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Peugeot · Mid-Size · 1995–2004 Custom Search

Peugeot 406 8

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
4.0 / 5.0 · Based on 2 engine variants · How we rate

Body Variants

The Peugeot 406 8 is available as Sedan and SW and Coupé — choose your body type for specific insurance data:

Engine Overview

The Peugeot 406 8 is available with 2 engine variants — from 109 to 140 hp.

1.6L 16V · Petrol· 109 PS
1999 2004

Proven 16V naturally aspirated engine (1.6L, 80-88 kW) with decent power for the compact class and small MPVs. Timing belt every 120,000 km — if it snaps, the engine is destroyed (interference design). Throttle body and idle air control valve get dirty regularly. Ignition coil pack can fail at high mileage. The TU5JP4 with 110 PS in the 206 S16/RC is significantly sportier and correspondingly more stressed.

  • !! Timing belt snap causing engine destruction from 120,000 km

    The TU5 is an interference engine — if the timing belt snaps, pistons hit valves. Change interval is 120,000 km or 10 years, but is frequently missed. Always ask for proof of belt change when buying used.

    Symptoms: Engine suddenly dies and will not restart, metallic crashing noise when attempting to start
    300–600 $
    Ad timing belt TU5JP4timing belt kit Peugeot 206 1.6 16Vtensioner pulley TU5
  • ! Valve stem seals worn from 130,000 km

    From around 130,000 km the valve stem seals tend to harden. Oil enters the combustion chamber, especially visible as blue smoke on cold start. Oil consumption rises to 0.5–1 L/1,000 km.

    Symptoms: Bluish smoke on cold start, increased oil consumption, oil film on spark plugs
    400–800 $
    Ad valve stem seal TU5JP4valve stem seal Peugeot 206 1.6 16V
  • ! Thermostat and cooling system leaks from 100,000 km

    The plastic thermostat housing becomes brittle over time. Coolant hoses near the water pump are prone to cracking. Engine fails to reach operating temperature or overheats when the thermostat fails.

    Symptoms: Engine does not reach operating temperature (stays around 75°C), coolant loss, heater stays cold
    100–300 $
    Ad thermostat Peugeot 206 1.6 16Vcoolantschlauch TU5JP4water pump TU5

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.0L 16V · Petrol· 135–147 PS
1999 2004

Large 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine (100-103 kW) with 16V technology from the EW family. A timing belt engine, fundamentally robust and powerful. The EW10J4 with 140 PS in the sporty version (206 RC, 307) runs under significantly higher stress. Timing belt replacement with water pump every 120,000 km at the latest — if it snaps, the engine is destroyed. The throttle body gets dirty regularly. A reliable engine with proper maintenance.

  • !! Ignition coil failure from 80,000 km

    The ignition coils of the EW10 fail regularly and cause misfires. On the 206 there was even a TSB with a wiring modification (capacitor on the connector). Individual cylinders drop out.

    Symptoms: Juddering under acceleration, engine management light, increased fuel consumption, rough idle
    80–300 $
    Ad ignition coil EW10J4ignition coilnset Peugeot 307 2.0
  • !! Camshaft sensor failure from 90,000 km

    The camshaft position sensor of the EW10 is prone to dirty contacts and intermittent failures. The engine can stall under throttle and requires careful application of the accelerator.

    Symptoms: Engine stalls when blipping the throttle, warm-start problems, sporadic fault codes
    50–200 $
    Ad camshaftnsensor EW10camshaftnpositionsgeber Peugeot 2.0 16V
  • !! Electric thermostat defective from 80,000 km

    The electric thermostat of the EW10A fails frequently and causes overheating issues or too-low operating temperature. Converting to a mechanical thermostat is a well-known workaround.

    Symptoms: Temperature gauge fluctuates significantly, engine does not reach operating temperature, overheating warning
    100–350 $
    Ad thermostat EW10 elektrischthermostat Peugeot 307 2.0 16V

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

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Known Problems and Issues +

A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Peugeot 406 8 (1995–2004). Considered reliable: TU5 (1.6L 16V).

406 (EW10, 1999–2008) — Be Careful: Ignition coil failure, Camshaft sensor failure, Electric thermostat defective. Power: 135–147 PS.

What to watch out for with the Peugeot 406? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Peugeot 406 8 have? +
The Peugeot 406 8 has 12 known engine weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Peugeot 406 8? +
faq.watch_a_solid
Which engine is recommended? +
Good choice: TU5 (1.6L 16V). The most reliable engine is the TU5 (1.6L 16V) with the lowest risk score. The most fun to drive is the EW10 (2.0L 16V).
Which Peugeot 406 8 engine is the most reliable? +
The {code} ({displacement}) is the most reliable engine in the Peugeot 406 8. It has the lowest risk score of all available engines and is rated "Good Choice". However, there are 6 known weaknesses to be aware of.
Which Peugeot 406 8 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Peugeot 406 8 — rated: "Decent". {description} The EW10 with 140 hp fits the 406 well. The saloon needs that power for composed progress, and the engine delivers reliably. The 406 coupe with 140 hp is an elegant cruiser — not a sports car, but a stylish companion.
Is the Peugeot 406 8 worth buying used? +
The Peugeot 406 8 is a good choice as a used car — 1 of 2 engine variants are rated 'Good Choice'.
What horsepower variants are available for the Peugeot 406 8? +
The Peugeot 406 8 is available with engine variants from 109 to 140 hp. Petrol: TU5 (1.6L 16V), EW10 (2.0L 16V).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee