Peugeot 206 (1998 – 2006) Review

• January 0001
• June 2002
• February 2003
• June 2003
• May 2004
• November 2005

Misfiring problem with 1,150cc models could lead to spiked catalytic converters (see 'Recalls'). Make sure central locking system works (see above). Reports of 1,150cc 206s still being sold with faulty ECUs and a shortage of chips to repair them in March 2001.

Reports of side airbags going off for no reason.

Reports of water getting into electric door locking control box of late 1998/early 1999 build cars. Easy DIY replacement using Haynes manual, saves typical £55 garage labour cost (part alone £75). (Peugeot Customer Services will sometimes pay for the job.)

'Whirring whine' from 1.4HDI may be failing timing belt tensioner, which is a roller bearing device like the idler pulley, but with a reddish rubber/nylon damper. Gates cambelt kits include this part. Wise also to replace waterpump which is driven by the timing belt

Water gets in through bonnet vent and plenum chamber underneath is not well drained so drips are carried in through vents in the control box. Also wets the carpet and leads to steaming up in winter.

Repeat of Peugeot 106 problem of sudden losses of power caused by faulty throttle position sensing potentiometer seems to re-occur on some 206 1.4s.

If driven through floodwater, gearbox can suffer from water ingress via breather.

Technical problems with automatic gearboxes on 1.4s led to many orders being cancelled in early 2001. Continued problems seem due to nothing more than an external hydraulic valve, replacement cost £45 + labour. Though some cars have needed a new autobox every year. Problems persist with automatic transmission management systems.

External factory fitted sunroof prone to rattles for which Peugeot has no cure.

Reports of severely rusted exhaust systems on GTis after just 12 months. On 2.0 litre cars, one piece exhaust systems prone to rotting through of back box which Peugeot dealers say necessitates replacement of entire system at £900.

On 206 GTIs used for short runs from cold emulsified oil can block the feeds to the hydraulic tappets leading them to fail within 3 years. The cure is to fit oil feeds and tappets from the 2.2 engine. Independents can do this for half the price.

Reports of engine mountings repeatedly failing on 1.4s.

On 2.0 HDIs, rubber cushioned timing belt pulley needs replacing at same time as timing belt (60k - 70k miles) otherwise can separate.

Fault in indicator stalks very common on 206s, especially Multiplex, from July 2001. Many owners force and break them. Free fix available in France from December 2002, in UK from January 2003 for cars under warranty. Replacement column stalks £26.50 from www.gsfcarparts.com

Lower ball joints frequent MOT failure point.

Seat runners of 3 door frequently fail.

End of plastic dipstick of 1.6 HDI engine can break and drop into sump requiring removal of sump to retrieve it.

The electronic control unit distributing Multiplex current for the headlights seems to be failing regularly and is £500 to replace.

Valve box problems with automatics (typical symptom won't change up into 4th). Usually curable by a branch of www.fedauto.co.uk for around £600.

'Gong' sound means that car battery is failing to hold sufficient charge and needs to be replaced.

Clutch and Dual Mass Flywheel problems have become common on 206 1.6HDI 110 GTI.

206 1.6HDI 110s can suffer the same turbo problems as the Focus 1.6TDCI 110. Usually require not only a new turbo but also a new new oil pipe, oil pump and sump pick-up. Parts price alone is at least £1,200. Ford TSB45/2008 about this. Newer engines (2008+) have modified parts so problem does not tend to happen. Apparently you can get a new turbo for £350 plus £120 for a "kit" of modified pipes/pick-up unions etc. from Transitpartsuk (International Parts Ltd) to fit next week. eBay supplier TransitpartsUK

Numerous electrical problems manifested themselves after a full franchised dealer serice of a 2004/54 reg Peugoet 206. These included: a fter approx. 5 miles the handbrake warning light came on, then the Stop light, and the speedometer stopped working. Then, numerous warning lights (handbrake, airbag, engine management, ABS, Stop) came on and off, and the rev counter and water temperature indicator worked intermittently (speedometer did not work at all). Car was sent back to the franchised dealer. They said they put it through a full diagnostic test, found nothing. Since then, all the faults have re-occurred and far more frequently. Recommended a local 'car electrical specialist' (www.yell.com)

Explanation of how 206 diesels can catch fire: A number of owners have reported these vehicles catch fire due to the design and failure of the heat shields on the front exhaust manifold downpipe and turbo. The heat shield is made up of metal and heat proof material and over time and heavy mileage it breaks down and deteriorates due to oil/injector misting or oil leaks which my leak on the matted material and due to high extreme temperatures cause pieces to break off and fall into the alternator and air conditioning pump components and wiring, etc. If this continues to happen the air conditioning and power steering pipe get red hot due to no protection and the PAS pipe could burst. It's not the liquid that ignites, it's the toxic fumes and vapours that catch alight and cause catastrophic damage. Peugeot has been queried about the design of the two pipes running along the top of the manifold and turbo and changed that design on the newer 207 and 208 models. Some owners have left the shields off but Peugeot says there is a modified heat shield which has metal, material and outer metal coating as leaving it off will cook those pipes.

Report of Peugeot 206 1.4HDI suddenly mistiring violently. Engine management light came on. Could be injectors, injector seals or Electronic Accelerator Module.