Peugeot 308
Plug-in hybrid with 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine and electric motor. 12.4 kWh battery, approx. 50–60 km electric range. EAT8 automatic standard.
Complex but usable in daily life
The 308 Hybrid 225 combines the 1.6 turbo and electric motor for 165 kW system output: fast on paper, frustrating in practice. The lag between throttle input and power response irritates — gearbox, combustion engine and electric motor need time to agree. Purely electric it is most enjoyable, but only for 50 km.
Engine Weaknesses 6
On the 508/3008 PHEV OBC failures and traction battery faults (fault code P12F03) are documented. Affected vehicles at 40,000–44,000 km. Spare parts lead times are often several months. Costs up to 6,100 € net for a new battery.
Symptoms: Fault message P12F03, charging not possible, car drives on combustion engine only, drivetrain warning
An internal traction battery fault causes fault code P1A4B25. The electric drive runs at severely reduced power and regeneration drops out. PSA requires a complete battery replacement (no cell-level repair possible). Cost 6,100 € net.
Symptoms: Service light on, electric motor noticeably weaker, regeneration failed, charging the traction battery impossible
PSA ordered a free gearbox inspection of all 3008 Hybrid4 models in 2020. Affected owners reported judder on pull-away, unexpected combustion engine starts instead of electric pull-away and shift problems in 2nd/3rd gear.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away above 40–45 km/h, gearbox shifts roughly, unexpected gear changes
The 1.6 THP in the 508 and 3008 hybrid tends to coolant loss at the thermostat housing or through porous hoses. In PHEV operation with frequent combustion engine start-stop cycles thermal stress is elevated. Coolant loss can lead to overheating and cylinder head damage.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops after a few weeks, fluctuating heater output, temperature gauge rises during combustion engine operation, cooling system fault message
In the 1.6 THP in PHEV operation the oil feed line to the turbocharger ages faster through thermal cycling. The braided hose system develops leaks. Due to the frequent cold-start cycles of the combustion engine in hybrid mode wear is expected earlier.
Symptoms: Oil patches under the car after parking, oil smell while driving, oil mist in the engine bay, increased oil consumption
The 1.6L turbo engine in PHEV mode rarely reaches operating temperature, causing oil dilution from fuel ingress and increased oil consumption. Piston rings coke up through frequent cold phases.
Symptoms: Oil level warning despite short interval; oil consumption >0.5 L/1,000 km; blue smoke on cold start after extended running in EV mode
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.
