In-depth reviews

Peugeot RCZ coupe (2009-2015) - Reliability & safety

The Peugeot RCZ has always ranked well in our Driver Power customer satisfaction surveys, and safety equipment is generous

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.4 out of 5

Read owner reviews
Reliability & safety Rating

3.2 out of 5

The Peugeot RCZ is a well established model with proven engines. It was never crash-tested by Euro NCAP, but came with side airbags as standard, so there should be no worries in this respect.

Peugeot RCZ reliability

Peugeot as a brand came 17th out of 32 manufacturers in our 2016 Driver Power customer satisfaction survey, with a 13th-place finish for reliability. While this is an average performance, the RCZ’s 65th-place finish out of 150 cars is impressive for a car that’s no longer in production. Owners rate the RCZ’s handling and performance highly, while 84th place for reliability indicates reasonable dependability.

The RCZ’s petrol engines are well proven – both in other Peugeots and the previous-generation MINI. The 2.0-litre diesel in particular is used across plenty of models in the Peugeot range. One slight blemish is that the RCZ has been subject to three recalls since its launch in 2010.

Safety

Unfortunately, in common with lots of relatively ‘niche’ cars, the RCZ hasn’t been crash-tested by Euro NCAP. But, as most Peugeot models built around the same time achieved the full five-star score, we’d expect the RCZ to have performed well. It was fitted with four airbags as standard, as well as electronic stability control and tyre-pressure monitoring to warn you of an imminent puncture.

There are ISOFIX child-seat mounting points on the rear seats and the front passenger airbag can be deactivated, allowing you to fit a rear-facing child seat. Peugeot’s Connect SOS and Assistance system was an option. If you have a crash, it senses the airbag deployment and activation of the seatbelt pretensioners and automatically calls the emergency services. To help prevent collisions in the first place, the RCZ has automatic headlights and cruise control with a speed limiter.

Richard is a former editor of Carbuyer, as well as sister site DrivingElectric.com, and he's now Deputy Editor at Auto Express. Having spent a decade working in the automotive industry, he understands exactly what makes new car buyers tick.

Most Popular

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
24 Nov 2023

Best new car deals 2023: this week’s top car offers

New 2024 Porsche Panamera – new looks, interior, and Turbo E-Hybrid model
2024 Porsche Panamera front-quarter static view
News
24 Nov 2023

New 2024 Porsche Panamera – new looks, interior, and Turbo E-Hybrid model

New 2024 Dacia Duster arrives – popular budget SUV enters its third generation
2024 Dacia Duster front-quarter dynamic view
News
29 Nov 2023

New 2024 Dacia Duster arrives – popular budget SUV enters its third generation

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
20 Apr 2023

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
12 Apr 2023

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors 2022
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors 2022

Top 10 best electric cars 2023
The best electric cars 2023
Best cars
15 Nov 2023

Top 10 best electric cars 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
17 May 2023

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
18 Aug 2023

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2023