1991 Peugeot 309 — MOT failures & pass rate
331 MOT tests on the 1991 Peugeot 309 are in this dataset, and 77.0% of them passed. All cars of a similar age fail at 22.3%, so the 1991 309 sits squarely on the average. Failures cluster in brakes, lighting & signalling and suspension.
What the MOT record shows
No single area dominates — brakes (14.5%) and lighting & signalling (13.6%) are close, so failures are spread across several systems rather than one weak point.
At component level the recurring items are service brake performance, service brake imbalance and washers — service brake performance alone was recorded 30 times.
Condition tracks the odometer closely. Failures run at 19.1% in the 30-60k band and 24.3% in the 150k+ band, a 5.3-point spread.
Advisories point at the next bill rather than this one: brakes was flagged on 29.9% of tests without failing them.
The trend is improving — the fail rate fell from 26.8% in 2021 to 21.7% in 2025, as the worst-kept examples leave the fleet.
How it compares
Top failure categories
| # | Category | % of tests affected | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 14.5% | 48 |
| 2 | Lighting & signalling | 13.6% | 45 |
| 3 | Suspension | 8.8% | 29 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 8.5% | 28 |
| 5 | Visibility | 6.7% | 22 |
| 6 | Emissions & environmental | 4.8% | 16 |
Most common specific failures
The exact components most often recorded as failures — more specific than the categories above.
| # | Failure item | Times recorded |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Service brake performance | 30 |
| 2 | Service brake imbalance | 25 |
| 3 | Washers | 24 |
| 4 | Joints | 18 |
| 5 | Component mounting prescribed areas | 14 |
| 6 | Non catalyst emissions | 12 |
Top advisory categories
Advisories aren't failures, but they flag work likely needed soon — useful when budgeting.
| # | Category | % of tests with advisory | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brakes | 29.9% | 99 |
| 2 | Suspension | 29.6% | 98 |
| 3 | Emissions & environmental | 18.4% | 61 |
| 4 | Body, structure & corrosion | 13.6% | 45 |
| 5 | Tyres | 10.9% | 36 |
| 6 | Other defects | 10.9% | 36 |
Failure rate by mileage
Higher-mileage cars tend to fail more — often the most useful guide to real condition.
| Mileage band | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 30-60k | 42 | 19.1% |
| 60-90k | 116 | 19.8% |
| 90-120k | 75 | 28.0% |
| 120-150k | 55 | 27.3% |
| 150k+ | 37 | 24.3% |
By fuel type
| Fuel | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 211 | 22.8% |
| Diesel | 120 | 23.3% |
Trend over time
| Dataset year | Tests | Fail rate |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 82 | 26.8% |
| 2022 | 59 | 17.0% |
| 2023 | 70 | 27.1% |
| 2024 | 60 | 20.0% |
| 2025 | 60 | 21.7% |
What to check before buying a 1991 309
On a 1991 309, brakes is what the MOT record says goes wrong most — it appeared in 14.5% of tests. Check these areas before you commit.
- Brakes (14.5% of tests): Pads/discs are routine wear; binding, imbalance or corroded pipes are more serious — test for pulling under braking. Typical repair: £100–£350 per axle.
- Lighting & signalling (13.6% of tests): Often a cheap bulb, but persistent issues can mean wiring or corrosion in the units. Typical repair: £10–£150.
- Suspension (8.8% of tests): Worn drop links, bushes, springs or shocks — listen for knocks over bumps and check for uneven tyre wear. Typical repair: £150–£450 per corner.
Repair costs are rough UK ballpark ranges to set expectations, not quotes — actual prices vary widely by car, parts and garage.
Frequently asked questions
How many 1991 Peugeot 309s pass their MOT?
77.0% of the 331 1991 Peugeot 309 MOT tests in this dataset passed — a 23.0% fail rate.
What is the most common MOT failure on a 1991 Peugeot 309?
Brakes, recorded in 14.5% of tests, followed by lighting & signalling (13.6%).
Does the 1991 309 get worse with mileage?
Its MOT fail rate rises from 19.1% in the 30-60k band to 24.3% in the 150k+ band.
Methodology & source. Based on 331 MOT tests. Dataset: DVSA MOT testing data (2021,2022,2023,2024,2025). Data last updated 2026-07-27. Figures reflect MOT-testable defects only — read the methodology for how these are calculated and what they don't measure.