MOT failure data · 2025

Peugeot 406 MOT problems

Across every Peugeot 406 that failed its 2025 MOT, the defect testers recorded most often was component mounting prescribed areas prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength, on 6.38% of failure items. The broadest problem area was lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment at 22.38%. These are recorded defects across the model, not a diagnosis of any one car.

Most common Peugeot 406 MOT failures

#Recorded defect AreaShare
1 Component mounting prescribed areas prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength Suspension 6.38%
2 Headlamp aim projected beam image is obviously incorrect Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment 4.53%
3 Ball joint ball joint excessively worn Suspension 3.44%
4 Rbt (sp) efficiency below requirements Brakes 3.34%
5 Exhaust system has a major leak of exhaust gases Body, chassis, structure 3.24%
6 Wipers does not clear the windscreen effectively Visibility 2.81%
7 Joints constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt Body, chassis, structure 2.68%
8 Service brake imbalance across an axle Brakes 2.58%
9 Service brake performance excessively binding Brakes 2.51%
10 Position lamp not working Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment 2.21%

Shares are of all recorded failure items for this model, so they sum to less than 100% — a single failed test often records several defects, and the long tail below the top 10 is not shown.

What this means if you are buying one

Use it as a viewing checklist. If you are looking at a Peugeot 406, these are the areas worth inspecting and worth asking about — and worth reading the car's own MOT history for, since a defect that keeps reappearing as an advisory is a better signal than any model-wide average.

The MOT record also has hard limits: it does not check the engine, clutch or gearbox, and it says nothing about outstanding finance, insurance write-off history, stolen markers or whether the mileage is genuine. Our used Peugeot 406 buying guide covers what to check beyond the MOT.

Checking a specific Peugeot 406?

Enter its registration for finance, write-off, stolen, mileage and keeper history.

Free MOT history is available too — the £15 report adds finance, write-off, stolen and mileage checks.

Other Peugeot models

Peugeot 406 MOT FAQs

What does a Peugeot 406 most commonly fail its MOT on?

The single most recorded defect on Peugeot 406 cars failing their 2025 MOT was "component mounting prescribed areas prescribed area excessively corroded significantly reducing structural strength", appearing on 6.38% of failure items.

Does this mean my Peugeot 406 will fail?

No. This is what testers recorded across every Peugeot 406 that failed in 2025. It shows where this model tends to need attention, not the condition of any individual car. The Peugeot 406 passed 65.01% of its initial tests.

How do I see a specific Peugeot 406's MOT history?

Enter its registration on our free MOT history check to see that car's own test results, advisories and recorded mileages.

See also: Peugeot 406 MOT pass rate · used Peugeot 406 buying guide · free MOT history check

Defect counts from the DVSA MOT Anonymised test-item data for 2025 (class 4 initial tests, failure items only — advisories and minor defects excluded), licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.