The Peugeot 405 spans 1984–2026 with 12 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 3.5/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 1989, 1997, 1991 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 1984, 1985, 1986. It delivers up to 21 mpg combined and NHTSA-rated safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Peugeot 405 is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 1984 to 2026 across multiple generations.
How to read a Peugeot 405 VIN — every digit explained
Every Peugeot 405 carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Peugeot and the country it was built in (real Peugeot codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this 405.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- FranceVF3 · VGA
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your 405, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Peugeot 405 have?
The Peugeot 405 has 12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–2026. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
1992 Peugeot 405 recalls 1
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's wrong. A gradual deterioration of the headlight plastic lens occurs.
Risk. Reduced lighting from the lens can cause visibility problems increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace both front headlight assemblies.
1991 Peugeot 405 recalls 2
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's wrong. A gradual deterioration of the headlight plastic lens occurs.
Risk. Reduced lighting from the lens can cause visibility problems increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace both front headlight assemblies.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Fuel leaked in the engine compartment could result in a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. 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.
1990 Peugeot 405 recalls 4
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's wrong. A gradual deterioration of the headlight plastic lens occurs.
Risk. Reduced lighting from the lens can cause visibility problems increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace both front headlight assemblies.
Seat Belts
What's wrong. There may be electrical interference between passive belt motor and electronic control unit.
Risk. Passive belt system may not operate correctly at alltimes which could cause more serious injuries to the wearer of the belt.
Fix. Repair passive belt system to assure proper operation.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. Fuel leakage exceeds the requirements of fmvss 301 in a rear barrier crash.
Risk. Vehicles would not comply with fmvss 301.
Fix. Install protective buffers; relocate fuel pump and filer to assure compliance.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Fuel leaked in the engine compartment could result in a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. 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 Peugeot 405 recalls 5
Exterior Lighting:headlights
What's wrong. A gradual deterioration of the headlight plastic lens occurs.
Risk. Reduced lighting from the lens can cause visibility problems increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix. Dealers will inspect and replace both front headlight assemblies.
Seat Belts
What's wrong. There may be electrical interference between passive belt motor and electronic control unit.
Risk. Passive belt system may not operate correctly at alltimes which could cause more serious injuries to the wearer of the belt.
Fix. Repair passive belt system to assure proper operation.
Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly:filler Pipe And Cap
What's wrong. Fuel leakage exceeds the requirements of fmvss 301 in a rear barrier crash.
Risk. Vehicles would not comply with fmvss 301.
Fix. Install protective buffers; relocate fuel pump and filer to assure compliance.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery
What's wrong. 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.
Risk. Fuel leaked in the engine compartment could result in a fire if exposed to a source of ignition.
Fix. 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.
Equipment:other:owners/service/other Manual
What's wrong. Information regarding child restraints was omitted from the owners manual.
Risk. This omission results in noncompliance with fmvss 210.
Fix. Send missing page to owners to be placed in their vehicle owners manual.
Best and worst years for the Peugeot 405
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 43 tracked years, the worst years are 1989, 1997, 1991 and the best (fewest complaints) are 1984, 1985, 1986.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 405 | — | Best | |
| 1985 405 | — | Best | |
| 1986 405 | — | Best | |
| 1987 405 | — | Average | |
| 1988 405 | — | Average | |
| 1989 405 | Engine And Engine Cooling | Avoid | |
| 1990 405 | Power Train | Average | |
| 1991 405 | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 1992 405 | — | Average | |
| 1993 405 | — | Average | |
| 1994 405 | — | Average | |
| 1995 405 | — | Average | |
| 1996 405 | — | Average | |
| 1997 405 | Fuel System | Avoid | |
| 1998 405 | — | Average | |
| 1999 405 | — | Average | |
| 2000 405 | — | Average | |
| 2001 405 | — | Average | |
| 2002 405 | — | Average | |
| 2003 405 | — | Average | |
| 2004 405 | — | Average | |
| 2005 405 | — | Average | |
| 2006 405 | — | Average | |
| 2007 405 | — | Average | |
| 2008 405 | — | Average | |
| 2009 405 | — | Average | |
| 2010 405 | — | Average | |
| 2011 405 | — | Average | |
| 2012 405 | — | Average | |
| 2013 405 | — | Average | |
| 2014 405 | — | Average | |
| 2015 405 | — | Average | |
| 2016 405 | — | Average | |
| 2017 405 | — | Average | |
| 2018 405 | — | Average | |
| 2019 405 | — | Average | |
| 2020 405 | — | Average | |
| 2021 405 | — | Average | |
| 2022 405 | — | Average | |
| 2023 405 | — | Average | |
| 2024 405 | — | Average | |
| 2025 405 | — | Average | |
| 2026 405 | — | Average |
What are the most common Peugeot 405 problems?
