At a Glance
The Peugeot 405 has 59 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Phase 2 (1992-1997) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 268K 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 405 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 405 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 405 MOT Failures
Every reason Peugeot 405 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 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 12.91% |
| 2 | Exhaust system fault | 10.11% |
| 3 | Brake performance below minimum | 7.18% |
| 4 | Brake disc or drum worn | 6.12% |
| 5 | Driveshaft fault | 4.86% |
| 6 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 4.43% |
| 7 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.26% |
| 8 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 4.16% |
| 9 | Track rod end worn | 2.84% |
| 10 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.71% |
| 11 | Stop lamp not working | 2.70% |
| 12 | Number plate lamp not working | 2.64% |
| 13 | Front lamp not working | 2.52% |
| 14 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.25% |
| 15 | Headlamp aim defect | 2.15% |
| 16 | Windscreen washer not working | 1.96% |
| 17 | Steering rack fault | 1.82% |
| 18 | Rear lamp not working | 1.81% |
| 19 | Tyre condition | 1.57% |
| 20 | Indicator fault | 1.38% |
| 21 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.33% |
| 22 | Parking brake condition | 1.33% |
| 23 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 1.25% |
| 24 | Chassis condition | 1.18% |
| 25 | Mirror damaged or missing | 1.04% |
| 26 | Front suspension joint worn | 1.02% |
| 27 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.00% |
| 28 | Fog lamp not working | 0.93% |
| 29 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.90% |
| 30 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.75% |
| 31 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.53% |
| 32 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.50% |
| 33 | ABS fault | 0.44% |
| 34 | Horn not working | 0.43% |
| 35 | Brake fluid leak | 0.36% |
| 36 | Seat belt condition | 0.29% |
| 37 | CV joint worn | 0.28% |
| 38 | Rear suspension fault | 0.27% |
| 39 | Front suspension fault | 0.27% |
| 40 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.26% |
| 41 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.25% |
| 42 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.25% |
| 43 | Spring mounting corroded | 0.23% |
| 44 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.22% |
| 45 | Subframe corrosion or damage | 0.21% |
| 46 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.20% |
| 47 | Position lamp not working | 0.19% |
| 48 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.17% |
| 49 | Brake caliper fault | 0.16% |
| 50 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.16% |
| 51 | Steering operation fault | 0.16% |
| 52 | Electrical switch fault | 0.14% |
| 53 | Brake pedal fault | 0.13% |
| 54 | Spare wheel fault | 0.13% |
| 55 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.13% |
| 56 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.12% |
| 57 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.11% |
| 58 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.10% |
| 59 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.10% |
| 60 | Steering free play excessive | 0.10% |
| 61 | Headlamp fault | 0.08% |
| 62 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.08% |
| 63 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.07% |
| 64 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.07% |
| 65 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.07% |
| 66 | Steering column fault | 0.06% |
| 67 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.06% |
| 68 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.06% |
| 69 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.06% |
| 70 | Brake lever fault | 0.06% |
| 71 | Steering coupling worn | 0.05% |
| 72 | Power steering pump fault | 0.05% |
| 73 | Power steering ram fault | 0.05% |
| 74 | Steering arm worn | 0.05% |
| 75 | Airbag warning light on | 0.04% |
| 76 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.04% |
| 77 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.04% |
| 78 | Body security fault | 0.04% |
| 79 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.04% |
| 80 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.04% |
| 81 | Steering lock fault | 0.04% |
| 82 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | 0.04% |
| 83 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | 0.03% |
| 84 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 85 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.03% |
| 86 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.03% |
| 87 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 88 | Towbar fault | 0.03% |
| 89 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.03% |
| 90 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 91 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 92 | Suspension unit fault | 0.02% |
| 93 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 94 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 95 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 97 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | 0.02% |
| 98 | Radius arm worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 99 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 100 | Load sensing valve fault | 0.02% |
| 101 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.02% |
| 102 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.02% |
| 103 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 104 | Brake relay lever fault | 0.01% |
| 105 | Speedometer fault | 0.01% |
| 106 | Suspension coupling worn | 0.01% |
| 107 | Steering damper fault | 0.01% |
| 108 | Steering drive system fault | 0.01% |
| 109 | Stub axle worn | 0.01% |
| 110 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | 0.01% |
| 111 | Brake pedal linkage fault | 0.01% |
| 112 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 113 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 114 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 115 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 118 | Engine mounting worn or broken | <0.01% |
| 119 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 122 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 123 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 124 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 126 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 127 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Electronic stability control fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 132 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 137 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 138 | Driver airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Driver seat fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 142 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 145 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 146 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 149 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 151 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 152 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 155 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 156 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 158 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Peugeot 405 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Peugeot 405, 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 405 problems?
Based on analysis of 268K Peugeot 405 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 59 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Brake hydraulic component worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Peugeot 405 generation has the most problems?
The Peugeot 405 Phase 2 (1992-1997) (1992–1997) has the highest number of identified common problems (75). 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 405?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Peugeot 405 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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