peugeot 407 problems Page 13

The Peugeot 407 can be a comfy cruiser—until the electrics decide to audition for a French art film. It’s not a disaster on wheels, but you’ll want receipts and a pre-purchase inspection like your wallet depends on it (because it does). Common issues reported by owners and mechanics include:

• Electrical gremlins (BSI faults, dodgy window regulators, central locking glitches, random warning lights).
• Front-end wear: lower control arm bushes, drop links and strut mounts knocking over bumps.
• Autos: AL4 shift flare/limp mode; later Aisin 6-speed can get valve-body shudder if servicing is skipped.
• HDi diesels: EGR/DPF clogging, split intercooler/turbo hoses, injector seal leaks (“chuffing”).
• Cooling leaks from thermostat housings, radiators and pumps—ignore and you’ll cook it.
• Power steering leaks and noisy pumps; electronic handbrake tantrums; ABS/ESP sensor failures.

Buy the best-maintained example you can find, budget for suspension refresh and timely fluids, and you’ll keep the drama on the stage, not in your driveway.