PEUGEOT 205 Common Problems & Reliability

Based on 715 MOT tests from 52 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore. The figures below describe that VehicleScore sample. Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are not a claim that every PEUGEOT 205 has the same fault.

PEUGEOT 205's have a extremely good reliability rating of 767/999. The score was calculated from the average of every PEUGEOT 205 that has had a registered MOT.

We calculated all of the below figures by getting the score from each vehicle make/model/year/fuel, which are each calculated a score. We then generate the average score, taking into account factors such as mileage and emissions.

Also check BHP & performance, road tax, and fuel economy for the PEUGEOT 205.

PEUGEOT 205 (example)

Check a Peugeot 205 before you buy

Enter your registration to see available vehicle history information including service records, MOT, mileage, write-off status, outstanding finance and more.

Service history
Dealer & service records
MOT records
Past & current MOT data
Write-off check
Check for insurance write-offs
Finance check
Outstanding finance & theft checks

Fuel Type	Year	Reliability Score	Avg Mileage	Sample Size
Petrol	1987	758/999Very good	105,249 miles	980 vehicles
Petrol	1985	776/999Very good	102,222 miles	969 vehicles

How reliable is the PEUGEOT 205?

Based on 715 MOT tests from 52 vehicles analysed by VehicleScore.

Vehicles

MOT tests

715

Pass rate

71.9%

Median mileage

109,555 mi

Recurring issues seen in VehicleScore MOT data are inspection findings from this sample. They are not a statement that every PEUGEOT 205 has the same fault. The median VehicleScore in this sample is 502 out of 999.

Common PEUGEOT 205 MOT problems

These groups combine equivalent MOT comments, such as the same tyre note on different corners. Counts are comment occurrences in the sample, not a percentage of cars.

Corrosion

VehicleScore MOT data includes 65 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record corrosion the tester could see on the body or structure. Corrosion already named on a spring, brake, or other component is counted with that component.

What to inspect

Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE REAR BRAKE PIPE SLIGHTLY CORRODED (3.6.B.2C)

Tyre wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 48 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record tyres that were worn, damaged, or close to the legal tread depth when the car was inspected.

What to inspect

Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE REAR TYRE WORN CLOSE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT (4.1.E.1)

Oil leak

VehicleScore MOT data includes 40 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an oil leak noted by the tester. Shock absorber misting is counted as a damper issue, not as an engine oil leak.

What to inspect

Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.

Example MOT wording: OIL LEAK, BUT NOT EXCESSIVE (8.4.1 (A) (I))

Brake disc wear

VehicleScore MOT data includes 26 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record brake discs that were worn, scored, pitted, or corroded.

What to inspect

Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.

Example MOT wording: OFFSIDE FRONT BRAKE DISC WORN, PITTED OR SCORED, BUT NOT SERIOUSLY WEAKENED (3.5.1I)

Coil spring issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 22 advisory comments in this group. Seen mainly as an advisory. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record coil springs that were corroded, fractured, or otherwise defective. They are counted separately from shock absorbers.

What to inspect

Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE FRONT COIL SPRING CORRODED (5.3.1 (B) (I))

Emissions test issues

VehicleScore MOT data includes 19 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record an exhaust emissions result. They are counted separately from a warning lamp or a catalytic converter note.

What to inspect

Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.

Example MOT wording: EXHAUST EMISSIONS CARBON MONOXIDE CONTENT EXCESSIVE (7.3.B.1A)

Windscreen damage

VehicleScore MOT data includes 14 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record chips, cracks, or other windscreen damage in the driver’s view.

What to inspect

Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.

Example MOT wording: WINDSCREEN WASHER NOT WORKING (3.5 (A))

Headlamp faults

VehicleScore MOT data includes 12 failure comments in this group. Seen mainly as a failure reason. These are comment occurrences, not a share of all cars.

These MOT comments record a headlamp that was not working, insecure, or aimed incorrectly.

What to inspect

Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

Example MOT wording: NEARSIDE HEADLAMP AIM TOO LOW (1.8)

PEUGEOT 205 MOT reliability by year

A model year is only commented on when VehicleScore has at least 5 vehicles from that year.

Year	Vehicles	MOT tests	Pass rate	Recurring issues seen
1992	6	116	75%	Corrosion, Coil spring issues
1991	7	103	73.8%	Exhaust, Corrosion
1990	7	47	80.9%	Corrosion, Tyre wear
1989	6	70	71.4%	Corrosion, Exhaust
1988	7	98	72.4%	Tyre wear, Corrosion
1987	5	90	62.2%	Brake disc wear, Emissions test issues

What to check when buying a used PEUGEOT 205

This is an inspection checklist based on MOT comments in the VehicleScore sample. It does not mean the car you are looking at has these defects.

Corrosion. Inspect the underside, sills, and subframe for heavy corrosion, especially where an advisory mentions it.
Tyre wear. Check the tread depth and look for uneven wear, cracking, or damage on all four tyres.
Oil leak. Look under the engine for fresh oil, and check the oil level.
Brake disc wear. Look at the disc faces for deep scoring, a lip at the edge, and corrosion.
Coil spring issues. Look for a broken or heavily corroded spring and compare the ride height on both sides.
Emissions test issues. Ask for the emissions printout and whether any repair followed a failed test.
Windscreen damage. Look for chips and cracks, especially in the area swept by the wipers.
Headlamp faults. Switch on dipped and main beam and look for a cloudy lens or a wrong aim.

Buying a PEUGEOT 205?

Common problems tell you what can affect PEUGEOT 205s generally. VehicleScore can check the history of the actual car you're considering.

Where does this data come from?

VehicleScore analyses MOT histories from vehicles in its own dataset. Sample sizes vary by model, and a small sample is labelled as such. MOT data records roadworthiness and inspection defects. It does not capture every mechanical or electronic problem a car can have, and a comment on one test is not proof that the model has an inherent fault.

Browse Other PEUGEOT Models

← Back to Reliability Check