At a Glance
The Peugeot 406 has 34 identified common problems across 1 generation, with the 406 (1995-2004) being the most affected generation and brakes the most common problem category. Based on 1.5M 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 406 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 406 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 406 MOT Failures
Every reason Peugeot 406 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 | 12.15% |
| 2 | Exhaust system fault | 8.87% |
| 3 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 7.68% |
| 4 | Stop lamp not working | 6.05% |
| 5 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 5.39% |
| 6 | Brake performance below minimum | 5.35% |
| 7 | Number plate lamp not working | 5.18% |
| 8 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 4.72% |
| 9 | Front lamp not working | 3.94% |
| 10 | Brake disc or drum worn | 3.94% |
| 11 | Headlamp aim defect | 3.45% |
| 12 | Windscreen washer not working | 3.31% |
| 13 | Tyre condition | 3.14% |
| 14 | Brake pads or linings worn | 2.88% |
| 15 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 2.44% |
| 16 | Driveshaft fault | 2.05% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 1.91% |
| 18 | Rear lamp not working | 1.50% |
| 19 | Parking brake condition | 1.35% |
| 20 | Suspension mounting corroded | 1.08% |
| 21 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.91% |
| 22 | Fog lamp not working | 0.80% |
| 23 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.79% |
| 24 | Indicator fault | 0.61% |
| 25 | Seat belt condition | 0.61% |
| 26 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.61% |
| 27 | Steering rack fault | 0.57% |
| 28 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 0.56% |
| 29 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.52% |
| 30 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.44% |
| 31 | Front suspension fault | 0.42% |
| 32 | Rear suspension fault | 0.42% |
| 33 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.40% |
| 34 | Position lamp not working | 0.36% |
| 35 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | 0.33% |
| 36 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 0.32% |
| 37 | ABS fault | 0.28% |
| 38 | Handbrake cable fault | 0.27% |
| 39 | Airbag warning light on | 0.27% |
| 40 | Chassis condition | 0.25% |
| 41 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.25% |
| 42 | Headlamp fault | 0.23% |
| 43 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.20% |
| 44 | Ball joint dust cover split | 0.20% |
| 45 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.20% |
| 46 | Brake fluid leak | 0.17% |
| 47 | Horn not working | 0.15% |
| 48 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.12% |
| 49 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.12% |
| 50 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 0.11% |
| 51 | Subframe mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 52 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 0.10% |
| 53 | Brake pedal fault | 0.10% |
| 54 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.09% |
| 55 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | 0.08% |
| 56 | Steering operation fault | 0.08% |
| 57 | Brake caliper fault | 0.07% |
| 58 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.07% |
| 59 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.07% |
| 60 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.06% |
| 61 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 62 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.06% |
| 63 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.05% |
| 64 | Body security fault | 0.05% |
| 65 | Steering free play excessive | 0.05% |
| 66 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.05% |
| 67 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | 0.04% |
| 68 | Steering column fault | 0.04% |
| 69 | Wheel bearing worn | 0.04% |
| 70 | Steering arm worn | 0.03% |
| 71 | Bonded suspension condition | 0.03% |
| 72 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.03% |
| 73 | Electrical switch fault | 0.03% |
| 74 | CV joint worn | 0.03% |
| 75 | Brake lever fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | 0.03% |
| 77 | Drag link end worn | 0.03% |
| 78 | Steering drive system fault | 0.03% |
| 79 | Brake fluid warning light on | 0.03% |
| 80 | Tie bar or rod worn or corroded | 0.03% |
| 81 | Power steering ram fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.02% |
| 83 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.02% |
| 84 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 85 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | 0.02% |
| 86 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | 0.02% |
| 87 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 88 | Power steering pump fault | 0.02% |
| 89 | Driver airbag fault | 0.02% |
| 90 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.02% |
| 91 | Steering coupling worn | 0.02% |
| 92 | Engine oil leak | 0.02% |
| 93 | Stub axle worn | 0.02% |
| 94 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.02% |
| 95 | Steering lock fault | 0.02% |
| 96 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.02% |
| 97 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | 0.01% |
| 98 | Towbar fault | 0.01% |
| 99 | Brake back plate corroded or damaged | 0.01% |
| 100 | Exhaust emissions above threshold (non-catalyst) | 0.01% |
| 101 | Driver seat fault | 0.01% |
| 102 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 103 | King pin or swivel pin worn | <0.01% |
| 104 | Bumper damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 105 | Spring mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 106 | Trailing arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 107 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 109 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 110 | Handbrake lever fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | <0.01% |
| 112 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 113 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Load sensing valve fault | <0.01% |
| 115 | Brake stationary pin worn | <0.01% |
| 116 | Front passenger door fault | <0.01% |
| 117 | Propshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Radius arm worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 119 | Undertray damaged or missing | <0.01% |
| 120 | Passenger airbag fault | <0.01% |
| 121 | Steering damper fault | <0.01% |
| 122 | Exhaust leak | <0.01% |
| 123 | Steering shaft fault | <0.01% |
| 124 | Headlamp levelling device fault | <0.01% |
| 125 | Torque or reaction arm worn | <0.01% |
| 126 | Passenger seat fault | <0.01% |
| 127 | Torsion bar worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 128 | Handbrake mechanism or mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Brake pedal linkage fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Axle beam corroded or cracked | <0.01% |
| 132 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 133 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 134 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 135 | Hand-operated brake valve condition | <0.01% |
| 136 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 137 | Steering intermediate drop arm worn | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake relay lever fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Panhard rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 140 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 141 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 142 | Dip switch fault | <0.01% |
| 143 | Steering box fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 145 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 147 | Transmission oil leak | <0.01% |
| 148 | Driver door fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 151 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 152 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Brake clevis joint worn | <0.01% |
| 154 | Front fog lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 155 | Electric power steering fault | <0.01% |
| 156 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 157 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 158 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 159 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 160 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 161 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 162 | Brake linkage mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 163 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 164 | Mirror or camera fault | <0.01% |
| 165 | Steering lock stop fault | <0.01% |
| 166 | Suspension coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 167 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 168 | Full power hydraulic brake fault | <0.01% |
| 169 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 170 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 171 | Passenger compartment corrosion | <0.01% |
| 172 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 173 | Brake master cylinder or servo mounting fault | <0.01% |
| 174 | Transmission drive belt fault | <0.01% |
| 175 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 176 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 177 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 178 | Dropside damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 179 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 180 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 181 | Loading door damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 182 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 183 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 184 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 185 | Hinged tailboard damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 186 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
Showing all 186 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Peugeot 406 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Peugeot 406, 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 406 problems?
Based on analysis of 1.5M Peugeot 406 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 34 identified common problems across 1 generation. The most frequently flagged issue is "Suspension pins, bushes or ball joints worn". Brakes is the most common problem category.
Which Peugeot 406 generation has the most problems?
The Peugeot 406 406 (1995-2004) (1995–2004) has the highest number of identified common problems (46). 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 406?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Peugeot 406 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
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