The Peugeot 206 was introduced for the 1999 model year until it was finally replaced by the comparably newer and more modern Peugeot 207 in 2012 while the production extended a few years more for certain markets like Brazil. The Peugeot 207 is a really well-known model as it was sold in large quantities all around the world.
Even though older examples now have almost 25 years, they can still be seen sporting around the world which is a decent testament to how long these can last. Granted, that is partly due to many spare parts, but also because the 206 seems to be fairly reliable. In this article, we are going to mention all the common problems with Peugeot 206 and tell you what to look out for.
The most common Peugeot 206 problems include suspension problems, the manual gearbox, the engine, the electrical systems, and problems with the equipment. All in all, if you maintain it well enough, your 206 should be able to last a fair bit of time as is the case with most of these around the world.
Even though the 207 is a much more modern car with all the added benefits of 2010s Peugeot technology, the 206 is arguably more popular and numerous on the roads today.
Suspension Problems
The most common Peugeot 206 suspension problems include a significant decrease in overall comfort which is typically caused by a worn-out suspension system. In order to solve this, be sure to inspect the car’s axle, bearings, seals, and particularly how well-lubricated they are. The front ball joints are known to experience vibrations while driving.
This is a relatively difficult problem to fix and requires you to replace the ball joints to solve it. Many Peugeot 206 models out there haven’t had these replaced, so be sure to inspect them whenever in the market for a used Peugeot 206.
Manual Gearbox Problems
The most common problem with the gearbox is one where it tends to slip. Other problem includes the clutch not wanting to engage and thus leading to serious problems while trying to drive the car. As is so happens, this problem is usually down to general wear and tear and the age of the vehicle, but also due to water ingress which can lead to an abundance of problems.
The two ways how you can fix these is to either try and repair/clean the gearbox if it isn’t too old, but if it is, it’s best to replace it completely. This also isn’t cheap or easy which is why many 206 models out there are known to have stiff gearboxes.
Engine Problems
There are sadly quite a few engine-related issues the 206 tends to suffer from. These include erratic RPM caused by a faulty water temperature sensor which ought to be cleaned or replaced. Shaking and juddering is typically associated with the 1.5L engine and are due to worn-out engine mounts which will also need to be replaced.
The potentiometer can lead the engine to stall while engine misfiring and poor performance are caused by a faulty ignition coil pack. Diesel HDi engines can be really loud at times so be sure to check the crankshaft pulley to solve this issue. Lastly, the head gasket and the cylinder head can cause the temperature to shoot up and cut off the engine.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems are common across many older Peugeot models and the 206 is no different. These include problems with the central locking which is related to faulty door actuators which will need to be replaced. The horn can sometimes go off randomly and is mostly associated with a drained battery.
Other electrical problems can cause the exterior lighting to fail while the radio can sometimes turn itself off for no apparent reason, but also tends to point to a faulty battery at most times.
Equipment Problems
The Peugeot 206 seems to be habitual to problems caused by water getting into the car, but water getting into the front footwells is common across a few generations of the Peugeot “200” series. A blockage in the bulkhead drain will cause water to settle and eventually find its way into the passenger compartment.
The steering wheel stalks are prone to braking, the dashboard is prone to excessive wear and tear and the paint quality isn’t the best either.
FAQ Section
Should I Buy A Peugeot 206?
The Peugeot 206 is now a fairly affordable and easy-to-live-with used car which makes it quite popular on the 2nd hand market. It is much easier to buy and maintain compared to most modern Peugeots as everything is known by now and should be a relatively trouble-free experience overall.
However, many people are sure to be disappointed with the overall lack of interior space which does indeed affect your daily experience. Lastly, the 206 is not luxurious at all and thus is a hard pass for those wanting something a bit posher.
Does The Peugeot 206 Come With 5 Doors?
The Peugeot 206 is available either as a 3-door coupe, or a 5-door hatchback. However, the 206 also comes as a 4-door sedan in some markets, and a 5-door estate. The 5-door hatchback model is likely the most popular one while the sedan and the estate aren’t as common.
The 3-door variant is also really popular and is by far the cheapest Peugeot 206 you can buy these days. All in all, it may not be the best practical car out there, but it is more than enough for those used to driving compact cars.
What Is The Difference Between The Peugeot 206 And 207?
There are quite a few differences between the Peugeot 206 and the Peugeot 207. The 207 is comparably much newer with lots of added technology while also being a bit larger as well. The 207 also looks like a slightly inflated 206 which is where some of the extra spaces come from.
All in all, the Peugeot 207 more or less picks up the pace where the 206 left off. It offers a decent amount of improvements which altogether make it a much better car, but the 206 is arguably more reliable.
