1998 Peugeot 406 · 1,131 MOT tests
1998 Peugeot 406 reliability
1998 Peugeot 406s fail 40.2% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 406 years (1,131 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
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- first-time fail rate (all Peugeot 406s: 44.2%)
- 40.2%
- first-time fail rate (all Peugeot 406s: 44.2%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 4% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- 121,102
- typical miles at its MOT, aged about 25
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
- 1,131
- MOT tests, 2022 to 2024
Year on year
1998 against the years either side
- 1997 cars: 3% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does worse)
- 1999 cars: 9% more MOT fails than the average car its age (the 1998 car does better)
- Weak spot: seat belts and airbags, 5.1% of tests fail here (35% above cars of the same age and mileage).
- Strong point: steering, 24% fewer fails than comparable cars.
Common problems
What fails on a 1998 Peugeot 406
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics17.2%
- Brakes15.3%
- Suspension12.7%
- Body, chassis and structure8.8%
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors6.2%
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks6.1%
- Tyres5.9%
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top failures
Suspension mounting area seriously corroded 4.69%
Corrosion near suspension mountings can seriously weaken the body structure, so an expert inspection is needed.
Position lamp not working 3.45%
A failed position lamp makes the car harder to see in poor light and is illegal, so it must be repaired.
Service brakes uneven across an axle 3.36%
One wheel is braking much less than its pair, so the car may pull to one side and stop poorly.
Parking brake efficiency below minimum 3.27%
The parking brake holds the car less well than required, so it may roll on a slope and needs repair.
Stop lamp not working 3.09%
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 2.83%
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Common advisories
Engine oil leak, not excessive (19.63%) · Brake disc pitted or scored (13%) · Tyre worn close to legal limit (11.23%) · Tyre slightly damaged or cracking (9.28%) · Brake pipes corroded and greasy (9.11%) · Coil spring showing some corrosion (6.81%)
Is a 1998 Peugeot 406 reliable?
1998 Peugeot 406s fail 40.2% of first MOT tests, 4% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, ranking 5 of 6 406 years (1,131 DVSA tests, 2022 to 2024).
What fails on a 1998 Peugeot 406 MOT?
Most often suspension mounting area seriously corroded (4.69% of tests), position lamp not working (3.45% of tests), service brakes uneven across an axle (3.36% of tests).
How many miles should a 1998 Peugeot 406 have done?
At its MOT aged about 25, a typical 1998 Peugeot 406 shows 121,102 miles. Much higher or lower is worth asking about.
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