IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
1998 Peugeot 406

We've identified 1 known issue that can affect the 1998 Peugeot 406. None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

1
Known Issues
0
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Rear Multi-Link Suspension Passive Steer Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The 406 features an advanced multi-link rear suspension design with trailing arms, transverse links, and passive rear-steering tie rods. After years on potholed UK roads, the rubber bonded bushes on the rear transverse track control arms and passive steer links perish and develop significant play. This causes vague rear-end handling, wandering or twitchiness on motorways, severe scrubbing of the rear tyres, and recurring MOT failures.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Rear end feels floaty or wandering when changing lanes at motorway speeds, Loud knocking or clattering from rear axle when crossing road manhole covers, Uneven tyre wear across rear tyre tread pattern, Advisories or failure for suspension arm ball joint / bush play on MOT history

What to Inspect:
  • Drive at 60–70 mph on a straight dual carriageway to verify straight-line tracking without rear instability
  • Inspect rear tyre tread for feathered or uneven wear patterns
  • Pry rear passive steer links and transverse arm bushes on a ramp to detect rubber degradation and free play
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 1998 Peugeot 406

  • Listen for metallic rattling or chatter at idle on HDi diesels that changes tone when pressing the clutch pedal, signaling dual mass flywheel failure
  • Check rear suspension multi-link bushes and passive rear-steer tie-rods on a test drive; rear-end wandering or tyre scrubbing indicates worn bushes
  • Verify indicator and wiper stalk operation on 1999–2004 multiplexed models; loose or floppy COM2000 stalks indicate worn internal detent switches
  • Confirm timing belt replacement intervals on 2.0 HDi and 2.0 16v petrol engines; belts must be replaced every 40,000 to 60,000 miles to prevent engine destruction
  • Inspect the rear brake lines and fuel tank support straps for heavy corrosion, which are frequent reasons for UK MOT failures on older examples
Check a 1998 Peugeot 406 by Registration