Peugeot 607 Z8 — Problems & Common Faults

Powerful PSA diesel (2.0L HDi, 100-133 kW) for mid-size cars and SUVs. Common-rail with turbo, later versions as BlueHDi with SCR catalyst and AdBlue. Fundamentally robust and long-lasting with high torque. Injectors and the turbocharger are the main wear items. Timing belt with water pump should be replaced at least every 160,000 km. DPF regeneration becomes problematic with short-trip driving patterns.

• !! Timing belt snap caused by defective water pump from 90,000 km

  The plastic impeller of the water pump can disintegrate from as early as 50,000 km. Fragments enter the timing belt drive and cause the belt to snap with subsequent total engine destruction.

  Symptoms: Coolant temperature rises unusually, coolant loss without visible leak, faint grinding or squealing from the timing belt drive, sudden engine shutdown when belt snaps
  600–900 $
  Ad timing belt kit DW10 water pumpSKF VKMC 03259water pump 2.0 HDi
• !! Dual-mass flywheel wear from 130,000 km

  The dual-mass flywheel wears prematurely, especially on the 107 hp variant. Oil dilution from DPF regeneration accelerates wear. The clutch should always be renewed at the same time.

  Symptoms: Squealing or clattering when starting and stopping the engine, pronounced vibrations at idle, juddering when pulling away, knocking at low revs under load
  1,000–1,800 $
  Ad dual-mass flywheel 2.0 HDiLUK ZMS DW10Sachs ZMS Peugeot 307 2.0 HDi
• !! Leaking injectors causing oil dilution from 140,000 km

  Leaking injectors allow diesel into the engine oil, drastically reducing its lubricity. The rising oil level is often overlooked. This can cause piston and bearing damage.

  Symptoms: Diesel smell at the dipstick, oil level rises above maximum, strong exhaust smell inside the car, engine judders or knocks more than usual, increased fuel consumption
  400–1,500 $
  Ad fuel injector gasket DW10fuel injector 2.0 HDi BoschKupferdichtring fuel injector DW10

+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

A four-cylinder common-rail diesel with variable-geometry turbocharging, and in higher-output versions with two sequential turbochargers (biturbo). Camshaft drive is a hybrid design: a toothed belt drives the first camshaft, the second is linked via a short chain — a snapped belt is an interference-engine risk. Typical weak points include clogged particulate filters from short-distance driving, sticking swirl flaps in the intake tract, and seized injectors in the cylinder head that can damage the head if removed without the right tooling. The turbocharger and common-rail system also wear faster when oil changes are neglected. With clean oil, a working EGR system and timely belt service, very high mileages are achievable.

• !! Turbocharger bearing damage from oil starvation from 150,000 km

  The turbocharger bearings of the DW12 wear when oil quality is poor or change intervals are extended. Carbon deposits in the oil line block lubricant supply and cause turbo damage.

  Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo, blue smoke under acceleration, noticeable power loss, rising oil consumption
  800–2,000 $
  Ad turbocharger DW12 2.2 HDiturbo 407 2.2 HDiGarrett GT1549S
• !! Injectors seized in the cylinder head from 130,000 km

  Moisture accumulation in the injector bores causes the injectors to corrode into the cylinder head. Removal requires special tools and can result in consequential damage to the cylinder head.

  Symptoms: Rough engine running, increased fuel consumption, engine knocking, black smoke
  600–2,500 $
  Ad fuel injector DW12 2.2 HDifuel injector 407 2.2Bosch 0445110036
• !! EGR valve sticks from 100,000 km

  The EGR valve on the DW12 tends to stick from soot deposits, particularly during predominantly short-trip use. The mechanism gets stuck in the open or closed position and disrupts mixture preparation.

  Symptoms: Rough engine running, power loss, engine management light, hesitation under acceleration
  300–800 $
  Ad EGR valve DW12EGR valve 2.2 HDiPeugeot 407 EGR

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

A four-cylinder common-rail diesel with variable-geometry turbocharging, and in higher-output versions with two sequential turbochargers (biturbo). Camshaft drive is a hybrid design: a toothed belt drives the first camshaft, the second is linked via a short chain — a snapped belt is an interference-engine risk. Typical weak points include clogged particulate filters from short-distance driving, sticking swirl flaps in the intake tract, and seized injectors in the cylinder head that can damage the head if removed without the right tooling. The turbocharger and common-rail system also wear faster when oil changes are neglected. With clean oil, a working EGR system and timely belt service, very high mileages are achievable.

• !! Turbocharger bearing damage from oil starvation from 150,000 km

  The turbocharger bearings of the DW12 wear when oil quality is poor or change intervals are extended. Carbon deposits in the oil line block lubricant supply and cause turbo damage.

  Symptoms: Whistling from the turbo, blue smoke under acceleration, noticeable power loss, rising oil consumption
  800–2,000 $
  Ad turbocharger DW12 2.2 HDiturbo 407 2.2 HDiGarrett GT1549S
• !! Injectors seized in the cylinder head from 130,000 km

  Moisture accumulation in the injector bores causes the injectors to corrode into the cylinder head. Removal requires special tools and can result in consequential damage to the cylinder head.

  Symptoms: Rough engine running, increased fuel consumption, engine knocking, black smoke
  600–2,500 $
  Ad fuel injector DW12 2.2 HDifuel injector 407 2.2Bosch 0445110036
• !! EGR valve sticks from 100,000 km

  The EGR valve on the DW12 tends to stick from soot deposits, particularly during predominantly short-trip use. The mechanism gets stuck in the open or closed position and disrupts mixture preparation.

