Defect
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.
1989 Peugeot 405 problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 4 complaints on file for the 1989 Peugeot 405 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 5 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
4
NHTSA complaints
5
Recalls
2
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 1989 compare to other 405 years?
What are the most common 1989 Peugeot 405 problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 2 | 50% | new |
| Electrical System | 1 | 25% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 25% | new |
Does the 1989 Peugeot 405 have recalls?
5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Defect
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.
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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…”
“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…”
1989 Peugeot 405 — common questions
Is the 1989 Peugeot 405 reliable?
The record is thin — 4 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 5 recalls should be verified as completed.
Does the 1989 Peugeot 405 have recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 1989 Peugeot 405. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Is the 1989 Peugeot 405 under NHTSA investigation?
NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.