If you are considering buying a used Peugeot 208, these are the common problems worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 6 known faults for this model, 5 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Check a Peugeot 208 advert (free) →The Peugeot 208 has 6 known faults in our database, 5 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (heavy oil consumption and internal wear leading to engine failure or replacement) and engine (wet timing belt degradation leading to oil pickup blockage, oil starvation). 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.
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.
Each one is set out in full below, with the symptoms, the typical mileage and a rough repair cost.
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.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 15 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Peugeot 208 advert and we check it in seconds.
Check an advert now (free) →Recall work is done by the manufacturer, and GOV.UK says you will not usually have to pay for it. These are the 56 DVSA recalls for the 208, 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.
Affected vehicle have a horn volume which does not comply with regulatory requirements.
Put right by: Replace the horn with one of a higher volume.
On affected vehicles the front suspension lower control arm upper bolts may not have been tightened according to specification during assembly.
Put right by: Check the bolts for the correct torque and replace if necessary.
On affected vehicles the Lane Keep Assist tell-tale fails to illuminate if the front camera is blocked meaning no warning light appears in the instrument cluster.
Put right by: Update the Body Control Module software.
Affected vehicles may have been assembled with contact or with a reduced clearance between the Gasoline Particulate Filter pipe and the pole protection cap of the 48V Belt Starter Generator. There is a possibility of contact between these components leading to water infiltration and an electrical arch which could trigger a thermal event.
Put right by: Replace the pole protection cap of the 48V Belt Starter Generator. Check the distance between the Gasoline Particulate Filter pipe and the pole protection cap of the 48V Belt Starter Generator and re-position or replace the pipe if required.
Vehicles may be affected by incorrect performance of the On-Board-Diagnostics related to Selective Catalytic Reduction system and/or Diesel Particle Filter. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may not illuminate in the event of a malfunction and therefore does not comply with emission regulations.
Put right by: Update the Engine Control Unit software to ensure compliance to regulations.
On affected vehicles there there may be loose connections between a high-pressure fuel pipe and the engine fuel rail which potentially could lead to a leak and risk of fire.
Put right by: Retighten the affected connections.
Vehicles may be affected by premature wearing of the camshaft drive chain leading to abnormal noise or to a breakage of the chain in the worst case.
Put right by: Update the software to improve oil pressure and reduce wear. Check the engine noise and replace the chain if required. If no problem found change the oil to one with higher viscosity and special anti-wear additives.
On affected vehicles the Autonomous Telematics Box (ATB) has no connectivity to the Connected Services features and therefore does not comply with regulatory requirements.
Put right by: Replace the ATB to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
On affected vehicles there may be a defect present in the fuel tank threads which could potentially lead to a fuel leak.
Put right by: Check the blown-molding engraved date marking date at the bottom of the fuel tank and replace the lock nut and O-ring if necessary.
On affected vehicles the Electronic Brake System Module is not according to specification which could potentially lead to light internal leakage of brake fluid.
Put right by: Replace the Electronic Brake System Module.
Affected vehicles may face an error in the Battery Monitoring Unit software.
Put right by: Update the Battery Monitoring Unit software.
Affected vehicles may have been equipped with an Autonomous Telematic Box (ATB) which does not work.
Put right by: Change the ATB.
On affected vehicles the engine is at risk of becoming damaged because of an inadequate oil supply from an oil jet cooling nozzle.
Put right by: Replace the engine oil and filter.
Affected vehicles may experience an autonomous telematic box that cannot connect to the remote server making it not possible to make calls or use other connected services.
Put right by: Disconnect the 12V battery and reconnect it after 15 seconds then check for a trouble code.
Affected vehicles may not comply with test requirements in the matter of emissions test execution by competent authorities and energy consumption may be too high.
Put right by: Update the electrical Vehicle Control Unit (eVCU) software.
On affected vehicles the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functionality may not meet regulatory requirements and the Active Emergency Brake (AEB) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) can inadvertently be deactivated by a long press of the ADAS button on the radio.
Put right by: On the affected vehicles the radio software will be updated by an Over-The-Air update which will be remotely checked as successfully installed.
