Peugeot 308
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.
Estate struggles
90 hp in the 308 SW is a stretch too far. Loaded, there is not even enough power to keep up on the motorway.
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 7
The rubber bushes on the front triangular wishbones of the 308 T7 go soft and porous relatively quickly. TÜV/MOT inspectors flag the front axle above-average frequently from the second inspection onwards. The defect rate on older examples is clearly above the class average.
The exhaust system on the 308 T7 is made from thin sheet metal and can rust through even on relatively young cars. Rust on suspension components is also a common TÜV/MOT issue.
The A/C condenser in the 308 T7 can develop leaks or be damaged by stone chips, resulting in refrigerant loss and A/C failure. The compressor itself can also be affected.
Track rod ends and steering joints on the 308 T7 wear faster than the class average. TÜV/MOT inspectors regularly flag the steering. Worn track rod ends lead to imprecise steering and are safety-critical.
The lighting system on the 308 T7 stands out above-average frequently at TÜV/MOT. Headlight alignment, bulb failures and defective rear lights are among the most commonly flagged points.
The front electric window regulators on the 308 T7 can fail. Often the window regulator motor or cable system is defective, with the driver's side more frequently affected.
Brake discs on the 308 T7 wear above-average quickly, especially in predominantly city traffic. TÜV/MOT inspectors flag brake wear more often than the class average.
