At a Glance
The Peugeot 306 has 39 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 306 (1993-2002) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 2.2M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Peugeot 306 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Peugeot 306 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
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Most Common Peugeot 306 MOT Failures
Every reason Peugeot 306 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 9.60% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 7.61% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.59% |
| 4 | Exhaust system fault | 7.40% |
| 5 | Brake performance below minimum | 6.31% |
| 6 | Front lamp not working | 5.34% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 5.12% |
| 8 | Headlamp aim defect | 4.55% |
| 9 | Number plate lamp not working | 4.49% |
| 10 | Stop lamp not working | 4.07% |
| 11 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.30% |
| 12 | Brake pads or linings worn | 3.24% |
| 13 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.06% |
| 14 | Driveshaft fault | 2.81% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.76% |
| 16 | Tyre condition | 2.74% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 1.86% |
| 18 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.71% |
| 19 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.22% |
| 20 | Fog lamp not working | 1.16% |
| 21 | Rear lamp not working | 0.93% |
| 22 | Parking brake condition | 0.83% |
| 23 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.82% |
| 24 | Indicator fault | 0.82% |
| 25 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.57% |
| 26 | Airbag warning light on | 0.53% |
| 27 | Seat belt condition | 0.51% |
| 28 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.49% |
| 29 | ABS fault | 0.46% |
| 30 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.44% |
| 31 | Rear suspension fault | 0.43% |
| 32 | Front suspension fault | 0.41% |
| 33 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.39% |
| 34 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.37% |
| 35 | Steering rack fault | 0.35% |
| 36 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.33% |
| 37 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.32% |
| 38 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.27% |
| 39 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.26% |
| 40 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.24% |
| 41 | Horn not working | 0.23% |
| 42 | Position lamp not working | 0.23% |
| 43 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.23% |
| 44 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.22% |
| 45 | Chassis condition | 0.21% |
| 46 | Brake fluid leak | 0.19% |
| 47 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.15% |
| 48 | Brake pedal fault | 0.14% |
| 49 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.13% |
| 50 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.13% |
| 51 | Brake caliper fault | 0.10% |
| 52 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.10% |
| 53 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.10% |
| 54 | Steering operation fault | 0.09% |
| 55 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.09% |
| 56 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.09% |
| 57 | Electrical switch fault | 0.08% |
| 58 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.08% |
| 59 | Headlamp fault | 0.08% |
| 60 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.08% |
| 61 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.06% |
| 62 | Body security fault | 0.06% |
| 63 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.06% |
| 64 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.06% |
| 65 | Steering free play excessive | 0.05% |
| 66 | Spare wheel fault | 0.05% |
| 67 | Power steering ram fault | 0.05% |
| 68 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.05% |
| 69 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.05% |
| 70 | Driver airbag fault | 0.05% |
| 71 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 72 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.04% |
| 73 | Steering arm worn | 0.04% |
| 74 | Brake lever fault | 0.04% |
| 75 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 76 | Power steering pump fault | 0.04% |
| 77 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.04% |
| 78 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 79 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.04% |
| 80 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.03% |
| 81 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.03% |
| 82 | Suspension unit fault | 0.03% |
| 83 | Drag link end worn | 0.02% |
| 84 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.02% |
| 85 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.02% |
| 86 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 87 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.02% |
| 88 | CV joint worn | 0.02% |
| 89 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 92 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.02% |
| 93 | Steering drive system fault | 0.02% |
| 94 | Driver seat fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 96 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.01% |
| 97 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.01% |
| 98 | Engine oil leak | 0.01% |
| 99 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.01% |
| 100 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 101 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.01% |
| 103 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.01% |
| 104 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 106 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.01% |
| 107 | Steering damper fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.01% |
| 109 | Stub axle worn | 0.01% |
| 110 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 111 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 112 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 116 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 117 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 119 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 120 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 123 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 126 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 132 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 133 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 138 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 139 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 140 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 143 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 144 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 145 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 146 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 148 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 149 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 155 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 158 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 159 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 161 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 162 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 165 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 166 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 167 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 168 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 169 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 170 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 171 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 172 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 173 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 174 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 176 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 177 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 179 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 181 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 182 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Handbrake fails on gradient | <0.01% |
| 184 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 186 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 186 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Peugeot 306 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Peugeot 306, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Peugeot 306 problems?
Based on analysis of 2.2M Peugeot 306 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 39 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Peugeot 306 generation has the most problems?
The Peugeot 306 306 (1993-2002) (1993–2002) has the highest number of identified common problems (56). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Peugeot 306?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Peugeot 306 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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