CKFCar Known Faults
Peugeot 208

Peugeot 208 Faults

Common problems, known issues, and reliability guide.

MOT Intelligence

View Peugeot 208 MOT Pass Rates

See the official MOT pass rate (87.6%) and discover the top reasons this model fails its annual inspection. Based on real DVSA testing data.

Read the MOT Report →

Pre-Purchase Buyer's Guide

Expert Verdict

The Peugeot 208 is a hugely popular choice on the UK used market. While it has some well-documented common faults, regular servicing and preventative maintenance mitigate the worst of the issues. Its repairability score of 70/100 reflects the general availability of parts and ease of access for independent mechanics.

Repairability Score
70/100
Reliability
Running Costs

What to Look For

  • Full service history (crucial for timing chains/belts)
  • Smooth gear changes on automatic variants
  • Evidence of water ingress in the boot or footwells
  • Dashboard warning lights on cold startup

What to Avoid

  • Ex-rental or heavily abused examples
  • Cars with 'lifetime' gearbox oil that has never been changed
  • Specific early-year diesel engines without DPF/EGR history

Variants

Mk1 1.6 BlueHDi 100bhp

1.6 BlueHDi 100bhp

2012–2019 · Diesel · Manual

3 faults

Mk1 1.2 PureTech 82bhp

1.2 PureTech 82bhp

2012–2019 · Petrol · Manual

2 faults

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Top Faults Across All 208 Variants

Timing Belt Failure (60,000-Mile Interval)

Critical
2012-20191–60,000 miles£300–£550

The 1.6 BlueHDi carries forward the PSA 60,000-mile timing belt interval from the 207. Many 208 owners are unaware — belt failure destroys the engine.

DPF Blockage

Moderate
2012-201930,000–70,000 miles£200–£1000

Urban 208 BlueHDi drivers regularly face DPF blockage warnings. The small diesel is not suited to short city trips.

EGR Valve Carbon Build-Up

Moderate
2012-201940,000–90,000 miles£100–£450

EGR failure on the 208 BlueHDi follows the established PSA pattern — carbon deposits restrict the valve, causing power loss and rough running.

Timing Belt in Oil Failure (Wet Belt)

Critical
2012-201940,000–80,000 miles£350–£600

The 1.2 PureTech engine uses a 'wet belt' timing system — the belt runs in engine oil. This reduces noise but the belt degrades faster than a conventional dry belt. PSA extended the replacement interval, but early failures occurred.

Oil Consumption and Piston Ring Wear

Severe
2012-201630,000–100,000 miles£200–£4000

The PureTech 1.2 engine has a documented issue with excessive oil consumption on early units. PSA introduced a revised piston ring specification to address the problem.