Peugeot 308
Successor to the DV6. More modern common rail diesel with SCR cat and AdBlue. Economical and torquey. Cleaner than its predecessor.
Modern compact diesel
130 hp in the 308 III is well-tuned. The DV5 pairs nicely with the EAT8 automatic — check for timing chain update.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The only 7 mm wide timing chain stretches prematurely and can snap. Oil dilution from short-trip use accelerates the problem. Stellantis has initiated a mega recall covering 141,700 vehicles in Germany.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, engine management light, rough engine running, in the worst case sudden engine shutdown from chain snap while driving
The Bosch high-pressure pump on the DV5 can seize, particularly on vehicles with fewer than 50,000 km. Metal swarf enters the fuel system and requires replacement of the entire injection system.
Symptoms: Engine no longer starts or stalls while driving, engine management light, metallic noise from engine bay, power loss shortly before total failure
Stellantis has extended the warranty to 10 years / 240,000 km (since July 2025). A software update increases oil pressure and a special oil change is performed. Chain replacement free of charge if required.
Symptoms: Affected vehicles receive a recall notification. Workshop performs diagnosis, checks chain stretch via camshaft/crankshaft sensor comparison.
The plastic impeller on the water pump breaks away and damages the timing chain. Engine damage at 180,000 km documented; earlier production series (pre-December 2019) with 6 mm chain are more susceptible. Complete engine replacement required: approx. 10,000 €.
Symptoms: Timing chain rattle, rattling noise resembling a failed dual mass flywheel, sudden power loss
The AdBlue pump inside the tank can block from urea crystallisation, particularly in cold weather. In the worst case the vehicle can no longer be started. Often the entire AdBlue tank must be replaced.
Symptoms: AdBlue warning on display, countdown to start lock, engine will not start after allowance kilometres expire, SCR system fault message
AdBlue freezes below -11.5 °C. Extended parking in an unheated garage (below -15 °C) can crack the tank. Repair costs over 600–1,000 €. Stellantis has been offering goodwill coverage for this damage since February 2023.
Symptoms: Exhaust treatment warning after frost, visible AdBlue tank crack, SCR system warning light
Vehicle Weaknesses 10
On the 308 P51 the cockpit screens and central touchscreen can fail completely. The 3D i-Cockpit occasionally drops out and shows no information. Software lockups occur particularly with Apple CarPlay connections.
On the 308 P51 with 2.0-litre diesel engine the particulate filter can overheat and develop cracks. This leads to elevated exhaust emissions and potential fire risk. Stellantis has initiated a recall.
On certain 308 models the seatbelt anchorages can fracture. Over 27,000 vehicles in Germany alone were affected by this recall. In the event of an accident the belt can no longer restrain the occupant.
Repeatedly failing windscreen wiper motors are reported on the 308 P51. In some cases the motor had to be replaced twice within half a year, indicating a systematic problem.
AC condenser loses refrigerant through stone chip damage or connection leaks. Even after recharging the refrigerant escapes again within months. Evaporator replacement requires a complete dashboard strip-out.
P51 owners report sporadic EPS warning messages and complete display blackouts. Software updates often only solve the problem temporarily. More frequent on early 2022 models.
Uneven tyre wear is reported on the 308 P51, particularly on the outer edges. All-season tyres sometimes needed replacing after just 25,000 km.
On the 308 the earth connection in the black connector of the heater resistor burns through in around 95% of cases. Peugeot has issued a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB). Cheap repair, but a frequent one.
Front strut top mounts wear and produce squeaking or creaking when steering. Known PSA platform issue. Genuine parts last considerably longer than aftermarket alternatives.
The steering wheel's synthetic leather is not resistant to hand cream and perspiration. After 3–5 years it peels or flakes off. A well-known Peugeot problem since the 306/307. Goodwill claim at the dealer may be possible.
