Peugeot 407 Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs
The Peugeot 407, produced between 2004 and 2011, was designed as a sleek family saloon and estate with strong comfort and safety credentials. While it delivers a smooth ride and decent equipment for its age, it also comes with a list of known mechanical and electrical issues. This guide covers the most common Peugeot 407 problems and what they typically cost to fix in the UK.
1. Suspension and Steering Problems
One of the most common issues on the Peugeot 407 is worn suspension and steering components. As these cars age, the front-end parts are prone to wear, especially if driven on poor roads.
Common signs include:
- Clunking noise over bumps or while steering
- Uneven tyre wear
- Loose steering feel
Typical repairs and costs:
- Anti-roll bar links or ball joints: £100 to £300 each
- Front suspension overhaul: £400 to £800
Ignoring worn suspension can lead to uneven tyre wear and poor handling, so it’s best to fix these early.
2. Electrical and Sensor Faults
The 407 is known for electrical gremlins. Many owners report warning lights appearing on the dash even when there’s no real fault.
Common electrical issues:
- ABS, ESP, or airbag lights coming on
- Dashboard display failures
- Central locking issues
- Electric window or mirror malfunctions
Repair costs:
- Diagnostic scan: £60 to £150
- Sensor or switch replacement: £100 to £300
- Dashboard display or control module: £200 to £400
Some of these issues are caused by water ingress into connectors or poor earth connections, which can often be cleaned and reseated.
3. Power Steering Faults
Older Peugeot 407s can suffer from power steering issues, especially those with electric pumps.
Symptoms include:
- Stiff steering
- Power steering warning lights
- Fluid leaks
Repair costs:
- Power steering pump replacement: £300 to £500
- Fluid hose replacement and refill: £150 to £300
If the pump fails entirely, it will affect safe handling, so it’s important not to ignore any steering warning lights.
4. Oil Leaks and Gasket Failures
Oil leaks are common in both petrol and diesel engines due to worn gaskets and seals over time.
Typical sources:
- Valve cover gasket
- Sump gasket
- Crankshaft and camshaft seals
Repair costs:
- Minor gasket replacement: £150 to £250
- Full seal replacements: £300 to £400
Leaks not only cause mess but can damage other engine parts if left untreated.
5. Timing Belt or Chain Replacement
The timing belt or chain is a critical maintenance item. If it fails, it can destroy the engine.
Replacement intervals:
- Diesel timing belt: every 80,000 to 100,000 miles
- Petrol chain models: check for chain stretch or rattle by 90,000 miles
Repair costs:
- Timing belt with water pump: £350 to £600
- Timing chain and tensioner (petrol): £400 to £800
- Engine rebuild (belt failure): £2,000 to £4,000
Always stick to the recommended service interval to avoid expensive repairs.
6. Turbocharger Problems (Diesel Models)
The diesel versions of the 407, particularly the 2.0 HDi, can suffer from turbo issues.
Symptoms include:
- Loss of power
- Whistling noise
- Excessive smoke
Repair costs:
- Turbo reconditioning or replacement: £600 to £1,200
- Boost pipe replacement: £150 to £300
Loss of boost can trigger limp mode and seriously affect performance.
7. Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and EGR Valve Issues
Many 407 diesels are fitted with a DPF, which can clog over time, especially if used mainly for short journeys.
Common problems:
- DPF warning light
- Poor fuel economy
- Limp mode
Repair costs:
- DPF cleaning or forced regeneration: £200 to £400
- DPF replacement: £600 to £900
- EGR valve replacement: £250 to £450
Keeping the car regularly driven on motorways helps reduce DPF issues.
8. Recalls and Factory Fixes
The Peugeot 407 has had a few recalls over its production run. Notably:
- Brake vacuum pump failure (2008 recall)
- Cooling fan wiring harness issues
If you’re buying a used 407, check if these recalls were addressed. You can contact Peugeot customer service or check DVSA’s recall checker online.
Summary of Typical Repair Costs
| Problem Area | Typical UK Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Ball joints or suspension parts | £100 to £300 per part |
| Suspension overhaul | £400 to £800 |
| Diagnostic scan | £60 to £150 |
| Sensor or module replacement | £100 to £300 |
| Power steering pump | £300 to £500 |
| Gasket and oil seal repair | £150 to £400 |
| Timing belt and pump kit | £350 to £600 |
| Timing chain and tensioner | £400 to £800 |
| Turbocharger replacement | £600 to £1,200 |
| DPF or EGR cleaning/replacement | £200 to £900 |
| Display or ECU fix | £200 to £400 |
Tips for Peugeot 407 Owners
- Check the service history for timing belt or chain changes, especially over 80,000 miles.
- Listen for suspension clunks and have joints checked regularly.
- Use a code reader or garage diagnostic to check warning lights before repairs.
- Clean DPF and EGR systems by taking the car on occasional long motorway runs.
- Stick with Peugeot specialists to reduce parts and labour costs compared to dealers.
- Keep an annual repair budget of around £600 to £1,000 for routine wear and unexpected issues.
Final Thoughts
The Peugeot 407 offers a good balance of comfort and value, especially on the used market. However, older models can develop a mix of mechanical and electrical issues, many of which are common across the range. If you stay on top of maintenance—particularly with the suspension, timing system, and turbo—you can keep running costs under control.
Always inspect any used model carefully and get a pre-purchase inspection if possible. A well-maintained 407 can still be a practical, enjoyable car with a bit of extra care.
Buying a used VW. Buying used vauxhall, BMW, Jaguar, Ford, Volvo, Range rover, Bentley, Aston Martin, Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Hyundai, Tesla, Honda, Pagani