Peugeot 308 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 141,702 MOT tests on the Peugeot 308 carried out in 2023. 35% failed at the first attempt, which is noticeably above the 29% average across all cars in the same data. Put another way, about 7 in 10 308s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2007 to 2021. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2020 models did best (89% passed, +1.2 points against the average for 3-year-old cars), while 2007 models fared worst (46%, −10.5 points). Tested cars had covered 77,711 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 14.0% of tests (slightly above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "fractured or broken", on 4.8% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 141,702
- First-time pass rate
- 65%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −6.1 points
- Average mileage at test
- 77,711
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 308?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
308 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 102 | 90% | 91% | −0.6 points | 34,837 |
| 2020 | 3,789 | 89% | 88% | +1.2 points | 26,121 |
| 2019 | 7,180 | 85% | 86% | −0.8 points | 35,318 |
| 2018 | 8,629 | 81% | 84% | −3.4 points | 45,868 |
| 2017 | 9,299 | 79% | 82% | −3.0 points | 56,118 |
| 2016 | 14,905 | 74% | 79% | −4.8 points | 64,955 |
| 2015 | 14,416 | 72% | 75% | −3.6 points | 73,949 |
| 2014 | 12,439 | 67% | 72% | −4.5 points | 78,285 |
| 2013 | 10,773 | 59% | 68% | −9.2 points | 83,703 |
| 2012 | 10,816 | 60% | 66% | −5.6 points | 90,907 |
| 2011 | 10,395 | 60% | 63% | −2.6 points | 92,537 |
| 2010 | 13,907 | 53% | 60% | −7.2 points | 96,540 |
| 2009 | 13,582 | 51% | 59% | −7.9 points | 100,480 |
| 2008 | 10,261 | 49% | 57% | −8.6 points | 102,550 |
| 2007 | 1,202 | 46% | 57% | −10.5 points | 104,068 |
Why the Peugeot 308 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 308 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 14.0% | 11.3% |
| Suspension | 10.8% | 8.9% |
| Tyres | 8.1% | 6.3% |
| Brakes | 7.8% | 6.8% |
| Body and structure | 5.5% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 4.9% | 4.8% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 4.5% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 2.8% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 0.7% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 0.4% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1fractured or broken4.8%
- 2not working4.8%
- 3constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt4.3%
- 4tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.6%
- 5ball joint excessively worn3.3%
- 6less than 1.5 mm thick2.9%
- 7not working on dipped beam2.4%
- 8projected beam image is obviously incorrect2.4%
- 9inoperative in the case of a single lamp or all lamps2.3%
- 10ball joint has excessive play2.2%
Common 308 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 308, check whether these have been dealt with. Read our guide to MOT advisories.
| Advisory | Area | Share of tests |
|---|---|---|
| tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm | Tyres | 19.9% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 13.7% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 9.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 7.0% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 6.6% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 6.2% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 5.0% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 3.5% |
| significantly and obviously worn | Brakes | 3.5% |
| tread pattern not visible over the whole tread area when minimum depth required is 1.0mm | Tyres | 3.0% |
Tips to help your 308 pass
Based on where 308s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 14.0% of 308 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 · 7.8% of 308 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.
Compare with other models
Is the 308 ULEZ compliant? See the Peugeot 308 ULEZ check, or view all Peugeot models.
Other Peugeot models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 141,702 first MOT tests of the Peugeot 308 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 141,702 first MOT tests of the Peugeot 308.
What is the Peugeot 308 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 35% of 141,702 first MOT attempts on the Peugeot 308 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Peugeot 308 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (14.0% of tests), suspension (10.8% of tests), tyres (8.1% of tests).
Which 308 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2020 cars performed best: 89% passed first time, +1.2 points against the average for 3-year-old cars. The weakest was 2007, at 46% (−10.5 points).
How many miles had a typical Peugeot 308 covered at its MOT?
The average was 77,711 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2021 cars averaged 34,837 miles and 2007 cars 104,068.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Peugeot 308?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 19.9% of tests, in the tyres area. 8.1% of 308s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 308's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 141,702 308s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 46% to 90% 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 · 4 min readTyre tread depth and the MOT: the legal limit and how to check6.3% of cars failed their 2023 MOT on tyres. The 1.6mm legal limit, what testers look for beyond tread, and a one-minute check with a 20p coin.Read the guide
Check any 308's MOT history
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