Peugeot 406

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 9 model years from 6,613 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

71%

Total Tests

6,613

Highest Pass Rate

1996 (77%)

Years Covered

About the Peugeot 406

The Peugeot 406 was MOT tested 6,613 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 9 model years (1996 to 2004), with an average pass rate of 71%. That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in our data, so check the year-by-year data carefully before buying. Our records list petrol and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 model has the highest pass rate at 77% from 140 tests. The 2004 model has the lowest at 68%. The 9 point gap means pass rates vary somewhat between years, but no year is dramatically different. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Older Peugeot 406s tend to have better MOT pass rates than newer ones, with an average decline of 4 percentage points across model years.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (1996) averages 123,050 miles, while the newest (2004) averages 142,734 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Compared to the Peugeot brand average of 83%, the 406 is 12 points lower, placing it among the less reliable Peugeot models.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Petrol, 1997cc)

£1,631

Road Tax

£325

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

Higher due to low pass rate

£700

Total per year£2,711

Per month£226/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2004 details

How reliable is the Peugeot 406?

vs average of all models-11% (82% avg)

vs Peugeot brand average-12% (83% avg)

Best to worst year spread9 percentage points

Reliability trendDeclining over years

Peugeot 406 by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2004	68%	373	142,734 mi
2003	68%	1,181	150,072 mi
2002	69%	1,132	144,648 mi
2001	70%	973	142,375 mi
2000	70%	752	140,312 mi
1999	71%	902	127,727 mi
1998	71%	783	126,345 mi
1997	73%	377	124,640 mi
1996	77%	140	123,050 mi

Questions about the Peugeot 406

Is the Peugeot 406 reliable?

Across its 9 model years in our data (1996 to 2004), the Peugeot 406 averages a 71% MOT pass rate, from 6,613 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 11 points below the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 1996 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 77%.

Which year Peugeot 406 has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 1996 Peugeot 406 has the highest MOT pass rate at 77%, while the 2004 model has the lowest at 68%, a 9 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.