Peugeot 208
Highest output THP variant with 225 hp for GTi and RCZ-R. Revised engineering, but high stress.
French rocket for the anniversary
The 208 GTi 30th is a statement: 208 hp, Torsen limited-slip differential, Brembo brakes and lowered suspension — all in a light supermini. On a country road it develops an intensity that shames much larger sports cars. One of the best hot hatches of its era.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The EP6FADTX is the most highly loaded variant of the Prince family (225 hp). Despite the improved chain, stretch occurs from around 100,000 km. The start-stop system generates additional load cycles on the chain.
Symptoms: Chain rattle on cold start, rough engine running, valve timing fault in OBD, power loss; if chain jumps: catastrophic damage
Exclusively direct injection at 225 hp turbo output. The high exhaust temperature and volume of oil mist cause carbon to build up particularly quickly. Intake valves and ports foul significantly faster than on weaker THP variants.
Symptoms: Noticeable power loss despite functioning turbo, increased consumption, hesitation at part throttle, misfire fault code
At 225 hp thermal load the oil control rings coke up faster. Oil consumption of 1 L/1,000 km is not unusual. In advanced cases valve stem seals and possibly piston rings need replacement.
Symptoms: Oil level drops rapidly, blue smoke under acceleration, oil-fouled spark plugs, oil smell inside the car
The high-pressure pump wears faster on the 225 hp variant due to the higher fuel pressure. In hot environments service life can drop to around 100,000 km. Without a functioning HPFP the engine will not start.
Symptoms: Engine stumbling at full throttle, power loss, starting problems, P0087 fault code, engine stalls under load
Production fault on vehicles up to serial number 14835: defective internal tank valve allows liquid fuel to enter the charcoal canister, especially after a full fill-up or on sloped ground. Remedy: complete tank replacement.
Symptoms: Sporadic stumbling and limp mode activation, especially after filling up or parking on slopes. Fault codes P1336, P1337, P1338 (misfires cylinders 1+2). Symptoms improve with a half-full tank.
The boost pressure control valve (solenoid valve N75) can fail and causes a wave-like, pulsating power output under full load, particularly in 3rd–4th gear. The fault is often misdiagnosed.
Symptoms: Wave-like, pulsating acceleration under full load (3rd/4th gear), brief power drops every few seconds. No or only sporadic fault code. Dealers sometimes suggest engine replacement even though a valve swap suffices.
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.
