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Known Faults Database

Peugeot 207 problems, reliability and years to avoid

If you are considering buying a used Peugeot 207, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 3 known faults for this model, 1 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.

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Is the Peugeot 207 reliable?

The Peugeot 207 has 3 known faults in our database, 1 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (1.6 THP (Prince) timing chain stretch and hydraulic tensioner failure causing 'death) and engine (oil carbonises in the thin pipe that feeds the turbo bearings on the 16-valve 1.6 HDi). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.

That is a count of the faults we hold, not a reliability score. Popular cars get written about more, and a newer generation has had less time to show its faults.

Which Peugeot 207 years should you avoid?

No year is a write-off on its own. What matters is which serious faults a given year and engine can have, and whether the car in front of you has had them fixed.

Years and engines with a serious known fault

  • 2006 to 2018, 1.6 THP (Petrol): 1.6 THP (Prince) timing chain stretch and hydraulic tensioner failure causing

Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.

Generation 1 of 13 known faults · 19 owner reports · 5 good notes

Peugeot 207 (2006 to 2015) problems

Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial

1.6 THP (Prince) timing chain stretch and hydraulic tensioner failure causing 'death rattle' and timing jump

Rough guide
£800-1500

Typical symptoms

  • loud metallic 'death rattle' on cold start
  • engine management light (cam timing codes)
  • limp mode

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6 THP (Petrol)
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
2 more owner reports back this up
  • March 2012Low fuel pump pressure in the 1.6 THP 150 engine may lead to low oil pressure, starving the timing chain of lubrication.
  • March 2011A 207 GT experienced a stretched timing chain, which required replacement to resolve the issue.
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Transmission/ClutchMedium severity💬 Owner reports

The AL4 (also called DPO) four-speed automatic is the weak point of these cars. Contaminated, overheated or never-changed fluid wears the pressure-regulation solenoids, so the box loses line pressure, shifts harshly and drops into limp mode with a gearbox fault message. PSA never specified a fluid change on many cars, which is the root of it. Replacing solenoids also needs the correct updated ECU firmware or the fault returns, and once the clutches have been slipping the fix is a full rebuild

Rough guide
£500-1500

Typical symptoms

  • Gearbox Fault warning and Sport/Snow lights flashing
  • gearbox thumping or banging into gear
  • stuck in 3rd gear (limp mode)

Affected vehicles

Engines:
All AL4 Automatics
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
  • November 2015A 1.6 SW Peugeot 207 with a 4-speed automatic transmission experienced a warning light and clunk, sticking in third gear.
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Engine/EmissionsMedium severity💬 3 owner reports, 2012 to 2013

Oil carbonises in the thin pipe that feeds the turbo bearings on the 16-valve 1.6 HDi, so the turbo runs short of oil and its bearings wear out. Fitting a new turbo alone doesn't cure it: the oil feed pipe, and often the oil pump and the sump pick-up, need replacing too, or the new turbo can go the same way. Switching off straight after a hard run, with the turbo still hot, is thought to make the carbon build-up worse. Owners reported a franchised-dealer parts bill of about 1,200 pounds, or around 470 pounds for an aftermarket turbo plus a kit of modified pipes. Engines built from about 2008 are said to have revised parts, though later cars are not proven immune.

Rough guide
£470-1200

Typical symptoms

  • Whine or growl from the turbo as the engine pulls
  • Sudden loss of power or limp mode
  • Blue or grey smoke under load
  • Oil in the intake or intercooler hoses

Affected vehicles

Engines:
1.6 HDi 16v diesel, 90 and 110 (DV6TED4 and related DV6 engines; the same engine as the Ford 1.6 TDCi); the 8-valve 1.6 HDi/e-HDi that replaced it from about 2010 is not covered
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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What owners report on the 207

19 single reports, unconfirmed

One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.