On affected vehicles there may be a reduced alert time of 3 seconds instead of the regulatory requirement of 10 seconds to warn the driver that the Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) is unavailable following an emergency braking event occurring.
Put right by: On the affected vehicles the camera video module software and calibration will be updated.
Affected vehicles may exceed regulatory emission standards.
Put right by: Replace the canister purge valve (CPV) and or fuel line.
On affected vehicles incorrect MCU (Motor Control Unit) calibration may result in a loss of propulsion while driving.
Put right by: Update the MCU (Motor Control Unit) calibration
On affected vehicles below 12500 miles under certain conditions engine emissions may lead to a non-compliance to regulatory requirements.
Put right by: Check the mileage of the vehicle and update the ECU (Engine Control Unit) calibration on vehicles below 12500 miles.
Affected vehicles may have been assembled with the wrong instrument panel cluster which may display the speed in KPH instead of MPH.
Put right by: Check the instrument cluster and replace it if necessary.
On affected vehicles the A Pillar trim may be incorrectly assembled which could lead to detachment of the trim through lateral airbag deployment.
Put right by: Remove A Pillar trim check clip assembly and refit correctly if necessary.
On affected vehicles the AC compressor stator wiring could develop a fault leading to current loss inside the AC compressor that could result in a vehicle powertrain shutdown when driving.
Put right by: Reprogram the Powertrain Diagnosis ECU with updated software.
Affected vehicles may have been fitted with tyres containing rubber of non-conformity that could affect handling and also impact regulatory requirements.
Put right by: Check and replace tyres if necessary.
There is an error in the software calibration of the traction battery control unit which could result in a loss of propulsion when driving.
Put right by: Update the software of the traction battery control unit.
On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.
Put right by: To rectify this issue a software update will be downloaded which will improve the vacuum diagnosis (in order to warn earlier about the risk of loss or reduction of braking assistance).
On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.
Put right by: To rectify this issue a software update will be downloaded which will improve the vacuum diagnosis (in order to warn earlier about the risk of loss or reduction of braking assistance). The timing belt will be checked and if needed replaced with other components of the braking assistance system and the vacuum pump.
Some braking and suspension components may not have been tightened to the correct torque during assembly.
Put right by: Check and tighten affected bolts to the correct torque.
Various component fixings which have not been tightened to the correct torque settings due to incorrect tightening operations during the assembly
Put right by: Retighten the affected component fixings to assure the correct torque tightening
The High Voltage Harness might not be to the correct specification.
Put right by: Check the harness conformity and replace it if necessary
Vehicles may have an incorrect tightening torque on several rear axle component fixings.
Put right by: Check and retighten all fixings to the correct torque settings.
The brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt.
Put right by: Update detection software inspect and if necessary replace vacuum pump and timing belt.
The steering geometry could be incorrectly set due to an incorrectly calibrated setting rig in the manufacturing plant.
Put right by: Check the steering alignment and adjusting if set incorrectly. If the front tyres are worn these will also be replaced.
The fixing of the front wing wheel arch trim does not conform to specification.
Put right by: The repair consists of adding an additional fixing screw to the bottom of the front wheel arch trim.
The fixing of the front wing wheel arch trim does not conform to specification.
Put right by: The repair consists of adding an additional fixing screw to the bottom of the front wheel arch trim.
The routing of the rear brake pipes may not be correct and could cause them to fail.
Put right by: Check and replace affected pipes if necessary
Engine management software issue could result in incorrect emission levels.
Put right by: Update the engine management software.
The calibration of the engine management software could result in emissions of NOx which do not comply with the regulatory limits.
Put right by: Download new engine management software
The universal clamp fixing bolt is not correctly fitted in the recess at the end of the steering column.
Put right by: Check and if necessary refit the steering column universal joint fixing.
An engine component may not be to specification which could result in loss of engine performance. This may lead to the engine stalling and potentially causing an engine failure. In very unlikely circumstances the vehicle speed may increase without warning but will stop on its own after a few seconds.
Put right by: On affected vehicles carry out a functional diagnostic check of the engine. If necessary replace the engine.
