Home / Common Problems / Peugeot 405

Peugeot 405 Problems & Known Issues

The most common Peugeot 405 problems ranked by severity — what to watch for, what it costs to fix, and what happens if you ignore it.

Generations

405 — 405
1987–1997
1.9 TD

Top issues to watch for

The most serious Peugeot 405 problems ranked by severity. We track 5 known issues — here are the ones you need to know about first.

Dangerous
Subframe mounting point structural failure (405)
4051987–1997120k–200k miles
The body structure around suspension component mounting points deteriorates through corrosion on high-mileage examples. This affects the structural integrity of areas where subframe, spring, and suspension components attach to the body shell. This represents a fundamental structural weakness that compromises vehicle safety.
What happens if ignoredStructural failure around suspension mounting points creates an immediate safety risk. The suspension cannot be properly located, affecting handling and braking. Repair requires specialist bodywork including cutting out corroded sections and welding in new metal. Total repair costs often exceed the vehicle's value.
Independent garage
£800–£1,500
Specialist
£1,000–£2,000
Parts only
£200–£500
Major
Steering rack gaiter deterioration (405)
4051987–1997120k–200k miles
The rubber gaiters protecting the steering rack deteriorate with age, allowing dirt and moisture to contaminate the rack mechanism. MOT data shows this model fails at up to 34.3x the fleet average for missing or damaged steering rack gaiters, with the highest failure rates above 120,000 miles. Once compromised, the steering rack internal seals fail rapidly, requiring expensive replacement of the entire rack assembly.
What happens if ignoredFailed gaiters allow contamination of the steering rack, leading to internal seal failure and loss of power steering assistance. Complete rack replacement is typically required once internal damage occurs. The car remains drivable but steering effort increases significantly, particularly during parking manoeuvres.
Independent garage
£300–£500
Specialist
£400–£600
Parts only
£150–£300
Major
General body structure corrosion (405)
4051987–1997100k–200k miles
The 405 suffers from widespread structural corrosion affecting overall body rigidity. This is separate from cosmetic rust and affects the fundamental structural integrity of the vehicle. Areas around the rear axle mounting points and sill structures are particularly vulnerable on this model.
What happens if ignoredStructural corrosion compromises the vehicle's crash protection and can lead to MOT failure. Repair requires cutting out affected areas and welding in new metal. On high-mileage examples, repair costs typically exceed the vehicle's market value, making the car economically beyond repair.
Independent garage
£500–£1,200
Specialist
£600–£1,500
Parts only
£100–£400
Major
Brake system imbalance and binding (405)
4051987–1997120k–200k miles
The brake system develops imbalance and binding issues on high-mileage examples. MOT data shows this model fails at 10.7x the fleet average for brake imbalance and 3.8x the fleet average for binding brakes. This typically results from seized brake caliper pistons and deteriorated flexible brake hoses that restrict fluid flow. The combination creates uneven braking forces that compromise vehicle control during braking.
What happens if ignoredBrake imbalance causes the vehicle to pull dangerously to one side under braking. Binding brakes lead to premature pad and disc wear, reduced fuel economy, and potential brake fade. Complete brake system overhaul is typically required, including calipers, hoses, fluid, pads, and often discs.
Independent garage
£400–£700
Specialist
£500–£800
Parts only
£200–£400

1 more known issues tracked

Including wear items, electrical niggles, and generation-specific problems. Check a specific car to see which issues apply to its age and mileage.

Check a Peugeot 405 →

MOT failure hotspots

Based on DVSA MOT test data. These are the items where the Peugeot 405 fails at a significantly higher rate than the average car.

Headlight fault
Lights & Electrics · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 147x the fleet average
Sample: 143 tests
Steering rack wear
Steering · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 34x the fleet average
Sample: 201 tests
Light unit fault
Lights & Electrics · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 22x the fleet average
Sample: 260 tests
ABS fault
Suspension · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 15x the fleet average
Sample: 127 tests
Subframe bushes or mounts worn
Suspension · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 14x the fleet average
Sample: 201 tests
Seat mounting fault
Seatbelts & Airbags · 120-150k miles
MOT failure rate: 13x the fleet average
Sample: 113 tests

Buying a Peugeot 405?

Check a specific car's service history to see if it's been looked after — franchised dealer records with dates, mileage, and work done.

Check Peugeot 405 service history

£6.99 · Full refund if no records found

Related

Peugeot 405 reliability FAQs

What are the most common problems with the Peugeot 405?

The Peugeot 405 has 5 known issues across 3 severity levels. The most serious are: Subframe mounting point structural failure (405).

Is the Peugeot 405 reliable?

The Peugeot 405 has 1 dangerous and 3 major known issues. Most can be avoided with a thorough pre-purchase check and full service history.

How much does it cost to fix Peugeot 405 problems?

Repair costs range widely. The most significant issue (Subframe mounting point structural failure (405)) costs £800–£1,500 at an independent garage. Minor issues can be under £200. Always get a full inspection before buying.