  • Electrics · February 2018The windscreen washer fluid container fractured when plain water froze inside, spilling liquid onto the wiring loom and causing electrical problems.
  • Suspension and steering · February 2017The power-assisted steering on a 2011 Peugeot 207 failed, requiring attention to the system.
  • Electrics · December 2016Blocked bulkhead vent drains on a 2012 Peugeot 207 caused water to flood the electronics, leading to a £3,500 repair bill.
  • Electrics · January 2016A rear lightbulb failure led to a replacement wiring harness kit, which then failed due to earth pin issues in the connector.
  • Electrics · June 2015A 2009 Peugeot 207 at 25,000 miles suffered a wiring loom failure after coolant entered the fusebox, rotting pins and wiring.
  • Electrics · June 2015The wiring loom failed on a four-year-old 207, with a quoted replacement cost of £2,400.
  • Engine · April 2015A 1.4 VTi SW Peugeot 207 at 56,000 miles had engine management lights, reduced power, and required a new VVT solenoid valve.
  • Suspension and steering · July 2014A 2010 Peugeot 207 1.6 VTI 120 SW at 60,000 miles suddenly pulled right due to an EPAS fault, costing £450 to repair.
  • Fuel system · February 2014A diesel 207 experienced a ruptured Eolys fluid bag; Peugeot replaced the component and paid for the owner's driveway to be resurfaced.
  • Electrics · January 2014A fusebox problem was caused by water ingress, requiring drying and resealing to fix the issue.
  • Electrics · December 2013A 2009 Peugeot 207 experienced a burned-out fusebox, with no established cause for the failure.
  • Engine · June 2013A 2008 Peugeot 207 at 38,000 miles suffered a head gasket failure, requiring repair.
  • Fuel system · May 2013A 207 1.6 HDI experienced three consecutive failures of the plastic Eolys DPF regeneration fluid bag due to surface plastic breaking up.
  • Electrics · December 2012A 'gong' sound indicated that the car's battery was no longer holding adequate charge and required replacement.
  • Engine · August 2012A 2006 207 1.4 16v had hesitation and rev drops when starting from cold, a problem that worsened over time.
  • Engine · March 2012A 2009 Peugeot 207 1.4 Sport had a steering fault and then a head gasket oil leak, both fixed under warranty.
  • Electrics · March 2012A 2008 207 SW experienced multiple failures including electric windows, brake light switch, ESP, and parking sensors.
  • Cooling · February 2012Thermostat housing failures on older 1.4 belt cam engines can cause coolant losses, leading to overheating and head gasket failure.
  • Fuel system · March 2011The Eolys fluid container for 1.6 HDI diesel particulate filters is vulnerable to stone damage, causing leaks.

What owners like about the 207

5 notes
  • March 2011The Peugeot 207 was rated 'Most Reliable European badged 3-7 year old car' in a 2011 survey, with a 6% incident rate.
  • The 207 achieved a Euro NCAP 5-star occupant protection rating, a first for a supermini model.
  • The 1.4 75bhp petrol engines offer a lively and enjoyable driving experience.
  • The 1.6 THP 150 and 175 engines won the International Engine of the Year Award in their category for 2007.
  • The 1.6-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine, co-designed by PSA and BMW, won the International Engine of the Year award in 2009.

Sellers rarely admit these faults outright

We track 8 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Peugeot 207 advert and we check it in seconds.

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Peugeot 207 recalls

Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 9 DVSA recalls for the 207, newest first. They do not tell you whether this particular car has had the work: for that, put the registration into the free GOV.UK MOT history check, which shows a recall status where the manufacturer shares it, or ask a franchised dealer to check the VIN.

🏛️ June 2016Cars built May 2007 to March 2009

Battery may discharge and/or heated seats may overheat

On the affected vehicles the electrical harnesses connecting the heated seats may under certain conditions and over time cause the heated seats to either not work or to operate permanently. This may cause the battery to discharge and can be uncomfortable/distracting to the driver.

Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the two affected harnesses. If necessary the harnesses will be modified.

DVSA R/2016/118494 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2012Cars built May 2010 to July 2010

Engine may fail

It is possible that the con-rod bearing shells will not conform to manufacturer specification. This could lead to premature deterioration of the shells and in time cause the engine to fail.

Put right by: To replace the con-rod bearing shells

DVSA R/2012/1351,851 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ July 2012Cars built January 2012 to February 2012

Steering may fail

The track rod end ball joints on the steering rack may not have been torqued to the correct specification. If this is not rectified it could result in steering failure.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and re-torque the track rod end to steering arm joint.

DVSA R/2012/07963 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ April 2012Cars built November 2010 to April 2011

Engine may cut out

Incorrect dimensions of the battery earth cable may in the long term lead to its breakage. The loss of the electrical connection may lead to engine cutting out.

