.6% passed first time, compared with 56.4% for all cars the same age.

91Well below average
Passed first time51.6%
Failed or needed repairs48.4%
Typical mileage at test139,000

Most common reasons for failing

Share of all 184 tests where this item caused a failure.

  1. Rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements7.1%
  2. Service brake performance: excessively binding6.5%
  3. Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick4.9%
    11 marked dangerous
  4. Service brake imbalance: across an axle4.9%
  5. Component mounting prescribed areas: prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength3.8%
  6. Joints: constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt3.3%
  7. Headlamp aim: projected beam image is obviously incorrect3.3%
  8. Seat belts - prescribed areas: prescribed area strength or continuity significantly reduced3.3%
  9. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.3%
    12 marked dangerous
  10. Stop lamp: not working3.3%

Problem areas

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

  1. Brakes38.0%
  2. Lights & electrics29.3%
  3. Suspension25.5%
  4. Body & chassis13.0%
  5. Tyres9.2%
  6. Seat belts & airbags7.6%
  7. Visibility (wipers, screen, mirrors)6.0%
  8. Steering4.3%

Most common advisories

Not failures yet, but things the tester warned about.

  1. Brake discs: in such a condition that it is seriously weakened23.9%
  2. Tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm17.4%
  3. Engine oil leaks: leaking excessively from engine13.0%
  4. Tyres - condition: has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure9.8%
  5. Linkage ball joints: ball joint excessively worn9.2%

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.

← 2003 406All 406 years

Questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a 2004 Peugeot 406?

In 2024, 51.6% of 2004 Peugeot 406 cars passed their MOT first time, across 184 tests. The average for all 20-year-old cars was 56.4%.

What are the most common MOT failures on a 2004 Peugeot 406?

The most common failure reasons were rbt (sp): efficiency below requirements; service brake performance: excessively binding; brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick. The biggest problem area was brakes.

Is the 2004 Peugeot 406 reliable at MOT time?

Its MOT Rank score is 91, which is well below average for a car of its age (100 means exactly average).