Popular French supermini offering economical diesel motoring and stylish looks. The 1.4 HDi is the more reliable diesel option compared to the 1.6 HDi turbo failure issues. Main concerns are EGR valve and DPF blockages causing anti-pollution warnings, ECU failure from water ingress, alternator problems on early cars, and power steering failures. The car is budget-friendly to run but requires full service history and verification of 18 safety recalls. Electrical gremlins are common, and the 1.4 HDi is considered underpowered by most owners.
Anti-pollution system / EGR valve failure€150 - €500
Engine stalling with anti-pollution warnings typically indicates EGR valve or DPF sensor issues · more· less
The 207 1.4 HDi frequently displays "anti pollution faulty" and "oil calibration" error messages accompanied by engine cutting out. This is usually caused by a clogged or stuck EGR valve allowing exhaust gases to contaminate the intake system. The EGR valve can become stuck from carbon buildup, especially if driven gently or only short trips. Symptoms include engine hesitating at 2-3k RPM, rough idle, and loss of power. Some owners have successfully cleaned or blanked the EGR valve for around €80, while full replacement with labor costs €150-500 depending on garage. The issue is traced to both physical engine faults and software bugs - Peugeot dealers are recommended for diagnosis.
DPF blocks causing anti-pollution light and power loss, especially with short trip driving · more· less
The 207 HDi commonly suffers from blocked DPF filters causing engine stalling and reduced performance. The DPF requires regular regeneration cycles (driving at motorway speeds for 15-20 minutes), but short trip driving prevents this, leading to blockage. Signs include persistent anti-pollution warning lights despite regeneration attempts, significant fuel efficiency drop, and noticeable power loss. Professional DPF cleaning costs around €180-250. Replacement DPF parts range from €175-350 for aftermarket, while full dealer replacement can reach €2,000+. Some specialists offer DPF removal services for around €470, though this may affect emissions compliance. Note that only some 1.4 HDi variants have DPF - check your specific model.
ECU failure from water ingress€100 - €1,300
Water gets into ECU causing coolant sensor failure, lambda sensor errors, and constant fan running · more· less
The Peugeot 207 ECU is a very common failing unit affecting 2007-2015 models with 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines. Water ingress into the ECU or wiring plugs leads to corrosion and failure. Typical symptoms include "anti pollution fault" messages, failure of coolant temperature sensor with constant overheat warning (causing cooling fan to run continuously), engine idling problems, MOT emissions failures from non-functioning lambda sensor circuits, and various sporadic sensor fault codes. Many ECU repair services charge €100-280 for repair with 24-hour turnaround. Full ECU replacement at dealers can cost €1,300+. Cases involving water damage to both ECU and wiring loom can run into thousands. Check for signs of water leaks in footwells and under dashboard.
Power steering failure (electric)€400 - €1,000
Electric power steering motor fails causing very heavy steering, common on 2006-2013 models · more· less
Peugeot 207 models from 2006-2013 commonly experience total loss of power assisted steering. Failure typically begins intermittently but quickly worsens into permanent condition. With no assistance from the power steering motor, the vehicle becomes extremely heavy to maneuver, making parking very difficult. The EPS warning light illuminates and diagnostics reveal codes P0606 (Internal Fault), C1404 (Electric Power Steering Control Fault), and C1414 (Power Steering Motor Internal Fault). Repair costs vary: power steering motor alone costs around €650, total repair €400-1,000. Some specialists offer EPS unit refurbishment at lower cost than replacement. Important: Many owners report Peugeot provided goodwill repairs free of charge when specific fault codes matched known issues - worth contacting Peugeot dealer for diagnostics (€96-120).
Alternator failure€200 - €500
Well-known alternator fault especially on early models causes electrical device power loss · more· less
The 207 has problems with the alternator, especially in earlier models. If electronic devices are losing power and the engine is cutting out, the alternator is failing. The alternator's expected lifespan is around 160,000 km. Symptoms include flickering lights, battery light on dashboard, and loss of power. Alternator parts cost €50-220 depending on brand (VALEO, BOSCH, HELLA). Total replacement with labor typically costs €200-500. The battery light lighting up signals the alternator isn't charging properly. Owners commonly report this issue, and it's considered a characteristic 207 problem rather than rare occurrence.
Timing belt and water pump€350 - €550
Scheduled replacement every 10 years or 160,000 km - water pump often replaced at same time · more· less
The 1.4 HDi timing belt should be replaced every 10 years or 160,000 km (100,000 miles), whichever comes first. The water pump is driven by the timing belt, so garages insist both are replaced together to avoid having to remove everything twice. This is an interference engine - if the belt snaps, it causes catastrophic valve and piston damage. Replacement costs: parts (Gates timing belt and water pump kit) around €120-150, labor €200-250, coolant €15, for total cost €350-550 at independent garages. Peugeot dealers charge more (€495+). This is scheduled maintenance rather than a common failure, but critical to not postpone as failure means engine destruction.