The most-reported Peugeot 405 problems are Tires (1 reports), Gasoline (1 reports) and Seat Belts (1 reports) — out of 10 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Engine And Engine Cooling 3 Read
Engine fire. *dsh
Engine radiator failed. *dsh
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]
Power Train 2 Read
Consumer complaint concerning vehicle not being repaired correctly and replace parts that were not properly replaced. *bf the clutch was replaced and have been taken back to the shop to adjust, tighten and replaced parts that weren't replaced properly. The clutch bearings begun to squeal and grind. (vehicle model/405mi16) *sc
While putting the car in reverse the clutch pedal went to the floor and stayed there and could not be disengaged, went (50) feet in reverse before turning vehicle off with key.*ak
Electrical System 2 Read
Underhood fire broke out, totalling the vehicle. Please provide further details. *ak
The brain box gets wet and causes a shortage in the wires and causes the car to stall. Tt
Fuel System 1 Read
(1) intense temperature rise of the car motor continuously, the car stopped working frequently, and it spreads a dense gas odor (2) there were two failures as said the car expert literally: "falla jams corregida de ""sistema de navegacin"", aunada a una falla de sistema de inyectores..." the inyectors are referred to which are used for the gas. The consequences of those failures were that the car was totally burnt inside my home`s garage, the car next to was burnt of one side and the motor, and a room of the house was totally burnt (including all the things and furniture were inside). Also, the house was completely smoked and dirt, ruining many objects and decoration stuff (like wallpapers). (3) i reported to manufacturers the failures many many times, but nothing was done by them, they didn't listen to me. *jb
Gasoline 1 Read
(1) intense temperature rise of the car motor continuously, the car stopped working frequently, and it spreads a dense gas odor (2) there were two failures as said the car expert literally: "falla jams corregida de ""sistema de navegacin"", aunada a una falla de sistema de inyectores..." the inyectors are referred to which are used for the gas. The consequences of those failures were that the car was totally burnt inside my home`s garage, the car next to was burnt of one side and the motor, and a room of the house was totally burnt (including all the things and furniture were inside). Also, the house was completely smoked and dirt, ruining many objects and decoration stuff (like wallpapers). (3) i reported to manufacturers the failures many many times, but nothing was done by them, they didn't listen to me. *jb
Tires 1 Read
I was driving down route 60, province of catamarca (northwest of argentina) when suddenly my car lost control. It made a curve to the left, crossed trough the other side of the road and overturned over the shrubs beside the road. I was driving on a straight and in good conditions road. It was a sunny day of an unpeopled area. A bus stopped and carried us to the next hospital two hours far from the accidents place. The car was totaly destroyed. The drivers side rear tire remained inflated but without its entire tread. The tread was found on the road at about 100 meters from the car. I have a police report, a newspaper report of the accident, photographs and an expert inform written by a governmental organism (c.i.t.i.c. Which means +rubber industrys technologycal development and research center; from the i.n.t.i. +national institute of industrial technology;). The informs conclusion says that the tread separated from the rest of the tire because an adhesive manufactured failure. Note: refered to argentinas deficient legal sistem, to goodyears and peugeots dishonesty and knowing, in fact, the danger this means i invite you (nhtsa) to investigate offering you every evidence i have. Please contact me by email. (dot number: 12 digits tiresize: 175/65 r14)
Seat Belts 1 Read
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
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Peugeot 405 specifications & dimensions
The 2026 Peugeot 405. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Peugeot 405 window sticker.
| Specs cache warming… |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Peugeot 405 cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the 405 holds — passengers and cargo. Seating, cargo and interior dimensions vary by trim and seat configuration — decode your VIN for the exact build.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Peugeot 405 tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Peugeot 405 get?
The Peugeot 405 returns up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,650/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 1992 Peugeot 405 (1.9L 4-cyl) gets 21 mpg combined and costs about $3,650/yr to fuel, emitting 423 g/mi CO₂ — about $7,250 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 405 | 18 | 26 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1991 405 | 18 | 26 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1990 405 | 18 | 26 | $3,650 | 423 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl | |
| 1989 405 | 18 | 25 | $3,850 | 444 | — | 1.9L 4-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the 405 stacks up against the most fuel-efficient sedans, or calculate this 405's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Peugeot 405 have? Power & range
The Peugeot 405 is offered with 1 powertrain — 1.9L 4-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4-cyl | 1.9L · 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | FWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Peugeot 405 cost to own?
A Peugeot 405 depreciates at about an average rate. A typical example keeps roughly 46% of its value after five years — losing about 54% to depreciation. Check what a used 405 is worth today or browse current used-market prices before you buy or sell. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 80% | $24,000 | −$6,000 |
| Year 2 | 70% | $21,000 | −$9,000 |
| Year 3 | 61% | $18,300 | −$11,700 |
| Year 4 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 5 | 46% | $13,800 | −$16,200 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this 405 loses about 54% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $18,250 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the 405 ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
Is the Peugeot 405 safe?
NHTSA crash-test ratings aren't published for the 405 yet — see the top-rated safest cars instead.
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How many miles does a Peugeot 405 last?
A well-maintained Peugeot 405 typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 3.5/5.
Check your Peugeot 405’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this 405’s VIN free →All Peugeot 405 model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Peugeot 405 — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2025 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2024 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2023 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2022 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2021 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2020 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2019 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2018 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2017 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2016 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2015 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2014 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2013 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2012 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2011 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2010 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2009 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2008 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2007 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2006 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2005 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2004 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2003 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2002 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2001 405 | 0 | — | |
| 2000 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1999 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1998 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1997 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1996 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1995 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1994 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1993 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1992 405 | 1 recall | — | |
| 1991 405 | 2 recalls | — | |
| 1990 405 | 4 recalls | — | |
| 1989 405 | 5 recalls | — | |
| 1988 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1987 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1986 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1985 405 | 0 | — | |
| 1984 405 | 0 | — |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the 405?
By owner-complaint volume, 1989, 1997, 1991 drew the most reports. 1984, 1985, 1986 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the 405 have?
12 recorded NHTSA recalls across 1984–2026. Always check open recalls by your VIN.
What MPG does the 405 get?
Up to 21 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
How many miles does a 405 last?
A well-maintained 405 typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the 405 reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the 405 is 3.5/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Peugeot 405 warranty?
New Peugeot models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Peugeot dealer.
Where is the Peugeot 405 made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your 405's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Peugeot may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the 405 have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.