Peugeot 508
Successor to the DV6. More modern common rail diesel with SCR cat and AdBlue. Economical and torquey. Cleaner than its predecessor.
Economical touring estate
130 hp in the 508 SW II: suited to high-mileage drivers with a light right foot. Economical and quiet, but without urgency.
Engine Weaknesses 6
The only 7 mm wide timing chain stretches prematurely and can snap. Oil dilution from short-trip use accelerates the problem. Stellantis has initiated a mega recall covering 141,700 vehicles in Germany.
Symptoms: Rattling or clattering on cold start, engine management light, rough engine running, in the worst case sudden engine shutdown from chain snap while driving
The Bosch high-pressure pump on the DV5 can seize, particularly on vehicles with fewer than 50,000 km. Metal swarf enters the fuel system and requires replacement of the entire injection system.
Symptoms: Engine no longer starts or stalls while driving, engine management light, metallic noise from engine bay, power loss shortly before total failure
Stellantis has extended the warranty to 10 years / 240,000 km (since July 2025). A software update increases oil pressure and a special oil change is performed. Chain replacement free of charge if required.
Symptoms: Affected vehicles receive a recall notification. Workshop performs diagnosis, checks chain stretch via camshaft/crankshaft sensor comparison.
The plastic impeller on the water pump breaks away and damages the timing chain. Engine damage at 180,000 km documented; earlier production series (pre-December 2019) with 6 mm chain are more susceptible. Complete engine replacement required: approx. 10,000 €.
Symptoms: Timing chain rattle, rattling noise resembling a failed dual mass flywheel, sudden power loss
The AdBlue pump inside the tank can block from urea crystallisation, particularly in cold weather. In the worst case the vehicle can no longer be started. Often the entire AdBlue tank must be replaced.
Symptoms: AdBlue warning on display, countdown to start lock, engine will not start after allowance kilometres expire, SCR system fault message
AdBlue freezes below -11.5 °C. Extended parking in an unheated garage (below -15 °C) can crack the tank. Repair costs over 600–1,000 €. Stellantis has been offering goodwill coverage for this damage since February 2023.
Symptoms: Exhaust treatment warning after frost, visible AdBlue tank crack, SCR system warning light
Vehicle Weaknesses 9
The 508 PHEV (plug-in hybrid) was subject to recalls due to potential fire risk from faulty high-voltage battery components. Defective battery packs can catch fire when overheating or short-circuiting.
From around 100,000–150,000 km front and rear axles on the 508 II show wear on bearings and bushes. Wishbones and anti-roll bar drop links are the most common wear items.
On the 508 R8 owners report play in the steering column and creaking/clicking when turning. Defective steering joints or worn column bearings are typical causes.
The EAT8 automatic gearbox shows too-late or poorly adapted gear changes on some examples. Regular gearbox oil changes per the service schedule reduce the problem considerably.
The touchscreen infotainment regularly shows software faults: inaccurate GPS position, DAB radio drop-outs, Bluetooth connection issues and sporadic screen blackouts.
Defective parking sensors and failed seat heating are among the most common complaints on the 508 II. Moisture ingress into PDC sensors is a typical cause.
The optional infrared night vision camera develops faults after a while. Calibration loss or camera error requires a workshop visit for recalibration.
The leather covering on the steering wheel of the 508 II delaminates on the underside after 30,000–60,000 km. The material detaches at the seams and begins to peel. Typical issue with frequent UV exposure or sweaty hands.
Below 5°C the automatic climate control stops dehumidifying and windows mist up. A BSI software update temporarily resolves the issue. Cut-outs under strong sunlight are also known.
