Peugeot 308
Peugeot Sport version of the THP with 250 or 270 hp. Highest power stage of the Prince engine family. Manual gearbox mandatory, sport differential standard on 270 hp.
Peugeot Sport at its finest
The 308 GTi 250 is a masterpiece of chassis dynamics: 250 hp, Torsen differential, sport-tuned suspension and a snappy manual. It drives more precisely and aggressively than almost anything in its class — a genuine enthusiast's compact without compromise.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The timing chain on the 270 hp variant carries the same fundamental weakness of the Prince family. Under high-load use (track days, frequent redlining) chain guides are subjected to increased stress. Facelift models from 2013 received reinforced guides, but no complete fix.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, power loss at high revs, engine management light, in the worst case catastrophic engine damage from incorrect valve timing
The high-pressure pump is regarded as the single biggest weak point of the EP6FDTR. A revised version is said to have been fitted from 2018. Older examples show failure from 80,000–120,000 km. PSA goodwill coverage up to 150,000 km / 7 years also applies to the GTi variant.
Symptoms: Stumbling and stalling on cold start, fault P0087 (rail pressure too low), rough idle, starting difficulties after standing for a while
The 270 hp engine runs the turbocharger close to its load limit. With spirited driving or track use wear increases significantly. Post-shutdown oil cooling is critical — always allow the engine to idle before switching off. Boost problems (P0299, P2262) from the boost control valve are known.
Symptoms: Declining boost pressure curve, fault P0299 (underboost), P2262 (solenoid valve), whistling or hissing from the turbo area, blue exhaust smoke
The mechanical Torsen limited-slip differential of the 308 GTi can fail internally under high load. A documented case shows a disintegrated LSD destroying the entire gearbox, requiring a reconditioned replacement unit from Peugeot.
Symptoms: Knocking or cracking noises when pulling away, traction irregularities, in severe cases one front wheel locking or gearbox damage
Under regular high-load use (track days, frequent redlining) increased oil consumption occurs due to piston rings being overstressed. Oil level checks between changes are mandatory. Insufficient oil supply promotes timing chain and turbo damage.
Symptoms: Dropping oil level between change intervals, bluish smoke under high load or revs, increased fuel consumption
The THP270 EP6FDTR tends to coke up the oil feed and return lines through overheating. Switching the engine off without adequate cool-down damages the turbo. Stick strictly to oil change intervals.
Symptoms: Turbo whine, power loss under high load, turbo damage from oil starvation, smoke after engine shutdown
Like all THP engines the EP6FDTR 270 suffers from HPFP seal wear. Intermittent power drops particularly during high-performance operation.
Symptoms: Power drops in corners at 2,000–4,000 rpm, fuel smell after driving
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
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.
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.