  Symptoms: Rough engine running, power loss, engine management light, hesitation under acceleration
  300–800 $
  Ad EGR valve DW12EGR valve 2.2 HDiPeugeot 407 EGR

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.2-liter naturally aspirated engine (116 kW) from the EW family for upmarket models like the 407 and 607. Timing belt replacement every 120,000 km is the most important maintenance item. Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket develop leaks with age. Otherwise a solid, long-lasting engine with adequate power and torque. Rare on the used car market as it was only installed in a limited number of model variants.

• !! Leaking camshaft and cam cover seals from 80,000 km

  The EW12J4 is strongly prone to oil loss at camshaft seals and cam cover gaskets. The camshaft seals are particularly affected and can lead to serious damage if ignored.

  Symptoms: Oil spots under engine, oil smell, visible oil traces at cam covers, dropping oil level
  150–500 $
  Ad camshaftndichtring EW12J4valve cover gasket Peugeot 2.2 16V
• !! VVT phaser knocks and fails from 70,000 km

  The variable valve timing regulator of the EW12J4 begins knocking from around 50,000 km and can fail completely between 70,000–80,000 km. Repair costs are typically 400–600 EUR.

  Symptoms: Knocking on cold start, rattling at idle, rough engine running, power loss
  400–600 $
  Ad Phasenregler EW12J4VVT camshaftnversteller Peugeot 2.2
• !! Hydraulic bucket tappets wear out from 100,000 km

  The hydraulic tappets of the EW12J4 frequently fail from around 100,000 km. Due to the complex design with two balance shafts the engine is inherently noisy; worn tappets make this considerably worse.

  Symptoms: Ticking valve noise cold and warm, loud idle, slight power loss
  300–800 $
  Ad hydraulic lifter EW12J4bucket tappet Peugeot 2.2 16V

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

2.2-liter naturally aspirated engine (116 kW) from the EW family for upmarket models like the 407 and 607. Timing belt replacement every 120,000 km is the most important maintenance item. Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket develop leaks with age. Otherwise a solid, long-lasting engine with adequate power and torque. Rare on the used car market as it was only installed in a limited number of model variants.

• !! Leaking camshaft and cam cover seals from 80,000 km

  The EW12J4 is strongly prone to oil loss at camshaft seals and cam cover gaskets. The camshaft seals are particularly affected and can lead to serious damage if ignored.

  Symptoms: Oil spots under engine, oil smell, visible oil traces at cam covers, dropping oil level
  150–500 $
  Ad camshaftndichtring EW12J4valve cover gasket Peugeot 2.2 16V
• !! VVT phaser knocks and fails from 70,000 km

  The variable valve timing regulator of the EW12J4 begins knocking from around 50,000 km and can fail completely between 70,000–80,000 km. Repair costs are typically 400–600 EUR.

  Symptoms: Knocking on cold start, rattling at idle, rough engine running, power loss
  400–600 $
  Ad Phasenregler EW12J4VVT camshaftnversteller Peugeot 2.2
• !! Hydraulic bucket tappets wear out from 100,000 km

  The hydraulic tappets of the EW12J4 frequently fail from around 100,000 km. Due to the complex design with two balance shafts the engine is inherently noisy; worn tappets make this considerably worse.

  Symptoms: Ticking valve noise cold and warm, loud idle, slight power loss
  300–800 $
  Ad hydraulic lifter EW12J4bucket tappet Peugeot 2.2 16V

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses

PSA V6 naturally aspirated engine (3.0L, 155 kW) with 24 valves — installed in the 407, 607, and 807. Smooth and durable with good power delivery, but high fuel consumption (12-15 L/100 km). Timing belt replacement is labor-intensive and expensive (1,000+ EUR) since the engine is transversely mounted with very limited access space. Oil cooler gasket and crankshaft position sensor are known wear items. Rare on the used car market.

• !! Timing belt damaged by oil contamination from 90,000 km

  Leaking camshaft or crankshaft seals allow oil to reach the timing belt. The oil degrades the rubber, the belt slips and valve timing shifts. Valve damage is a real risk.

  Symptoms: Uneven engine running, compression loss on individual cylinders, engine warning light, in the worst case engine damage
  600–1,500 $
  Ad timing belt ES9J4Stiming belt kit Peugeot 607 3.0 V6Wellendichtring ES9
• !! Oil loss at camshaft covers from 80,000 km

  The ES9 V6 is strongly prone to oil leaks at the camshaft covers. Escaping oil can reach the timing belt and cause belt slippage or even engine fire. Regular inspection is mandatory.

  Symptoms: Oil spots in engine bay, oil smell, visible oil traces at cylinder heads, burning smell
  300–800 $
  Ad valve cover gasket ES9J4Scamshaft gasket Peugeot 3.0 V6
• !! Ignition coil failures cause misfires from 80,000 km

  The six individual ignition coils of the ES9 V6 are prone to failure, leading to misfires on individual cylinders. The problem often develops gradually.

  Symptoms: Juddering at certain RPMs, engine management light, noticeable power loss, increased fuel consumption
  120–400 $
  Ad ignition coil ES9J4S V6ignition coil Peugeot 607 3.0

+ 3 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses