Peugeot 407 MOT Failure Rate & Common Faults
We analysed 11,586 MOT tests on the Peugeot 407 carried out in 2023. 46% 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 407s passed first time.
Results cover cars first registered from 2004 to 2011. Compared with other cars of the same age, 2004 models did best (56% passed, +0.1 points against the average for 19-year-old cars), while 2009 models fared worst (53%, −6.2 points). Tested cars had covered 121,837 miles on average, against 73,145 across all cars.
The most common reason for failure was lights and electrics, found on 22.0% of tests (well above the 11.3% seen across all cars). The single most frequent fault was "not working", on 13.1% of tests.
- MOT tests analysed
- 11,586
- First-time pass rate
- 54%
- All cars: 71%
- Versus all cars
- −17.9 points
- Average mileage at test
- 121,837
- All cars: 73,145
Checking a particular 407?
See its own MOT history, advisories and mileage for free.
407 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 239 | 62% | 63% | −1.5 points | 112,313 |
| 2010 | 1,344 | 55% | 60% | −5.9 points | 117,215 |
| 2009 | 1,479 | 53% | 59% | −6.2 points | 117,779 |
| 2008 | 1,472 | 55% | 57% | −2.7 points | 121,288 |
| 2007 | 2,505 | 53% | 57% | −4.2 points | 122,844 |
| 2006 | 2,456 | 53% | 56% | −2.7 points | 124,155 |
| 2005 | 1,627 | 52% | 56% | −4.3 points | 128,852 |
| 2004 | 462 | 56% | 56% | +0.1 points | 112,579 |
Why the Peugeot 407 fails its MOT
The share of tests with at least one failure in each area, compared with all cars.
| Failure area | 407 | All cars |
|---|---|---|
| Lights and electrics | 22.0% | 11.3% |
| Brakes | 16.2% | 6.8% |
| Suspension | 14.9% | 8.9% |
| Body and structure | 12.0% | 3.5% |
| Visibility | 9.9% | 4.8% |
| Tyres | 8.9% | 6.3% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 5.7% | 3.1% |
| Steering | 3.0% | 1.8% |
| Seatbelts and airbags | 1.6% | 1.0% |
| Road Wheels | 1.0% | 0.4% |
Top 10 specific failure reasons
- 1not working13.1%
- 2constant velocity boot split or insecure, no longer prevents the ingress of dirt9.8%
- 3ball joint excessively worn7.0%
- 4warning lamp indicates an ABS fault5.6%
- 5provides insufficient washer liquid5.5%
- 6tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm3.8%
- 7pin or bush excessively worn3.7%
- 8efficiency below requirements3.6%
- 9less than 1.5 mm thick3.1%
- 10has ply or cords exposed3.0%
Common 407 MOT advisories
Advisories don't cause a fail, but they show what's wearing out. On a used 407, 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 | 22.5% |
| in such a condition that it is seriously weakened | Brakes | 20.0% |
| ball joint excessively worn | Suspension | 16.3% |
| leaking excessively from engine | Noise, emissions and leaks | 15.8% |
| has a tear, caused by separation or partial failure of its structure | Tyres | 9.5% |
| less than 1.5 mm thick | Brakes | 8.0% |
| pin or bush excessively worn | Suspension | 7.6% |
| excessively binding | Brakes | 5.8% |
| inscription illegible | Number plates and VIN | 5.4% |
| Play in steering rack inner joint(s) | Non-component advisories | 4.3% |
Tips to help your 407 pass
Based on where 407s most often fail. For a full list, use our pre-MOT checklist.
Lights and electrics · 22.0% of 407 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 · 16.2% of 407 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 · 12.0% of 407 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 407 ULEZ compliant? See the Peugeot 407 ULEZ check, or view all Peugeot models.
Other Peugeot models
Models with similar pass rates
About this data
Based on 11,586 first MOT tests of the Peugeot 407 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 11,586 first MOT tests of the Peugeot 407.
What is the Peugeot 407 MOT failure rate?
In our data, 46% of 11,586 first MOT attempts on the Peugeot 407 ended in a fail, compared with 29% for all cars.
What is the most common reason a Peugeot 407 fails its MOT?
The most common failure areas were lights and electrics (22.0% of tests), brakes (16.2% of tests), suspension (14.9% of tests).
Which 407 year has the best MOT pass rate?
Allowing for age, 2004 cars performed best: 56% passed first time, +0.1 points against the average for 19-year-old cars. The weakest was 2009, at 53% (−6.2 points).
How many miles had a typical Peugeot 407 covered at its MOT?
The average was 121,837 miles, against 73,145 for all cars tested. 2011 cars averaged 112,313 miles and 2004 cars 112,579.
What is the most common MOT advisory on the Peugeot 407?
"tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm" was recorded on 22.5% of tests, in the tyres area. 8.9% of 407s failed in that area too.
How can I check a specific 407's MOT history?
Enter its registration in our free MOT check. Across the 11,586 407s in our data, first-time pass rates ranged from 52% to 62% 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 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
- 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
Check any 407's MOT history
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