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.
Verdict · NHTSA data
Limited data — recalls on file
NHTSA has just 2 complaints on file for the 1990 Peugeot 405 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 4 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.
2
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
0
Investigations
0
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System | 1 | 50% | — flat |
| Transmission | 1 | 50% | new |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
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.
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.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“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”
The record is thin — 2 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 4 recalls should be verified as completed.
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1990 Peugeot 405. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.