Due to a deviation in the production process certain suspension and steering fixings may not have been tightened to the correct torque.
Put right by: On affected vehicles check fixings as indicated by the manufacturer. Replace any damaged fixings and tighten all relevant fixings to correct torque.
A possible nonconformity of an internal component of the starter motor relay could affect the control of the starter motor. This could adversely affect the starting operation and damage the starter motor due to overheating and in extreme cases there is a risk of fire.
Put right by: On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace the starter motor relay.
A component in the gearbox actuator may not be to the correct specification which may affect gear selection.
Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the gearbox actuator
The bonding of the tailgate spoiler may not conform to specification. This could lead to a lack of adhesion and detachment of the spoiler
Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the rear spoiler
In the event of emergency braking or during an ESP regulation phase (e.g. avoiding manoeuvre) the hydraulic block may not prevent the locking of a wheel which could affect control of the vehicle.
Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the braking system hydraulic block
The fuel injectors supply rail could develop a leak over a period of time leading to a drop in fuel pressure which can affect the operation of the stop start system. In some extreme cases the engine might not restart and a spray of petrol under the bonnet may occur which is a fire risk.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and check the fuel injector supply rail. Where necessary replace the fuel injector supply rail.
An oil leak could develop at the turbocharger lubrication union retaining bolt due to a non-conformity of this part.
Put right by: On affected vehicles replace the turbocharger lubrication union bolt and its seals.
On the affected vehicles the non-return valve located inside the fuel tank may not conform to specification. If the vehicle was to roll over there is a risk of a fuel leak.
Put right by: On affected vehicles checking the condition of the valve and replace the tank if necessary.
It is possible that the front subframe and suspension wishbones mounting bolts may not have been torqued to the correct specification. This could result in the mounting bolt working loose and falling from the vehicle plus the possibility of the insecurity of the subframe or the front suspension wishbone. This can cause an issue with the handling or even loss of control of the vehicle.
Put right by: Recall all affected vehicles to check and retorque the front subframe and suspension wishbone mounting bolts.
Front subframes on affected vehicles may show signs of damage to the left hand mounting point caused during the manufacturing process. Over time this may affect durability and cause the mounting to fail. This can affect security of components attached to the subframe and may affect control of the vehicle.
Put right by: Prior to failure the driver should notice excessive noise from this area. As a safety measure affected vehicles should be checked and where necessary the subframe replaced.
Affected vehicles may have struts with a non compliant internal component. This may prevent the struts from maintaining the tailgate in the open position.
Put right by: Non compliant struts are determined by using manufacturer test methods. If replacement is required both struts must be replaced.
The front suspension wishbone mounting bolts might not have been manufactured to the correct specification potentially causing a risk of these parts breaking. Broken mounting bolts can be noticed by the driver through noises and poor directional control.
Put right by: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the front suspension wishbone mounting bolts.
It has been established that the high pressure fuel rail pipes on the engine have not been torqued to the correct specification. This can result in poor sealing of the rail which can cause as fuel leak onto the engine. If the vaporised fuel comes into contact with a hot engine component there can be a risk of an engine bay fire.
Put right by: Recall all the affected vehicles and retorque the high pressure fuel rail pipes.
Some vehicles from the affected production batch may have an issue with the effectiveness of the ESP system caused by non-conformity with the ABS/ESP hydraulic block. Consequences: This non-conformity will not affect the operation of the ABS system or the efficiency of the brakes. It may affect the operation of the ESP system on the rare occasions that it is activated; the correction of the drive delivered to the road wheel(s) when the ESP is activated may not be accurate to how it is manufactured to respond.
Put right by: The hydraulic ABS/ESP block is to be replaced.
During production it is possible the brake system may not have been bled correctly and some air may remain in the brake system. This could result in increased brake pedal travel and a possible reduction in braking efficiency.
Put right by: Affected vehicles will be recalled to have the brake system bled.
On a small batch of vehicles the bonnet catch may not be correctly installed. If the bonnet is opened and then closed incorrectly it could result in the latch being insecure.
Put right by: Recall affected vehicles to check the bonnet catch. Where necessary the bonnet catch will be replaced.