Clutch and dual-mass flywheel€500 - €1,000
Premature clutch wear reported, DMF typically lasts 120,000-180,000 km if not abused · more· less
Some Peugeot 207 owners have reported clutch issues including premature wear and failure. Malfunctioning clutches cause difficulty changing gears. Dual-mass flywheel failure symptoms include vibration, rattling noise at idle, and juddering when pulling away. At Peugeot dealers, clutch replacement costs €750-820; local independent garages charge €275-550. Dual-mass flywheel parts cost €260-350. Total clutch plus DMF replacement typically runs €500-1,000 at independents. The 1.4 HDi is lighter on clutch wear than larger engines. Most clutches last 120,000+ km with good driving habits, but short trips and city driving accelerate wear.
Central locking failure€10 - €150
Doors fail to lock/unlock, often caused by broken wiring in door harness or actuators · more· less
The 207 is known for various electrical problems, including central locking malfunctions where doors fail to lock or unlock. The most common cause is broken wiring where the harness enters the door panel - wires break from repeated door opening/closing. Repair kits are available to fix this problem. Door lock actuator failure is also common, particularly on the driver's door. Professional repair for defective plug connections costs around €95. Door lock mechanism parts cost €3-52 at UK retailers. Some owners have fixed issues by lubricating the lock mechanism with WD40 and cycling the locks multiple times. In more stubborn cases, replacing the faulty door lock actuator resolves the issue (DIY cost €10-50, garage €100-150).
Suspension wear and damper failure€150 - €400
Anti-roll bar drop links, bushings, and dampers wear on high mileage examples · more· less
The 207's suspension and steering systems are generally robust but wear issues arise over time, especially on high-mileage cars or those driven on rough roads. Components like anti-roll bar drop links and bushings are subject to wear. Symptoms include clunking or knocking noises over bumps, poor handling with increased body roll during cornering, and uneven tire wear as worn suspension affects wheel alignment. Suspension damper failure is common on cars with high mileage. Replacing worn suspension parts is relatively straightforward for mechanics. Genuine Peugeot parts are easy to find and usually inexpensive. Repair costs vary but typically €150-400 for common suspension work (drop links, bushings, dampers).
Affordable to run but expect electrical issues and emissions system problems
The 207 1.4 HDi is one of the more reliable French superminis for everyday use, with good fuel economy and affordable parts. However, it suffers from numerous electrical gremlins and diesel emissions system issues that are characteristic of 2000s-era French cars. Service history is critical - well-maintained examples with regular oil changes tend to be much more reliable. The 1.4 HDi avoids the serious turbo oil starvation issues that plague the 1.6 HDi, making it the safer diesel choice. Budget for emissions system repairs (EGR/DPF) and be prepared for electrical quirks.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (every 12,500 km for 1.4 HDi). Poor service history significantly increases risk of DPF and turbo problems.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. 207 typically uses 14-17 inch wheels depending on trim.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Diesel engines should sound smooth once warmed up - be suspicious of continued rattling.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, and paint mismatch. French cars of this era can rust around wheel arches and sills.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds to check emissions system regeneration and all electrical functions.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for anti-pollution warning messages
Start the car and watch dashboard. Drive for 15+ minutes and check if "anti pollution faulty" or similar warnings appear. These indicate EGR valve or DPF issues.
Test all electrical systems thoroughly
Test central locking (all doors), power windows, dashboard display, lights (including bulbs), air conditioning, and all switches. Electrical gremlins are extremely common on 207.
Check power steering operation
Turn steering wheel at slow speeds and while stationary. Should be light and consistent. Heavy steering or EPS warning light indicates power steering failure.
Verify 18 safety recalls completed
Contact Peugeot dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. Critical recalls include battery earth cable (engine stall), brake hose chafing, crankshaft machining, and heated seat overheating.
Listen for alternator and cooling fan issues
Check if battery warning light appears. Listen for cooling fan running constantly even when cold - indicates ECU/sensor failure. Test all dashboard gauges work correctly.
Check for water leaks in footwells
Water in front footwells accompanied by rushing sounds when accelerating/braking indicates blocked AC drain pipes. Water can cause ECU failure.
Test EGR valve and DPF operation
Drive car hard (motorway speeds for 15 minutes) to check regeneration. Engine hesitation at 2-3k RPM suggests EGR problems. Ask when DPF was last regenerated or cleaned.
Verify timing belt replacement history
Check when timing belt was last replaced. Should be done every 10 years or 160,000 km. Any car approaching this interval needs belt changed immediately.
There have been no fewer than 18 safety recalls for the 207 during its production life, ranging from loose seatbelt mountings on early cars to chafed brake hoses, loose battery earth cables, and heated seats that might overheat. Contact your local Peugeot dealer with the registration number and VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. These recall campaigns are carried out free of charge. The VIN can be found on the lower-left corner of the dashboard, visible through the windshield.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all 207s
Corrosion warranty (12 years)May still apply on 2012 models
Extended warrantyAvailable from third-party providers
All Peugeot 207s are now outside their original factory warranty period. Some 2012 models may still have remaining corrosion warranty coverage. Extended warranties are available through third-party providers, though coverage for known electrical issues may be limited. Given the 207's age and common electrical problems, extended warranties typically exclude pre-existing faults and may not be cost-effective. Focus on thorough pre-purchase inspection and complete service history instead.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.