Peugeot 306 reliability
The Peugeot 306 fails its MOT about as often as most cars over 10 years old: 41.4% of 5,007 tests failed in 2023, against 39.7% on average.
17 DVSA recalls for the Peugeot 306
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.
Possible reduction in braking assistance plus engine operating problems.
In adverse wet weather conditions water may enter the engine management solenoid valve operating circuit. This could result in engine operating problems and a reduction in power assistance to the brake pedal if the water enters the brake vacuum circuit via the solenoid valves.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to examine and if necessary replace the engine management solenoid valves with ones sealed against the ingress of water.
Recalled models: 306 · 41,175 vehicles
Seat belt anchorage concern.
There is a risk that the lower attachment on the front and rear left hand seat belts could be loose.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles to check and if necessary tighten the seat belt fixings.
Recalled models: 306 · 23 vehicles
The left hand front seat lower seat belt mounting bolt may detach
There is a possible risk of the lower seat belt mounting bolt on the front left hand seat being loose or misaligned.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles check installation of bolt - if correctly installed check tightness of bolt if bolt is not located correctly replace with supplied bolt.
Recalled models: 306 · 63 vehicles
Failure of camshaft drive belt
The camshaft drive belt may fail before the recommended replacement interval of 72000 miles. This could result in a complete loss of engine power without warning.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit a quality assured replacement camshaft drive belt.
Recalled models: 306 · 9,494 vehicles
Vacuum pump drive pin
Brake vacuum pump drive pin may fail as a result of premature wear. This could result in a loss of power assistance at the brake pedal.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles to fit a quality assured replacement drive pin to the brake vacuum pump.
Recalled models: 306 · 7,853 vehicles
Front seat belt pretensioner harness
There is a possibility of an open circuit in the connector on the front seat belt pretensioner harness. This may cause flashing of the airbag warning light and a loss of the pretensioning function in case of an accident.
Fix: Replace the front seat pretensioner harness.
Recalled models: 306 · 2,409 vehicles
Driveshaft may detach from gearbox
An incorrect left hand drive shaft may have been fitted. The shaft could separate from the gearbox on a sharp bend or during excessive suspension deflection.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and fit a correct specification left hand drive shaft where necessary.
Recalled models: 306 · 96 vehicles
Front suspension may collapse
There is a possibility that the front stub axle on one or both sides of the vehicle may have been incorrectly machined. This could result in excessive wear the lower ball joint becoming displaced and the collapse of the suspension.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles and check and if necessary replace both front stub axles.
Recalled models: 306 · 4,630 vehicles
Possibility 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: 306 · 18,405 vehicles
Possible insecurity of steering rack
It has been identified that there is a risk that the rack to subframe bolts have been overtightened with the possibility of the bolts and/or rack mounting points cracking/breaking. This could lead to noise/vibration or loss of steering accuracy.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles examine the steering rack mounting bolts. Renew the mounting bolts/nuts and replace the steering rack if the mounting points are cracked or broken.
Recalled models: 306 · 728 vehicles
Potential collapse of front suspension
It has been identified that there is a possibility that the front suspension lower ball joint pinch bolt has been incorrectly tightened leading to potential collapse of the front suspension.
Fix: Recall all potentially affected vehicles to check and if required tighten the pinch bolt.
Recalled models: 306 · 25,651 vehicles
Possible fluid seepage from rear brake circuit
There is a possibility of seepage from the rear brake pipe unions above the spare wheel. This will lead to the need for periodic topping up or illumination of the brake fluid low level warning lamp and in extreme circumstances the effectiveness of the foot brake could be impaired.
Fix: Recall potentially affected vehicles to check and if required replace the brake pipes.
Recalled models: 306 · 1,557 vehicles
Wiring harness chafing
Possibility of starter motor harness fouling on harness support bracket which may lead to damaged wiring and a potential short circuit or breakdown of the vehicle.
Fix: Recall affected vehicles examine harness for damage and repair where necessary. Reposition harness clear of obstructions.
Recalled models: 306 · 144 vehicles
Incorrect brake compensator
An incorrect load sensitive rear brake compensator may have been fitted to some 306 models.
Fix: Potentially affected vehicles are being recalled to have the compensator examined. Vehicles equipped with an incorrect unit will have this replaced with the correct type.
Recalled models: 306 · 2,060 vehicles
Setting of brake compensator
The load sensitive compensator on the braking system may be incorrectly set.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled to have the compensator checked and where required adjusted in accordance with the manufacturers specification.
Recalled models: 306 · 135 vehicles
Possible seepage of fuel
Fuel may seep from the fuel filter pipe unions.
Fix: Affected vehicles are being recalled to have the filter pipe unions examined and secured where required.
Recalled models: 306 · 322 vehicles
Possible breakage of accelerator cable
There is a risk of accelerator cable breakage due to cable kinking when the accelerator pedal is released suddenly.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles for the fitment of a modified accelerator pedal.
Recalled models: 306 · 32,068 vehicles
Checking a Peugeot 306 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.