Model reliability

Peugeot 205 reliability

The Peugeot 205 fails its MOT less often than most cars over 10 years old: 33.3% of 3,729 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.

Over 10 years old

33.3% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 3,729 MOT tests of Peugeot 205s this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 93% more oftenBrake performance11.2% vs 5.8%

Fails 2× as oftenWashers7.2% vs 3.5%

Fails 5× as oftenElectrical equipment3.9% vs 0.8%

Fails 3× as oftenFront and rear fog lamps2.9% vs 1%Fix about £30

Advised 62% more oftenFluid leaks16.4% vs 10.1%

Advised 45% more oftenRigid brake pipes12% vs 8.3%Fix about £120

Advised 39% more oftenBrake performance6.4% vs 4.6%

Advised 83% more oftenTransmission5.3% vs 2.9%

Safety recalls

2 DVSA recalls for the Peugeot 205

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2000/0041 Feb 2000Possibility of loss of brake servo assistance

There is a possibility that the brake servo valve may not function correctly resulting in loss of servo assistance to the braking system.

Fix: Recall affected vehicles for the inspection and possible replacement of the brake servo valve.

Recalled models: 205 · 18,405 vehicles

R/1992/0548 Sept 1992Built 1992Driveshaft nuts may slacken

The driveshaft retaining nuts may slacken due to defective peening.

Fix: Recall the affected vehicles and check the driveshaft retaining nuts for security. Any nut showing evidence of defective peening will be renewed and secured as per the manufacturers instructions.

Recalled models: 205 · 1,009 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Peugeot 205 before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Peugeot 205 reliability

2 DVSA recalls for the Peugeot 205

Checking a Peugeot 205 before you buy

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