Peugeot 208
Small 1.0L three-cylinder PureTech without turbo. Economical and straightforward for city driving.
Not enough steam for the 208
In the 208 A9 the 1.0 PureTech with 50 kW feels out of its depth. The larger supermini needs more drive than the 108 — motorway slip roads and inclines become a test of patience. Only makes sense as an urban short-distance runner with no dynamic ambitions.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The EB0 uses a timing belt running in an oil bath. Chemical additives in the engine oil attack the rubber — the belt swells, sheds fibres and blocks oil channels. In extreme cases engine damage from oil pressure loss. Stellantis has extended the warranty to 10 years/175,000 km.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning, metallic noises, engine power loss, coolant possibly contaminated with oil; often no warning before total failure
The EB0 tends towards excessive oil consumption, especially when unapproved engine oil is used. Incorrect oil specification can lead to piston ring coking. Regular oil level checks and oil changes every 10,000 km are mandatory.
Symptoms: Oil level warning between services, slight blue smoke on cold start, oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km
The water pump and thermostat of the EB0 are prone to failure between 50,000 and 80,000 km. If they fail, overheating can occur without warning. Particularly at risk in stop-and-go city traffic.
Symptoms: Coolant temperature rises unusually, coolant loss, heater goes cold, overheating warning on display
The EB0 uses a timing belt running in oil. If oil loss or contamination occurs the belt is damaged. Regular oil analysis and short change intervals protect the engine.
Symptoms: Metal particles in the oil, oil loss, rattling on cold start, timing belt snaps
The throttle body potentiometer or idle controller can cause misfires and rough idle at higher mileages. A straightforward sensor/actuator replacement resolves the issue.
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires when warm, sporadic engine warning light
The direct injection EB0 tends to build up carbon deposits on the injectors and intake valves with short-trip use. Carbon reduces fuel atomisation and increases consumption. Regular long runs or fuel additive use helps prevent it.
Symptoms: Power loss when accelerating, increased fuel consumption, rough idle, occasional misfires when cold
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
Peugeot recalled 208 models from model years 2013 to 2017 due to possible timing belt issues. However, often only visual inspections and software updates were carried out. Before buying, always check whether the timing belt has already been replaced.
The rear silencer is poorly or not at all rust-protected and corrodes surprisingly quickly, especially with short-trip use. Flex pipes also break frequently. The TÜV/MOT defect rate is significantly above average.
The AC condenser is damaged by stone chips or no longer seals at the connections. The AC system loses refrigerant and stops cooling. Replacement is labour-intensive.
The LED rear lights on early 2012 and 2013 build years fail above-average frequently. Individual LED segments go dark, which is flagged at TÜV/MOT. Lighting is generally a weak point on the 208 I according to TÜV reports.
The centre console touchscreen becomes unresponsive or freezes. GPS navigation fails completely. On models from 2014 the problem was largely resolved. A software update can help in some cases.
Brake discs and pads wear faster than on comparable vehicles. The front discs in particular show early wear. TÜV/MOT inspectors flag the brakes regularly.
The blower resistor (control module in the passenger footwell) fails frequently, leaving the ventilation working only on setting 4 or not at all. Replacement is straightforward but irritating.
The front strut top mounts wear relatively early on older A9 models and cause creaking or squeaking when steering. Genuine Peugeot parts last significantly longer than aftermarket items.
The heating mat on Peugeot models is fully integrated into the seat's PU foam, making repairs laborious and expensive. Often only one zone (seat cushion or backrest) fails.
