Peugeot 208
Naturally aspirated variant of the 1.2L PureTech three-cylinder. Simple technology without turbo, solid base engine.
Solid base engine in the 208
The 1.2 PureTech naturally aspirated engine is a reasonable entry point in the 208: 56–60 kW is enough for smooth town traffic and relaxed A-road use. No turbo means linear power delivery without surprises. Watch the wet belt issue — regular oil changes are essential.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The naturally aspirated EB2 also uses an oil-lubricated timing belt (wet belt). When oil changes are neglected or the car is used mainly for short trips the oil degrades faster, the belt swells and starts to break up. Rubber particles clog the oil pump strainer and VVT solenoid valves. In the worst case the belt snaps and pistons hit valves — total engine failure.
Symptoms: Engine management light, rough running, oil pressure warning, sudden engine shutdown
The crankshaft thrust washers (half-rings) are undersized and wear prematurely. When axial play exceeds 0.5 mm the timing belt can jump off its sprockets — valves collide with pistons and the cylinder head is destroyed. The thrust washers are not available separately; the entire block must be replaced.
Symptoms: Knocking noises when pressing and releasing the clutch, engine rattling, sudden catastrophic engine failure
The crankshaft thrust washers wear particularly quickly and cause axial play. From 0.5 mm of axial play Stellantis recommends replacing the complete engine block. Affects all EB2 generations up to build year 2022. Repair costs potentially 2,000–8,000 Euro.
Symptoms: Vibration at idle, metallic knock on load changes, oil pressure warning, engine noise that varies with rpm
The oil control rings coke up from carbon deposits and lose their sealing ability. Excess oil enters the combustion chamber and is burned. Some engines consume 1 litre of oil per 1,500 km — far above PSA's tolerance of 1 litre per 6,000 km.
Symptoms: High oil consumption, blue smoke when revving, oil level needs frequent topping up
Like the EP6/EP3, the thermostat housing on the 1.2 PureTech EB2 tends to develop leaks. Coolant loss without a visible puddle. Also check the expansion tank cap.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, no visible leak, occasional coolant smell
Spark plugs on the three-cylinder engine can fail prematurely through oil contamination. Misfires and ignition failures particularly after a cold start. Reduce the change interval to 30,000–40,000 km.
Symptoms: Engine runs on 2 cylinders after cold start, misfires, engine warning light, ignition fault codes
Like all PSA direct injection engines, the EB2 tends to build up carbon deposits on intake valves and injectors with predominantly short-trip use. Made worse by the known oil dilution problem: fuel residues in the oil promote deposit formation.
Symptoms: Power loss particularly at low revs, increased consumption, rough idle, misfires in cold conditions
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.