Put right by: The battery earth cable is to be replaced.

DVSA R/2012/0534,600 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ March 2012Cars built November 2010 to April 2011

Engine may cut out

The battery earth return cable is not to the correct specification which during vehicle operation may cause it to fail. This could result in the engine cutting out.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicle and replace the battery earth return cable.

DVSA R/2012/0215,563 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ January 2012Cars built November 2010 to November 2010

Engine may cut out

The battery earth return cable is not to the correct specification which during vehicle operation may cause it to fail. This could result in the engine cutting out.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the battery earth return cable.

DVSA R/2012/0062,932 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ December 2011Cars built September 2010 to October 2011

Engine may cut out

The use of incorrect torque wrenches for tightening a terminal may have damaged internal components in the Engine Electrical Power Supply Management Unit (BSM). This could result in the engine cutting out.

Put right by: Recall all the affected vehicles and replace the engine BSM unit.

DVSA R/2011/167106 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ November 2011

Engine may cut out

The earth cable for the battery maybe too short this may resulting in it breaking. Should this occur the vehicle electrical circuit will fail which will cause the engine to cut out.

Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the battery earth cable.

DVSA R/2011/157608 vehicles affected in the UK
🏛️ October 2011Cars built June 2008 to March 2011

Pedals may be obstructed

It is possible that the air conditioning unit air diffuser ducting on the driver's side may detach which could obstruct access to the driver control pedals.

Put right by: Recall all the affected vehicles for the fitment of an additional support part to the air conditioning unit outlet ducting.

DVSA R/2011/14590,087 vehicles affected in the UK

Recall data published by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency under the Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall listed here may not apply to every car of this model: the build dates and the registration check are what decide it.

Peugeot 207 cambelt or timing chain, and service intervals

An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used 207. These are the figures UK specialists work to.

Timing belt (cambelt)Belt
1.6 HDI, 1.6 E-HDI, DV6
87,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first

Generally 10 years or 87,000 to 112,500 miles. Always replace the water pump with the belt.

Timing chainChain
1.6 THP
No fixed replacement interval

Chain driven. Notorious for stretching and tensioner failure. Listen for a loud 'death rattle' on cold start. Often replaced by specialists at 40k-80k miles.

Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.

Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: October 2026

Peugeot 207 buying questions

What are the most common Peugeot 207 problems?

Three stand out. Engine: 1.6 THP (Prince) timing chain stretch and hydraulic tensioner failure causing 'death rattle' (typically 40000 to 80000 miles). Engine: oil carbonises in the thin pipe that feeds the turbo bearings on the 16-valve 1.6 HDi. Gearbox: the AL4 (also called DPO) four-speed automatic is the weak point of these cars (typically 60000 to 100000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.

Which Peugeot 207 years should I avoid?

No Peugeot 207 year is a write-off, but the 207 (2006 to 2015) carries the most serious faults: engine. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.

What should I check when viewing a used Peugeot 207?

Ask the seller about the engine and gearbox faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for loud metallic 'death rattle' on cold start, whine or growl from the turbo as the engine pulls and gearbox Fault warning and Sport/Snow lights flashing. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 3 known faults before you travel. Check a Peugeot 207 advert →

Are there any recalls on the Peugeot 207?

The DVSA lists 9 safety recalls for the Peugeot 207 issued between 2011 and 2016. The most recent, from June 2016, is "Battery may discharge and/or heated seats may overheat". Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. This list is by model, so it cannot tell you whether one particular car has had the work: the free GOV.UK MOT history check shows a recall status from the registration where the manufacturer shares it, and a franchised dealer can check the VIN.

What is the real MPG of a Peugeot 207?

Owners report 49.0 mpg on average across the Peugeot 207 engines with data, about 88% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 739 owner submissions. Peugeot 207 Real MPG by engine →

Looking at a Peugeot 207 right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.

Where this Peugeot 207 fault data comes from

If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the Peugeot 207 owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.

CarAdCheck is not affiliated with Honest John or Volkswagen Financial Services. What happened to Honest John, and where each feature lives now.

Before you go and see it

Knowing what a Peugeot 207 goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.

How to haggle for a used car: negotiate the price with what its records show13 min readHPI check vs carVertical: which is better, and our pick for a UK car9 min readMOT advisories explained: how to check them, and which ones should worry you12 min read
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