Peugeot 405 1989 problems

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Peugeot 405 1989

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Common Peugeot 405 1989 problems

The Peugeot 405, introduced in 1988, was the French manufacturer's first attempt at a front-wheel drive mid-size car, replacing the well-respected 505. While the 405 was successful in the UK market, it had some common problems that potential buyers should be aware of.

  • Engine issues: Some engines, particularly the 1.6 and 1.9-litre carburettor units, were problematic. Hot starting could be difficult, and it's essential to check that cambelts were changed on schedule. Faulty power steering pumps, noisy gearboxes, and rumbling driveshafts are not uncommon. Cars with unassisted steering may be too heavy for some people to park, so trying one for yourself is recommended.
  • Build quality: Early cars suffered from poor build quality, with rattles and misaligned trim often present. The interiors are fairly hardy, but checking that all electric gadgets work, including windows, sunroof, and air-conditioning, is crucial. Many later cars had standard air-conditioning, so ensuring it delivers icy air and cools the car down quickly is essential.
  • Suspension and handling: The 405 was known for its superb chassis and strong mechanicals, but the sporty Mi16 model had issues with its suspension and handling. The car was found wanting on steep climbs, and its performance was inconsistent with its go-faster decor and neat boot-mounted spoiler.
  • Quality and reliability: Pre-1993 models had poor quality paintwork and prone-to-squeak plastic used in the cabin. The 1993-96 models had improvements aimed at stiffening the structure and making the car quieter and smoother, indicating the problems of their predecessors. In long-term service, the Mi16 requires regular maintenance and adherence to the service schedule to ensure reliability.
  • Timing belt: If the timing belt is not changed at 100,000 km intervals, it is likely to break, causing significant damage to the engine. A thorough service history is essential when buying a Peugeot 405 Mi16.

In summary, potential buyers should be aware of the common problems with the Peugeot 405, particularly the engine issues, build quality, suspension and handling, quality and reliability, and the importance of regular maintenance and adherence to the service schedule.

Peugeot 405 1989 engine

Is Peugeot 405 a good car?

Peugeot 405 (1987 – 1996) At A Glance

Supple ride and composed handling, good looking, estates are practical load-haulers. Very few rust traps in the bodywork, so, though light, they last well. Steering is heavy unless power assisted. Cabin trim and seats less robust than the body so often shabby.

What is the fuel consumption of a Peugeot 405?

Peugeot 405 1.6 SR Fuel Consumption (Economy), Emissions and Range
Fuel Consumption - Economy - Combined:33 MPG 7.2 L/100 km 39 MPG UK
Fuel Consumption - Economy - Open road:43 MPG 5.5 L/100 km 51 MPG UK
Fuel Consumption - Economy - Highway:34 MPG 6.9 L/100 km 41 MPG UK

What engine is in a Peugeot 405?

PEUGEOT 405 1.9L i 5MT FWD (110 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 1.9L i 5MT FWD (110 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1905 cm3
Power:81 KW @ 6000 RPM 110 HP @ 6000 RPM 109 BHP @ 6000 RPM
Torque:117 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 158 Nm @ 3000 RPM

What is the top speed of the Peugeot 405?

The catalyzed version produces 148 hp (109 kW) with a top speed of 214 km/h (133 mph).

Peugeot 405 1989 car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Peugeot 405 problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Engine and engine cooling problems
  • Seat belts problems
  • Electrical system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all Peugeot 405 1989 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

Peugeot 405 1989 complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Peugeot 405 1989.

2002-08-08

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2002-08-01
  • VIN: VF3DA122XKS
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SAFETY BELTS DO NOT RETRACT WHEN PULLED FROM HOUSING. *AK THE CONSUMER STATES THAT THE SEAT BELT'S HAVEN'T BEEN WORKING SINCE THE PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONSUMER HAS TRIED SEVERAL TIMES TO HAVE THEM REPAIRED. THERE WAS A RECALL IN 1996 IN WHICH SHE THOUGHT THEY WOULD REMEDY THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER WOULD LIKE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS RECALL, AND SAID THAT THE ONLY REASON SHE NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHEN PLACING AN INFANT CAR SEAT IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. *SCC
1999-10-20

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1999-10-05
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: VS3DA12B4K5
  • Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
  • Summary: UNDERHOOD FIRE BROKE OUT, TOTALLING THE VEHICLE. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS. *AK
1999-03-02

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
  • VIN: VF3DA1225KS
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: I PURCHASED THIS USED VEHICLE FROM A PRIVATE PARTY IN NEW JERSEY. WHEN I FILED THE FORMS TO GET A NEW HAMPSHIRE TITLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SALVAGED (WHICH EXPLAINS WHY I HAD SO MANY SUBSEQUENT PROBLEMS). DO I HAVE ANY LEGAL RECOURSE SINCE THE OWNER NEVER DISCLOSED THIS INFORMATION? PLEASE REFER ME TO THE APPROPRIATE ORGANIZATION. I AM CURRENTLY STATIONED OUT OF THE COUNTRY SO EMAIL CONTACTS ARE BEST. THANK YOU! [email protected]
1996-03-19

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 1995-09-07
  • Fire: 1
  • VIN: JF3DA12B5KS
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
  • Summary: ENGINE FIRE. *DSH

Peugeot 405 1989 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the Peugeot 405 1989.

