3 Peugeot Models With MOST Recalls (Check Before Buying)

Peugeot is a popular French automobile brand, now owned by Stellantis. Founded in September 1810, with over 200 years of business dealing under its belt, Peugeot is one of the most successful and longest-lasting brands of all time.

The company has produced and sold millions of units over the years while winning several awards and accolades. Peugeot models have notably won the European Car of the Year Award six times in history. Some of its other models have also come second or third four times.

One of its notable achievements is its impressive showing at multiple racing competitions. It has won the World Rally Championship 5 times, including a 3-peat in 2000, 2001, and 2002.

Peugeot has also won the Dakar rally seven times and the World Endurance Championships twice, amongst others.

As of now, there are only about 30 recalls listed for Peugeot models in the NHTSA database. However, the low figure probably has less to do with the infrequency of issues and more to do with Peugeot being unavailable in North America.

Regardless, we’ll make do with the numbers we have, and below is a compilation of the Peugeot models with the most recalls:

1. Peugeot 405

The Peugeot 405 hit the market in 1987, and Peugeot classified it as a large family car. It famously won the European Car of the Year Award in 1988 while winning by the biggest margin in the contest’s history. Interestingly, it’s only had a single generation and is the 20th most long-lived single-generation vehicle.

Number of Recalls

The Peugeot 405 was the last Peugeot model to go on sale in America between 1988 and 1991. Its models have been recalled 12 times, which is the highest for any Peugeot model, according to NHTSA records. The 405 also represents about 40.0% of total recalls for Peugeot models according to ARFC.org.

Of the 12 recalls for the Peugeot 405, the 1989 Peugeot 405 alone has 5, making it the most-recalled 405 model. The 1990 Peugeot 405 follows right after on the list, with 4 recalls on record.

The 1992 Peugeot 405 is the least-recalled model with just 1 recall on record. 2 recalls put the 1991 Peugeot 405 right behind, making it the second least-recalled 405 models.

Below are some common issues with the Peugeot 405 as gotten from recall statements:

• Fuel system issues (possible contact of the fuel supply line with a high voltage ignition lead in the engine compartment and resultant deterioration of the fuel line over time which could, in turn, cause a leak)
• Exterior lighting faults (gradual degradation of the plastic headlight lens)
• Seatbelt problems (possible electrical interference between electronic control unit and passive belt motor)
• Equipment issues (omission of child restraints information from the owner’s manual on some models)

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2. Peugeot 505

The Peugeot 505 is another one of Peugeot’s large family cars manufactured between 1979 and 1992. During its time, it received enormous praise for its interior styling, efficient engines, and its “reasonable price,” i.e., affordability.

It is the last Peugeot model with rear-wheel drive and also one of the last models to go on sale in the U.S.

Number of Recalls

Peugeot has recalled the Peugeot 505 9 times, making it the second most-recalled Peugeot model according to NHTSA records. The first recall was issued in 1984, and it now accounts for 30.0% of all Peugeot recalls since 1977, according to ARFC.org.

The 1989 Peugeot 505 has the most recalls of all the models with 2. All the other models, including the 1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1991, and 1992 models, have just 1 recall each.

Below are some issues with the Peugeot 505 that triggered the recalls:

• Fuel system issues (likely deterioration of the corrosion shield of the fuel tank mounting and resultant intrusion of water and other foreign materials that could corrode the tank mounting flange; improper sealing of the fuel caps in violation of FMVSS standards)
• Electrical system faults (inadequate heat treating of retaining bolts which may lead to possible breakage of the bolt and consequences include frequent loss of power to the fuel pump, lights, windshield amongst others)
• Equipment problems (possible overloading of the rear axle when more than 8 people are on board)

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3. Peugeot 504

The Peugeot 504 is a mid-size car with rear-wheel drive and front engine manufactured by Peugeot between 1968 and 1983. It won the 1969 European Car of the Year award and sold millions of units globally.

It was also assembled in many African countries, which is why the Los Angeles Times once called it “Africa’s workhorse.”

Number of Recalls

There are only 4 recalls on record for the Peugeot 504, making it the third most-recalled Peugeot model on record. According to ARFC.org, this recall figure represents about 13.3% of all Peugeot recalls since 1977.

The 4 recalls for the Peugeot 504 are shared equally between the 1977, 1978, 1979, and 1980 models with 1 each.

Below are common reasons for Peugeot 504 recalls:

• Equipment problems (unnecessarily long wire in the air-conditioning units from the blower speed control resistors to the evaporator blower motor and resultant chafing, pinching and short circuit)
• Service brake faults (possible accumulation of water between the mounting surface of the brake power booster unit and the front surface of the pedal support bracket, leading to corrosion and hindrance to free movement of power booster piston)

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