Sports car and convertible · 2001–2016 cars
Peugeot RCZ reliability
The Peugeot RCZ fails 33% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage, based on 39,044 DVSA MOT tests from 2022 to 2024.
Checking a Peugeot RCZ before you buy?
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- 33%
- first-time MOT fail rate (all cars: 28.4%)
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- 10% more
- fails than cars of the same age and mileage
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- 39,044
- MOT tests analysed, 2022 to 2024
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
- 6,500
- typical miles a year, from MOT readings
MOT fail rate by age
How the Peugeot RCZ ages
Each point is the share of Peugeot RCZs of that age that failed their MOT first time, against all cars of the same age.
| Age at MOT (years) | Peugeot RCZ | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| 6 | 21.6% | 19.1% |
| 7 | 23.2% | 22.1% |
| 8 | 28% | 25.5% |
| 9 | 29.4% | 28.8% |
| 10 | 34.6% | 31.8% |
| 11 | 35.3% | 34.6% |
| 12 | 37.9% | 37.3% |
| 13 | 37.7% | 39.5% |
| 14 | 39.1% | 41.1% |
By year
The best and worst Peugeot RCZ years
2010 cars come out best and 2013 cars worst, once age and mileage are taken into account.
| First registered | Tests | Fail rate | Against same-age cars | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 938 | 21.7% | 19% more fails | 39,368 |
| 2015 RCZ | 3,861 | 23.8% | 11% more fails | 47,187 |
| 2014 RCZ | 5,650 | 27.1% | 9% more fails | 55,189 |
| 2013 RCZ | 7,396 | 33.1% | 16% more fails | 63,417 |
| 2012 RCZ | 7,060 | 34.6% | 10% more fails | 68,350 |
| 2011 RCZ | 8,751 | 37.1% | 8% more fails | 74,668 |
| 2010 RCZ | 5,370 | 39.3% | 8% more fails | 77,532 |
Common problems
What fails most on a Peugeot RCZ
Its weak spot is exhaust, emissions and leaks: 101% more fails there than cars of the same age and mileage.
Fail rate by area
- Lights and electrics13.6%17% above avg
- Suspension10.8%9% above avg
- Tyres6.4%3% above avg
- Exhaust, emissions and leaks5.5%101% above avg
- Brakes5.2%19% below avg
- Body, chassis and structure4.9%58% above avg
- Windscreen, wipers and mirrors3.8%16% below avg
- Steering1.3%33% below avg
- Wheels0.6%73% above avg
Average for cars of the same age and mileage
Top MOT failures
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken 6.76% of tests
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
CV joint boot split or insecure 3.6% of tests
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 3
Stop lamp not working 2.86% of tests
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm 2.55% of tests
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 5
Headlamp beam pattern obviously incorrect 2.19% of tests
A wrongly shaped beam can dazzle other drivers and reduce your own view of the road, so the lamps need correcting.
- 6
Dipped beam headlamp not working 1.91% of tests
A failed dipped beam makes it hard to see and be seen at night, so the lamp needs fixing before driving.
- 7
Engine warning light inoperative or lit 1.8% of tests
An engine warning light that is lit or not working can hide faults, so diagnosis is needed before buying.
- 8
Wiper blade not clearing windscreen 1.65% of tests
Wipers that do not clear the windscreen reduce visibility in rain, which is a safety risk, so replace them.
Most common advisories
Not a fail yet, but worth pricing in: these show up on a Peugeot RCZ's MOT certificate most often.
- Tyre worn close to legal limit14.77%
- Brake disc pitted or scored12.21%
- Engine oil leak, not excessive7.19%
- Tyre slightly damaged or cracking7.04%
- Brake pads wearing thin5.97%
- Suspension arm pin/bush showing wear4.6%
Before you buy
What to check on a used Peugeot RCZ
- 1
Coil spring fractured or broken
A broken coil spring can leave the car sitting low or unstable, so it must be replaced before driving.
- 2
CV joint boot split or insecure
A split CV boot lets dirt in and grease out, so the joint wears and may need full replacement.
- 3
Stop lamp not working
A failed stop lamp means drivers behind cannot see when you brake, a safety risk that must be fixed.
- 4
Tyre tread below 1.6mm
Tread below 1.6mm is illegal and reduces grip in wet conditions, so the tyre must be replaced.
- 5
Every MOT since new
Look for the faults above coming back year after year: it shows how the car has been looked after.
- 6
The mileage record
A typical Peugeot RCZ covers about 6,500 miles a year. A big gap or a drop between MOTs is a warning sign.
- 7
Finance, stolen and write-off
The records the MOT can't show. A Full Check (£9.99) covers all three before you hand over any money.
Fuel types tested
- Petrol63.5%
- Diesel36.5%
Most common colours
White, Grey, Black, Red, Blue
Average engine size: 1.7 litres.
Compare
How the Peugeot RCZ compares with its rivals
| Model | Fail rate | Against same-age cars |
|---|---|---|
| Jaguar XKR | 22.6% | 37% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Mercedes-Benz SLC | 11.8% | 18% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Ford Mustang | 14.7% | 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| BMW Z3 | 31.3% | 15% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Volkswagen Eos | 33.7% | 14% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| MG TF | 30.8% | 13% fewer MOT fails than the average car its age |
| Peugeot RCZ | 33% | 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age |
Every sports car and convertible ranked in the sports car and convertible reliability index, or all Peugeot models.
Questions
Peugeot RCZ questions, answered
Is the Peugeot RCZ reliable?
On MOT results, the Peugeot RCZ is below average: it fails 33% of first MOT tests, 10% more MOT fails than the average car its age and mileage. It ranks 61 of 62 sports car and convertible models in our index.
What fails most on a Peugeot RCZ MOT?
The most common MOT failures on the Peugeot RCZ are coil spring fractured or broken (6.76% of tests), cv joint boot split or insecure (3.6% of tests), stop lamp not working (2.86% of tests). By area, lights and electrics fails 13.6% of its tests.
Which Peugeot RCZ year is the most reliable?
Among years with 1,000+ tests, 2010 cars do best (8% more MOT fails than the average car its age) and 2013 cars do worst (16% more MOT fails than the average car its age).
How many miles does a Peugeot RCZ do a year?
A typical Peugeot RCZ covers about 6,500 miles a year, from the mileage recorded at its MOTs. Check the car you're looking at against that with a free mileage check.
How do I check a Peugeot RCZ before I buy it?
Enter its registration for a free check of its MOT history, mileage, ULEZ status and tax. Before you pay, a Full Check (£9.99) shows outstanding finance, stolen and write-off records.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test results, 2022 to 2024, class 4 vehicles aged 3 to 25, normal tests only. How we compare like with like: our methodology.
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