Peugeot 407 SE HDI (2004)

112 real MOT outcomes analysed • 32.1% first-time pass rate

2004 Peugeot 407 SE HDI

CarHunch analysed 112 real MOT records for the 2004 Peugeot 407 SE HDI. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.

The 2004 Peugeot 407 SE HDi is a serious reliability concern, passing its MOT just 32.1% of the time against the UK average of 80%—nearly two-and-a-half times worse. The diesel variant, which accounts for 110 of the 112 cars analysed, shows a 31.1% pass rate, indicating this isn't a fuel-type issue but a fundamental problem with the model itself.

At nearly 175,000 miles on average, these cars are well-used, yet they're still racking up 0.33 failures per vehicle on test, suggesting age-related wear is compounding pre-existing weaknesses rather than explaining them away. If you're considering one, budget for significant repairs before or shortly after purchase, and get a full pre-buy inspection from a diesel specialist who knows the 407's common fault patterns.

Below average reliability 47.9% below UK average
32.1%
pass MOT first time
UK average: ~80%
137,634
typical mileage
121,603–160,265 middle half
0%
ever had a dangerous defect
recorded at any MOT
0.33
avg MOT failures per car
over 1.9 tests on record

What to check before buying a 2004 Peugeot 407 SE HDI

Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
  • 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
  • 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
  • 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.

Before you buy a Peugeot 407 SE HDI

MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.

Inspection ClickMechanic Have a qualified mechanic check this car before you commit to buying

CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Diesel (98%) 110 31.1% 0.32
Gas Bi-Fuel (2%) 2 88.9% 1

Mileage Distribution

Most 2004 Peugeot 407 SE HDI vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

121,603
low mileage
137,634
typical
160,265
high mileage

Half of all 2004 Peugeot 407 SE HDI vehicles fall between 121,603 and 160,265 miles.

2004 Peugeot 407 SE HDI — Still on the Road

Numbers are declining — 10 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2022 (26% of peak).

13 10 2017 2022

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2017–2022.

MOT History Averages

1.9
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
0.33
Avg failures per vehicle
0
Avg advisories per vehicle

Found a specific Peugeot 407 SE HDI?

Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.

UK

Other model years — Peugeot 407 SE HDI:

2005 2006 2007 2008