Peugeot 508
PureTech 130 turbo with wet belt issues on early build years. Same engine as EB2DT with higher boost pressure.
Entry petrol in the mid-size
The 508 with PureTech 130 is a sensible choice for low-mileage drivers: 96 kW is adequate for the elegant saloon in daily use. On the motorway more would sometimes be welcome, but the engine is refined and frugal. Wet belt situation must be clarified as always.
Engine Weaknesses 6
Identical wet belt problem as on the EB2DT. The oil-lubricated timing belt breaks down from degraded engine oil, especially during short-trip use and infrequent driving. The higher turbo output (130 hp) additionally stresses the belt. Rubber particles clog the oil pump, VVT valves and lubrication channels. Stellantis recall covered around 500,000 vehicles. Service interval was reduced from 240,000 to 70,000 km. Belt snap results in total engine failure.
Symptoms: Engine management light, power loss, oil pressure warning, sudden engine shutdown, catastrophic engine damage
Low Speed Pre-Ignition (LSPI) occurs at low revs under high load. Oil additive droplets in the combustion chamber ignite uncontrollably before the spark fires. This creates extremely high pressure spikes that can damage pistons and connecting rods. Using the correct engine oil (Stellantis FPW9.55535/03) significantly reduces the risk.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking at low revs under high load, engine management light, in extreme cases piston damage
As with the EB2DT the oil control rings tend to coke up. Oil enters the combustion chamber and is burned. The more highly loaded 130 hp engine tends to develop the problem earlier. Some owners report 1 litre per 1,500 km.
Symptoms: Rapidly dropping oil level, blue exhaust smoke, regular topping up required
Direct injection causes carbon deposits on the intake valves. Oil mist and EGR gases crust the back faces of the valves. The higher power and boost levels of this variant accelerate the build-up. Walnut blasting or cylinder head removal are the only effective solutions.
Symptoms: Hesitation at low revs, misfires, difficult cold start, noticeable power loss
On the 1.2 PureTech 130 (EB2DTS) the electric water pump or thermostat housing can fail early. The pump is critical in the cooling circuit for turbo cooling after engine shutdown.
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, turbo noise after shutdown, dropping coolant level
Similar to the EP6DT, PureTech high-pressure pumps tend to lose oil pressure through worn seals. Intermittent power drops at 1,800–3,500 rpm, particularly in corners.
Symptoms: Power drops when accelerating in corners, engine fault message, unburnt fuel smell
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.
