Peugeot 207 MOT Failures
An analysis of 1,593,448 real DVSA MOT tests on the Peugeot 207 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: 207 (2006–2014).
Where the Peugeot 207 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Peugeot 207 is emissions failure — this model is 131 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it an extreme outlier for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 1,593,448 MOT tests, 1.44% of all Peugeot 207 tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include body panel damage (33x the fleet average), stop lamp switch with a delay in operation (26x the fleet average), headlight fault (28x the fleet average), and exhaust system damage (24x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Peugeot 207's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 4 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Bodywork, Lights & Electrics, Brakes. If you're inspecting a Peugeot 207 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Peugeot 207's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Peugeot 207 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (58x the average) and headlight fault (28x). abs fault (26x) and stop lamp switch with a delay in operation (26x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Peugeot 207 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are body panel damage (33x the average) and emissions failure (23x). stop lamp switch with a delay in operation (15x) and coil springs broken (13x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Peugeot 207 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are stop lamp switch with a delay in operation (26x the average) and brake disc or drum significantly and worn (19x). body panel damage (14x) and emissions failure (13x) also appear frequently.
The shift from emissions failure at lower mileages to stop lamp switch with a delay in operation at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Peugeot 207 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Timing chain tensioner failure (207) Dangerous
The hydraulic timing chain tensioner on EP6 and EP6DT engines fails due to inadequate oil pressure or internal wear, causing timing chain slack and potential valve-to-piston contact. Affects 207; typical independent garage repair cost is £600–£1,000.
Thermostat housing failure (207) Major
The plastic thermostat housing on EP3 and EP6 engines develops cracks due to thermal cycling, causing coolant leaks and potential overheating. Affects 207; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£250.
High pressure fuel pump failure (207) Major
The high pressure fuel pump (HPFP) on EP6DT turbocharged engines fails due to wear of the internal cam follower mechanism, causing insufficient fuel pressure for proper direct injection. Affects 207; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£700.
Turbo failure (207) Major
Turbocharger failure affects both the EP6DT petrol turbo and DV4/DV6 diesel engines, typically due to oil starvation, contaminated oil, or bearing wear. Affects 207; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£1,200.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Peugeot 207 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Peugeot 207
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Peugeot 207:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Bodywork — check for body panel damage, exhaust system damage, transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot.... Lights & Electrics — check for stop lamp switch with a delay in operation, headlight fault, light unit fault.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about timing chain tensioner failure and thermostat housing failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £600. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Peugeot 207?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Peugeot 207 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Peugeot 207?
Based on 1,593,448 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is emissions failure — at 131x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include body panel damage and stop lamp switch with a delay in operation.
Is the Peugeot 207 reliable based on MOT data?
The Peugeot 207 has 24 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag timing chain tensioner failure as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Peugeot 207 most commonly fails on stop lamp switch with a delay in operation and brake disc or drum significantly and worn. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are emissions failure and headlight fault.
How do I check a Peugeot 207's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.