Peugeot 308
1.2-litre three-cylinder turbo with 48V mild hybrid system and timing chain (NOT a wet belt like the predecessor EB2DTS). 21 kW electric motor integrated into the e-DCS6 dual-clutch gearbox. From 2024 in 208 P21, 2008 P24, and 308 P51 as MHEV variant. More reliable than the predecessor thanks to the eliminated wet belt issue.
Compact with an efficiency focus
The 308 P51 with 136 hp mild hybrid is a contemporary compact. The 48V assistance meaningfully reduces fuel consumption, and the power is adequate for everyday use. Not a sports car, but a solid all-rounder.
Engine Weaknesses 6
A miscalibrated motor control unit (MCU) incorrectly detects an internal insulation fault and opens the clutch as a result — unexpected loss of drive while moving is possible.
The new e-DCT6 dual-clutch gearbox shows occasional shuddering at low speeds, shift hesitation or protective shutdowns on early production vehicles — usually caused by immature software calibration.
Symptoms: Shuddering when pulling away and at low speed, shift hesitation, occasional gearbox fault messages, warning lights (ESP, ADAS)
The latest PureTech generation HN09 shows early reports of camshaft problems similar to the predecessor PureTech engines according to L'Argus. Early warning sign: increased oil consumption from as early as 16,000 km.
Symptoms: Oil level warning early, rough engine running, knocking on cold start
Three-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engines of the EB2 family tend towards increased oil consumption during predominantly short-trip use due to soot deposits at the oil control ring gaps.
Symptoms: Oil level drops between service intervals, slight blue smoke on cold start
The turbocharger on the HN09 requires adequate oil supply and cool-down time. Short-trip use without sufficient temperature promotes oil coking in turbo bearings and oil lines.
Symptoms: Turbo whine after extended standing, power loss under high load, smoke after engine shutdown
The PureTech engine family has a known weakness with the water pump and thermostat. On the HN09 thermal load from the turbocharger is elevated. Early coolant loss is possible.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level, temperature fluctuations, engine overheating 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.
