Peugeot 307
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.
Just scraping through
90 hp in the heavy 307 is tight. Manageable in daily use but without any reserve — and the turbo anxiety adds to the fun.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The 1.6 HDi is notorious for repeated turbocharger failures. Soot particles in the oil alter viscosity, oil lines coke up and the turbocharger runs dry. A second failure after replacement without addressing the root cause is common.
Symptoms: Whistling from the turbocharger, severe power loss, blue or black exhaust smoke, oil leaking from turbo, engine enters limp mode
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 cam-to-cam timing chain between inlet and exhaust camshafts can stretch or snap. Hydraulic chain tensioners fail, causing valve timing shift and in extreme cases engine damage.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, rough engine running, engine management light, power loss, in extreme cases sudden engine shutdown from chain snap
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
The multi-function BSI unit (Boîtier de Servitude Intelligent) is extremely prone to faults. Splash water can disable the engine management. Instrument cluster, window regulator and central locking failures often trace back to the BSI.
Wishbones, anti-roll bar drop links and rear axle bearings on the 307 wear above-average quickly. TÜV/MOT inspectors regularly flag the high suspension wear. Axle and steering joints wear heavily and are a common reason for MOT failures.
ADAC and TÜV rate brake disc wear as very high. The braking system is flagged at inspection above-average frequently. Both front and rear brake discs are affected.
Steering joints and track rod ends on the 307 wear significantly faster than average. TÜV/MOT inspectors regularly flag the steering. Worn-out track rod ends lead to imprecise steering and are safety-critical.
Electric window regulators fail frequently, often caused by moisture in the door area. Water enters through the door handle recess and damages the control electronics. The problem is particularly common on the driver's side.
The blower resistor on the 307 fails frequently, leaving the heater blower working only on full speed. The problem typically appears after 80,000–100,000 km and is a known PSA issue.
