If you are considering buying a used Peugeot 308, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 4 known faults for this model, 3 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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Generation 1 of 22 known faults · 16 owner reports · 6 good notes
Peugeot 308 Mk1 (T7) (2007 to 2013) 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
1 more owner report backs this up
October 2014A Peugeot 308 1.6 THP 150 experienced repeated timing chain problems, including a replacement tensioner breaking and causing oil pressure loss.
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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
2 more owner reports back this up
January 2017A 2008 Peugeot 308 with 38,000 miles experienced intermittent harsh shifts and a gearbox fault message from its AL4 automatic transmission.
May 2013Two AL4 4-speed automatic transmissions failed at around four years old, with fluid changes not resolving the issues.
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What owners report on the Mk1 (T7)
16 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.
Gearbox and clutch · December 2019The EGS automated manual transmission on a 2011 Peugeot 3008 with 38,000 miles failed to engage Drive or Reverse, with a potential £1,004 repair bill.
Engine · August 2019A 2008 Peugeot 308 1.6 VTi automatic consumed up to a litre of oil every 500 miles, likely due to failed valve stem oil seals.
Exhaust · March 2017A 2009 Peugeot 308 1.6 HDi 110 experienced three successive turbo failures due to a collapsed catalytic converter matrix.
Bodywork · December 2016Manual folding door mirror swivels can fail after four years of regular use, requiring replacement of the entire mirror unit.
Gearbox and clutch · May 2016A 2009 Peugeot 308 CC 2.0 HDi experienced multiple clutch failures, a lost engine casing nut, and cooling system issues by 51,000 miles.
Brakes · February 2016A 2009 Peugeot 308 1.6 HDi reported an ABS brake fault, possibly due to a wheel sensor or the brake pressure sensor.
Fuel system · January 2016A 2011 308 1.6 HDi EGS required two new fuel injectors to resolve an issue.
Exhaust · January 2016A Peugeot 308 SW diesel displayed an 'Engine fault risk of filter clogging' message, with a suspected additive pump fault code.
Electrics · February 2015Both rear light clusters on a 2008 Peugeot 308 with 44,000 miles failed, resulting in a repair cost of £395.
Engine · October 2014A 2008 Peugeot 308 1.6 120PS Sport with 65,000 miles received a dealer notification that its timing chain needed replacement.
Bodywork · September 2013The plastic brackets securing the headlight units are prone to breaking due to insufficient strength.
Engine · June 2013An 18,000-mile 2009 Peugeot 308 1.4 consumed up to two litres of oil over 3,500 miles.
Gearbox and clutch · June 2013A clutch failed at 53,000 miles, followed by a gasket failure between the transmission and clutch.
Electrics · December 2012A 'gong' sound indicated that the car battery was not holding sufficient charge and required replacement.
Gearbox and clutch · June 2012A 1.6 HDi model experienced clutch master and slave cylinder failures at approximately three years old.
Engine · August 2011A loud rattle from the 1.6 HDi diesel engine can be caused by a failed bottom rear engine mounting.
What owners like about the Mk1 (T7)
6 notes
May 2012The 308 was ranked as the tenth most reliable 3-5 year old family car in a 2012 analysis of warranty claims.
The 308 achieved a 5-star Euro NCAP crash protection rating, with good scores for child and pedestrian protection.
The Peugeot 308 was a finalist for the European Car of the Year award in 2008.
Customer satisfaction surveys indicate the 308 is the best Peugeot model to date.
The hatchback achieved a 5-star NCAP occupant protection rating and can accommodate three child seats across the rear.
Michelin Energy Saving tyres contribute to a fuel consumption reduction of up to 10% compared to the 307 SW.
Generation 2 of 22 known faults · 29 owner reports · 11 good notes
Peugeot 308 Mk2 (T9) (2013 to 2021) problems
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
AdBlue tank integrated pump failure due to crystallization or PCB contamination, requiring full tank replacement
Rough guide
£800-1200
Typical symptoms
AdBlue/UREA warning light
engine management light
countdown indicating 'Engine Will Not Restart in X miles'
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 & 1.6 BlueHDi
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
2 more owner reports back this up
November 2020A 2014 Peugeot 308 GT Line 1.6 BlueHDi with 28,480 miles needed an AdBlue tank replacement just after its warranty expired.
September 2017A 2015 Peugeot 308 HDi GT Line experienced a collapsed AdBlue tank, requiring a week-long repair, and two urgent safety recalls.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
Premature stretching and snapping of the 7mm camshaft timing chain, destroying the engine top-end
Rough guide
£1500-2500
Typical symptoms
loud ticking or rattling from top of engine
sudden loss of power and engine stop
non-start
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 BlueHDi (DV5)
Typical mileage:
50000-90000 miles
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What owners report on the Mk2 (T9)
29 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.
Bodywork · December 2022A 2014 Peugeot 308 experienced water ingress through the engine bulkhead, trickling near the clutch pedal.
Engine · September 2022A 2018 Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech had its cam belt replaced for free due to delamination, but the owner paid £324 for a sump check.
Engine · January 2021There have been multiple reports of engine failures occurring with the 1.2 PureTech engine.
Engine · October 2020A 2015 Peugeot 308 1.2 petrol model with 38,000 miles experienced cam belt failure, with a repair quote of £3,300.
Engine · March 2020A 1.2 PureTech 130 engine developed carbon on its valves, diagnosed with fault codes P1032 66 and P3060 66, costing £1,100 to clean.
Engine · January 2020A 2015 Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech required an engine replacement due to excessive cylinder leakage and wear between the piston and bore.
Engine · January 2020A 2015 Peugeot 308 1.2 PureTech with 42,000 miles needed an engine replacement due to low compression, with no goodwill contribution.
Engine · January 2020A 2016 Peugeot 308 SW 1.2 Puretech 130 with 24,000 miles displayed an 'Engine Fault' warning, but performance remained unchanged.
Brakes · October 2019A 2016 Peugeot 308 GTi experienced intermittently squealing front brakes, with the warranty insurer and Peugeot refusing to fix it.
Engine · September 2019A 2014 Peugeot 308 SW 2.0 BlueHDi 150 required a new engine, clutch, and front brakes, then an AdBlue sensor failed.
Engine · September 2019A 2014 Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech E-THP suffered timing belt failure at 33,782 miles, followed by a snapped crankshaft.
Electrics · August 2019A 2015 Peugeot 308 GT with 38,000 miles experienced intermittent loss of sound from the radio, parking sensors, and sat-nav.
Engine · June 2019A 308 1.2 Puretech 110 SW under warranty had its engine warning light illuminate four times, with a dealer fix for an exhaust valve.
Engine · May 2019A 2015 Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech suffered total engine failure at 35,000 miles due to a disintegrated crankshaft.
Engine · May 2019A spark plug broke in the engine of a March 2016 Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech, causing a misfire and potential engine damage.
Fuel system · March 2019A 2015 Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech 130 SW at 49,000 miles had petrol overflow from the fuel tank into the vapour tank.
Engine · February 2019Older 1.2 Puretech 130 engines may require a software update for the engine ECU, available at main dealers.
Electrics · November 2018A 2016 308 GT Line 2.0 Blue HDi, with 22,000 miles, performed unexpected emergency stops, leading to the dealer repurchasing the vehicle.
Electrics · November 2018A 2016 308 GT Line 2.0 Blue HDi, with 22,000 miles, performed unexpected emergency stops, leading to the dealer repurchasing the vehicle.
Gearbox and clutch · October 2018A Peugeot 308 1.2 Puretech experienced clutch slip at 34,000 miles, which persisted after a slave cylinder replacement.
Suspension and steering · September 2018A 2015 Peugeot 308 developed hairline cracks in its back axle, traced to a faulty weld on the rear axle.
Interior · August 2018A 2014 Peugeot 308 experienced air conditioning condenser failure soon after a re-gas, with Peugeot offering a free replacement part.
Suspension and steering · April 2018A 2015 Peugeot 308 with 4,800 miles had creaking rear suspension due to defective rear beams, which a repair kit did not fix.
Suspension and steering · April 2018A 2015 Peugeot 308 2.0 HDi Allure Blu with 30,000 miles developed a horrendous metal grating noise from the rear, suspected to be the axle.