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.
An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used 208. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Wet belt (belt in oil). The original schedule was 10 years / 175,000 km (about 109,000 miles). Stellantis cut it to 6 years / 100,000 km (62,000 miles), with the belt checked at every service, after degraded belt material was found blocking the oil pickup strainer and starving engines of oil. Officially the cut applies to engines built from April 2017 and to older engines whose belt was replaced under the 2020 to 2022 recalls; the shorter figure is recorded for every year. Stellantis now covers belt and oil consumption failures on earlier-generation 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech engines for 10 years / 112,000 miles (180,000 km) when serviced to schedule. The plain petrol 208 and 2008 kept this wet belt engine until a new Turbo 100 with a chain was announced in March 2026; the Hybrid versions have a chain (see the separate row).
Wet belt (belt in oil). The original schedule was 10 years / 175,000 km (about 109,000 miles). Stellantis cut it to 6 years / 100,000 km (62,000 miles), with the belt checked at every service, after degraded belt material was found blocking the oil pickup strainer and starving engines of oil. Officially the cut applies to engines built from April 2017 and to older engines whose belt was replaced under the 2020 to 2022 recalls; the shorter figure is recorded for every year. Stellantis now covers belt and oil consumption failures on earlier-generation 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech engines for 10 years / 112,000 miles (180,000 km) when serviced to schedule. This row is PSA's own 999cc three-cylinder 1.0 VTi (EB0) in the first-generation 208, the smaller sibling of the 1.2 with the same wet belt. It is not the Toyota-built 1.0 in the 108 and C1, which has a chain despite sometimes carrying the same VTi badge.
The 48V mild hybrid versions of the 1.2 (badged Hybrid 100, 110, 136 or 145) use the third-generation engine, which swapped the wet belt for a timing chain running in oil with no replacement interval. The 208 and 2008 Hybrid arrived in 2024. The plain petrol versions kept the wet belt until Peugeot announced a new Turbo 100 with a chain in March 2026. The row carries no fuel type because these cars can be registered as petrol or as hybrids. The plain petrol 1.2 was sold alongside the hybrid with the older wet belt engine for several years, so the badge matters more than the year: check the car says Hybrid, and with the oil filler cap off a wet belt engine shows its belt while a chain engine does not.
The 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5, also sold by Ford as the 1.5 EcoBlue) has a conventional DRY timing belt from the crank, which also drives the water pump, plus a short chain inside the engine linking the two camshafts. It is NOT a wet belt, though some parts sellers and blogs call it one. The known fault is that internal camshaft chain, not the belt: the chain was upgraded from 7mm to 8mm around February 2023, and Stellantis extended cover for chain failures on engines built from October 2017 to January 2023 to 10 years / 150,000 miles. No manufacturer belt interval was found (catalogue data for the same engine gives 10 years / 180,000 km); specialists advise 5 years / 60,000 miles, and that shorter figure is recorded.
Generally 10 years or 87,000 to 112,500 miles. Always replace the water pump with the belt.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Three stand out. Engine: heavy oil consumption and internal wear leading to engine failure or replacement (typically 14500 to 56000 miles). Engine: wet timing belt degradation leading to oil pickup blockage, oil starvation (typically 33000 to 65000 miles). Engine: failure of the AdBlue pump, which sits inside the tank and is often linked to urea crystallisation. The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
No Peugeot 208 year is a write-off, but the Mk1 (2012 to 2019) 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.
Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for oil level dropping between services with no visible leak, low oil pressure warning light and adBlue/UREA warning light. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 6 known faults before you travel. Check a Peugeot 208 advert →
The DVSA lists 56 safety recalls for the Peugeot 208 issued between 2012 and 2026. The most recent, from June 2026, is "Peugeot 208 Horn sound volume". 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.
Owners report 53.0 mpg on average across the Peugeot 208 engines with data, about 76% 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 565 owner submissions. Peugeot 208 Real MPG by engine →
Looking at a Peugeot 208 right now? Check the advert before you go and see it.
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 208 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.
Knowing what a Peugeot 208 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.