Peugeot 408
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.
225 hp briefly wakes the lion
With 225 hp system output and 360 Nm the 408 PHEV pulls noticeably more briskly — on the motorway it feels significantly livelier than the 180 hp version. The chassis remains comfort-focused, but the balance of power, efficiency and style is at its best here. Not for hardcore drivers, but genuinely satisfying.
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 5
The digital instrument cluster and touchscreen on the new 408 generation can suddenly go black, disabling all functions — speedometer, fuel gauge, climate control. Software faults can usually only be resolved by a restart.
The EAT8 automatic gearbox on the 408 can enter limp mode in certain driving situations or refuse to shift into Drive or Reverse. The vehicle can become stuck in Park mode. The issue usually resolves after an overnight reset.
On hybrid variants of the 408 E3 the AC can fail due to compressor failure or refrigerant loss. On plug-in hybrids the electric cooling unit is a further weak point that can cause repair costs above 1,000 euros.
The navigation system on the 408 E3 sometimes shows significantly wrong GPS positions (up to 30 km off) or permanently displays 'no connection'. Traffic sign recognition frequently returns wrong values. Peugeot app connection fails.
The 408 E3 shows a slightly firm chassis setup at low speed that reveals comfort shortcomings on poor road surfaces. Bushings and bearings may wear earlier than the competition at higher mileages.