Suspension and steering · November 2017A 2015 308 GT Line at 24,000 miles had a front damper failure, with both front dampers replaced under warranty.
Suspension and steering · April 2017A two-year-old 2015 Peugeot 308 with 10,000 miles developed a rattle from the back axle, which a modification kit temporarily fixed.
Interior · July 2016A 2014 Peugeot 308 experienced loss of R1234YF refrigerant from its air conditioning, with a diagnostic investigation covered by warranty.
Interior · May 2016A 2014 Peugeot 308 suffered loss of R1234YF refrigerant from its air conditioning, leading to an expensive re-gas bill.
Interior · May 2016A 2014 Peugeot 308 with 19,000 miles experienced air conditioning gas loss, with the pump making a whirring noise.
What owners like about the Mk2 (T9)
11 notes
The load area of the 308 SW is flat and spacious, offering practical cargo capacity.
The rear seats are easy to fold, enhancing the car's versatility for carrying larger items.
The car offers a relaxed and pleasant driving experience, contributing to overall driver satisfaction.
Even the smaller 1.2-litre engine provides sufficient power and capability for motorway driving.
This 308 model represents a significant improvement over its predecessor in both design and quality.
The car offers a refined experience on the move with impressive ride quality.
The 308 achieved a Five Star Euro NCAP crash safety rating, with high scores for adult and child occupant protection.
The GT model features a high-quality interior and comes with a generous amount of standard equipment.
The GT model is equipped with a great pair of engines, offering strong performance.
The car features an engine sound emulator that provides an entertaining and enhanced auditory experience.
The GT model offers a comfortable ride quality, contributing to a pleasant driving experience.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 8 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any Peugeot 308 advert and we check it in seconds.
Peugeot 308 service intervals: cambelt, chain and gearbox oil
An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used 308. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing belt (cambelt)Wet belt
1.2 PURETECH, 1.2 VTI
62,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first
PSA officially revised the interval from 10 years/100,000 miles down to 6 years/62,000 miles due to widespread premature degradation which blocks the oil strainer.
Timing belt (cambelt)Wet belt
1.5 BLUEHDI, DV5
60,000 miles or 5 years, whichever comes first
Although originally quoted longer intervals, specialists strongly recommend a 5-year/60,000-mile interval for the timing belt on the 1.5 BlueHDi due to its sensitivity and potential for failure. Note: this engine also has a camshaft timing chain that can snap.
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 belt (cambelt)Belt
2.0 HDI, 2.0 BLUEHDI, DW10
125,000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first
10 years or 125,000 miles. A very robust engine, but the interval should still not be exceeded. Water pump must be done simultaneously.
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: August 2026
Peugeot 308 buying questions
Is a used Peugeot 308 reliable?
The Peugeot 308 has 4 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 3 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (adBlue tank integrated pump failure due to crystallization or PCB contamination) and engine (premature stretching and snapping of the 7mm camshaft timing chain). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
What are the most common Peugeot 308 problems?
Three stand out. Engine: adBlue tank integrated pump failure due to crystallization or PCB contamination (typically 40000 to 80000 miles). Engine: premature stretching and snapping of the 7mm camshaft timing chain, destroying the engine top-end (typically 50000 to 90000 miles). Engine: 1.6 THP (Prince) timing chain stretch and hydraulic tensioner failure causing 'death rattle' (typically 40000 to 80000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which Peugeot 308 years should I avoid?
No Peugeot 308 year is a write-off, but the Mk2 (T9) (2013 to 2021) carries the most serious faults: engine. The Mk1 (T7) (2007 to 2013) has high-severity faults on record too. 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 308?
Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for adBlue/UREA warning light, loud ticking or rattling from top of engine and loud metallic 'death rattle' on cold start. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 4 known faults before you travel. Check a Peugeot 308 advert →
What is the real MPG of a Peugeot 308?
Owners report 50.4 mpg on average across the Peugeot 308 engines with data, about 83% 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 1,400 owner submissions. Peugeot 308 Real MPG by engine →
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 308 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.
Knowing what a Peugeot 308 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.