Peugeot 208 P21
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
156 PS
Elektro 51kWh Elektro
More power, same go-kart feeling
Fun to Drive!100–136 PS
1.2L Turbo MHEV Benzin
6 weaknesses
Good Choice101–131 PS
1.5L BlueHDi Diesel
6 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The Peugeot 208 P21 is available with 4 engine variants — from 100 to 156 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
The Peugeot 1.5L BlueHDi (Diesel, 102 PS) has the DV5 (1.5L BlueHDi) — rated: "Stay Away!", 6 known weaknesses.
The Peugeot 1.2L PureTech 130 Euro6d (Petrol, 100–135 PS) comes with 2 different engines: EB2ADTS (2019–2024, Be Careful) and EB2ADTS (2019–2024, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L PureTech 130 Euro6d!
The Peugeot 1.2L Turbo MHEV (Petrol Mild-Hybrid, 100–145 PS) comes with 3 different engines: HN09 (2023–2026, Good Choice) and HN09 (2023–2026, Good Choice) and HN09 (2023–2026, Good Choice). Pay attention to the model year for the 1.2L Turbo MHEV!
The Peugeot Elektro 50kWh (Electric, 136 PS) has the EM-100 (Elektro 50kWh) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.
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Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment system freezes or responds with delay The infotainment system with touchscreen regularly freezes or responds only with a delay. Bluetooth connections drop, smartphone pairing fails. Software issues cause sporadic system reboots. Symptoms: Touchscreen responds slowly or not at all, Bluetooth drops, system reboots on its own, navigation freezes, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto won't connect. | Low | |
| Lighting defects on dipped beams and indicators TÜV/MOT inspectors flag lighting problems on the 208 II above-average frequently. Dipped beams, indicators and rear lights are equally affected. Lighting is one of the weakest points in the TÜV report. Symptoms: Headlights or indicators fail, uneven illumination, warning message on the instrument cluster, headlight levelling not working. | Low |
Alternatives
Citroën ë-C3 I
Supermini (2024–2026)
Fiat Grande Panda GP
Supermini (2024–2026)
Renault 5 E-Tech I
Supermini (2024–2026)
Hyundai i20 BC3-FL
Supermini (2023–2026)
Hyundai Bayon BC3
Supermini (2021–2024)
Skoda Fabia PJ
Supermini (2021–2025)
Known Problems and Issues
A total of 45 weaknesses have been documented for the Peugeot 208 P21 (2019–2026) — 36 engine-related and 9 vehicle-related. 2 problem engines: DV5 (1.5L BlueHDi), EB2DT (1.2L PureTech 110). Typical issues affect Electronics, Brakes, Suspension, Rust. Considered reliable: HN09 (1.2L Turbo MHEV).
208 (DV5, 2018–2026) — Stay Away!: Premature timing chain wear — subject to recall, High-pressure pump seizes, Timing chain recall — warranty extension. Power: 102 PS.
208 (EB2DT, 2015–2023) — Stay Away!: Wet belt disintegration — notorious main problem, Crankshaft axial play from weak thrust washers, Extreme oil consumption from coked piston rings. Power: 110 PS.
208 (EB2ADTS, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Oil consumption from coked piston rings, Wet belt debris blocks oil strainer (older EB2 variants), Weak crankshaft thrust washers. Power: 130–135 PS.
208 (EB2ADTS, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Oil consumption from coked piston rings, Wet belt debris blocks oil strainer (older EB2 variants), Weak crankshaft thrust washers. Power: 100–101 PS.
208 (EM-100, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: BMS software: drive loss while driving, Heat pump compressor corrodes and fails, Mahle on-board charger (OBC) failed. Power: 136 PS.
208 (EM-115, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: Heat pump compressor corrodes and fails, Mahle on-board charger failed (AC charging), Electric drivetrain fault — OBC and DC/DC temperature error. Power: 156 PS.
What to watch out for with the Peugeot 208? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee