Peugeot 2008
Most widespread PSA diesel. Went through many evolution stages from Euro 4 to Euro 6. Economical and long-lived with regular servicing. Prone to DPF issues in short-trip operation.
Adequately powered
115 hp in the small 2008 is perfectly fine. Enough torque for town and country roads, economical on fuel.
Engine Weaknesses 4
The copper sealing rings on the injectors wear out, allowing combustion gases and diesel to enter the cylinder head. Oil dilution by diesel can lead to engine damage. Affects all 1.6 HDi variants.
Symptoms: Diesel smell at the dipstick, rising oil level, black deposits around injectors, rough engine running, hissing noises at the cylinder head with engine running
The plastic impeller on the water pump breaks away early and can damage the timing belt or cause engine failure. Engine damage documented from as low as 70,000–88,000 km. Always replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt.
Symptoms: Engine overheating, timing belt snaps without warning, fan noise, coolant loss
During short-trip use DPF regeneration fails regularly. Deposits in the EGR and throttle body additionally prevent correct regeneration. From 160,000 km complete replacement is frequently needed.
Symptoms: Warning 'particulate filter filling up', noticeable power loss, increased fuel consumption, engine judders under acceleration, limp mode
Leaks around the injector sealing area let exhaust gases into the cylinder head. A gel-like oil residue forms in the head chambers (especially pre-2006 build). Professional cleaning takes around 10 labour hours. Turbo damage threatened by oil contamination.
Symptoms: Turbo damage, power loss, black oil paste around injectors, engine oil contamination
Vehicle Weaknesses 6
On PureTech 110/130 models (03/2013–04/2017) timing belt wear particles can affect the vacuum pump and impair brake servo function.
All model years of the 2008 I stand out at inspection with above-average brake disc wear. Pads and discs need replacing more frequently than on competitors.
The exhaust system on the 2008 I shows a clearly above-average defect rate at inspection. Leaks and corrosion at the joints appear earlier than on competitors.
Track rod ends and ball joints on the 2008 I wear at higher mileages and get flagged at inspection. Cars used predominantly on rough roads are affected earlier.
Headlight alignment on the 2008 I fails inspection above-average rates. The headlight levelling system and bulbs show premature failure.
The exhaust system on the 2008 I shows an elevated defect rate at inspection due to corrosion. The rear silencer and centre pipes are particularly susceptible, especially on cars predominantly used for short trips.
