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.
SW needs more
92 hp in the 308 II SW: even empty the car feels sluggish. Loaded it becomes truly laborious.
Engine Weaknesses 4
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 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 9
On 308 models from build years 2013 and 2014 the attachment bolts on the front triangular wishbones can fracture. This can lead to uncontrollable handling. A recall was issued for affected vehicles.
A control unit governing battery charging, lighting and windscreen wipers had to be replaced as part of a recall. Early T9 models were affected.
The dual mass flywheel on the 1.6 HDi in the 308 T9 wears at higher mileages. City driving and frequent short trips accelerate wear. Replacement is recommended together with the clutch.
Brake discs on the 308 T9 are worn more than twice as often as the class average at the first two TÜV/MOT inspections. Wear is especially severe with predominantly city use.
Even on low-mileage examples, engine and gearbox on the 308 T9 develop leaks. Oil loss is a frequent TÜV/MOT failure that affects both 308 generations, but on the T9 it shows up early.
The 308 T9 AC condenser can develop leaks from stone impact or material fatigue, causing refrigerant loss and AC failure. Replacement is more expensive than on the predecessor T7 due to the tighter installation space.
On the 308 T9 — especially the SW estate — thumping from the rear axle caused by worn bearings and anti-roll bar drop links is reported. The additional weight of the estate puts more load on the rear axle.
Headlight function and alignment as well as rear light function on the 308 T9 are all above the class average in TÜV/MOT inspection results. Bulb failures and faulty headlight levelling are common.
The T9's steering wheel synthetic leather is not resistant to hand cream and perspiration and peels badly after 3–5 years. A well-known Peugeot problem since the 307. Goodwill claim at the dealer may be possible.
