Peugeot 206 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 58,176 MOT tests on the Peugeot 206 carried out in 2023. 48% failed at the first attempt, which is well above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 5 in 10 206s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 1998 to 2009. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2007 models did best (56% passed, −0.9 points against the average for 16-year-old cars), while 1998 models fared worst (49%, −15.1 points). Tested cars had covered 84,307 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 24.9% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 13.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 58,176
- First-time pass rate
- 52%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −19.2 points
- Average mileage at test
- 84,307
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 206?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
206 MOT pass rate by year
Older cars fail more often, so each year is compared with all cars of the same age. Bars above the dashed line did better than average for their age.
| First registered | Tests | Pass rate | All cars, same age | Difference | Avg mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 697 | 54% | 59% | −4.6 points | 78,968 |
| 2008 | 1,498 | 55% | 57% | −2.6 points | 76,648 |
| 2007 | 3,380 | 56% | 57% | −0.9 points | 73,203 |
| 2006 | 8,266 | 53% | 56% | −3.7 points | 83,759 |
| 2005 | 11,462 | 53% | 56% | −2.9 points | 86,126 |
| 2004 | 11,806 | 53% | 56% | −2.9 points | 86,427 |
| 2003 | 8,575 | 51% | 57% | −5.6 points | 86,954 |
| 2002 | 6,205 | 49% | 58% | −8.6 points | 86,446 |
| 2001 | 3,855 | 51% | 59% | −7.6 points | 81,277 |
| 2000 | 1,567 | 48% | 61% | −12.3 points | 79,500 |
| 1999 | 720 | 49% | 62% | −13.6 points | 77,260 |
| 1998 | 84 | 49% | 64% | −15.1 points | 75,714 |
Why the Peugeot 206 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 206 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 24.9% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 18.4% | 8.9% |
| Brakes | 13.7% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 11.2% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 9.2% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 9.1% | 3.1% |
| Tyres | 7.1% | 6.3% |
| Steering | 3.9% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 2.7% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.5% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working13.8%
- 2ball joint excessively worn7.3%
- 3ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt5.9%
- 4does not clear the windscreen effectively4.8%
- 5has a major leak of exhaust gases4.8%
- 6projected beam image is obviously incorrect4.0%
- 7efficiency below requirements3.8%
- 8not working on dipped beam3.3%
- 9Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits3.2%
- 10tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.0%
Common 206 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 206, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 17.7% |
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 15.7% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 14.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 10.2% |
| excessively corroded | Brakes | 10.1% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 9.5% |
| has a major leak of exhaust gases | Body and structure | 9.0% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 8.9% |
| corroded so that its cross sectional area is reduced and seriously weakened | Suspension | 6.7% |
Tips to help your 206 pass
Based on where 206s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 24.9% of 206 tests
Walk round every light
With a helper, check headlights on dipped and main beam, sidelights, brake lights, indicators, the rear fog light and the number plate lamp. Replace blown bulbs in pairs and make sure no lenses are cracked.
Brakes · 13.7% of 206 tests
Don't ignore brake warning signs
Grinding, squealing, a soft pedal or the car pulling to one side under braking are all worth investigating before the MOT. Check whether the last test noted worn pads or discs; if so, they may now be below the limit.
Body and structure · 11.2% of 206 tests
Look underneath for corrosion
On older cars, check sills, subframe mounts and brake pipes for rust. Surface rust is common, but corrosion on structural or brake parts is a fail.
Compare with other models
Is the 206 ULEZ compliant? See the Peugeot 206 ULEZ check, or view all Peugeot models.
Other Peugeot models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 58,176 first MOT tests of the Peugeot 206 carried out in 2023.
Source: DVSA anonymised MOT test data (contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0). First attempts on cars only; “pass rate” means passing first time. Averages cover all 32,735,164 cars tested (71% passed), and years with under 50 tests are hidden.
Learn more about how our data works.
Frequently asked questions
Answers from 58,176 first MOT tests of the Peugeot 206.
What is the Peugeot 206 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 48% of 58,176 first MOT attempts on the Peugeot 206 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Peugeot 206 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (24.9% of tests), suspension (18.4% of tests), brakes (13.7% of tests).
Which 206 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2007 cars performed best: 56% passed first time, −0.9 points against the average for 16-year-old cars. The weakest was 1998, at 49% (−15.1 points).
How many miles had a typical Peugeot 206 covered at its MOT?
The average was 84,307 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2009 cars averaged 78,968 miles and 1998 cars 75,714.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Peugeot 206?
"leaking excessively from engine" was recorded on 17.7% of tests, in the noise, emissions and leaks area. 9.1% of 206s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 206's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 58,176 206s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 48% to 56% by year, so one car's own record says more than the average.
Related guides
- MOT · 6 min readPre-MOT checklist: 20 things to check yourself before the testTwenty quick checks, grouped by area, that you can do on your driveway in under half an hour. No tools beyond a coin and a helper needed for most.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readThe most common reasons cars fail their MOT (and how to avoid them)Lights alone failed 11.3% of cars at their 2023 MOT, more than any other area. The common failure areas, ranked, and the driveway checks that prevent them.Read the guide
- MOT · 6 min readDangerous, major and minor MOT defects explainedSince 2018, every fault found at an MOT goes into one of four categories. Knowing the difference tells you whether you can drive home, and what to fix first.Read the guide
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