1997-03-11
  • Manufacturer: PEUGEOT, INC.
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
  • Summary: A GRADUAL DETERIORATION OF THE HEADLIGHT PLASTIC LENS OCCURS.
  • Consequence: REDUCED LIGHTING FROM THE LENS CAN CAUSE VISIBILITY PROBLEMS INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE BOTH FRONT HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES.
1994-04-07
  • Manufacturer: PEUGEOT, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY
  • Summary: THE FUEL SUPPLY LINE CAN COME IN CONTACT WITH A HIGH VOLTAGE IGNITION LEAD IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, CAUSING DETERIORATION OF THE FUEL LINE OVER TIME. THE DETERIORATION OF THE FUEL LINE COULD RESULT IN A FUEL LEAK IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT.
  • Consequence: FUEL LEAKED IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT COULD RESULT IN A FIRE IF EXPOSED TO A SOURCE OF IGNITION.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THREE FUEL LINES, CLAMPS AND MOUNTING CLIPS IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AND REROUTE THE FUEL SUPPLY SYSTEM TO AVOID CONTACT WITH THE HIGH VOLTAGE IGNITION LEAD.
1989-09-28
  • Manufacturer: PEUGEOT, INC.
  • Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP
  • Summary: FUEL LEAKAGE EXCEEDS THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 301 IN A REAR BARRIER CRASH.
  • Consequence: VEHICLES WOULD NOT COMPLY WITH FMVSS 301.
  • Remedy: INSTALL PROTECTIVE BUFFERS; RELOCATE FUEL PUMP AND FILER TO ASSURE COMPLIANCE.
1989-09-21
  • Manufacturer: PEUGEOT, INC.
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: THERE MAY BE ELECTRICAL INTERFERENCE BETWEEN PASSIVE BELT MOTOR AND ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT.
  • Consequence: PASSIVE BELT SYSTEM MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY AT ALLTIMES WHICH COULD CAUSE MORE SERIOUS INJURIES TO THE WEARER OF THE BELT.
  • Remedy: REPAIR PASSIVE BELT SYSTEM TO ASSURE PROPER OPERATION.
1989-06-08
  • Manufacturer: PEUGEOT, INC.
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL
  • Summary: INFORMATION REGARDING CHILD RESTRAINTS WAS OMITTED FROM THE OWNERS MANUAL.
  • Consequence: THIS OMISSION RESULTS IN NONCOMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 210.
  • Remedy: SEND MISSING PAGE TO OWNERS TO BE PLACED IN THEIR VEHICLE OWNERS MANUAL.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about Peugeot 405 1989 problems:

FWD Champions: The Peugeot 405 Mi16 – Spannerhead
FWD Champions: The Peugeot 405 Mi16 – Spannerhead
https://www.spannerhead.com/2011/09/20/fwd-champions-the-peugeot-405-mi16/

Sep 20, 2011 ... Common problems include water ingress through rear lights (ph1 models). Torsion bar splines shearing due to incorrect torquing often after ...

Peugeot 405 GR 1988 | aussiefrogs - The Australian French Car ...
Peugeot 405 GR 1988 | aussiefrogs - The Australian French Car ...
https://www.aussiefrogs.com/forum/index.php?threads/peugeot-405-gr-1988.29648/

Nov 16, 2005 ... The next problem i had and i am not sure if this is common ... In this country we only ever received the 405 from 1989 ... problems & the usual dose ...

Junkyard Find: 1989 Peugeot 405 S | The Truth About Cars
Junkyard Find: 1989 Peugeot 405 S | The Truth About Cars
https://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2013/07/junkyard-find-1989-peugeot-405-s/

Jul 13, 2013 ... I liked that car, in spite of its frequent breakdowns (yes, I know, the 504 is supposedly bulletproof everywhere else in the world).

Coolant Temperature Gauge - French Car Forum
Coolant Temperature Gauge - French Car Forum
https://frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17688

Jan 27, 2006 ... 1995 Peugeot 405 1.6. Hi All i've got a recent problem with my temperature gauge, from cold start up the needle is very often stuck in the ...

Peugeot 405 Problems & Reliability Issues | CarsGuide
Peugeot 405 Problems & Reliability Issues | CarsGuide
https://www.carsguide.com.au/peugeot/405/problems

Are you having problems with your Peugeot 405? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest Peugeot 405 issues & faults.

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Peugeot 405 1989 photo