Peugeot 508
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.
Elegant glider with hybrid catch
The 508 Hybrid with 165 kW suits the grand touring philosophy: silent electric progress through town, relaxed cruising on the motorway. The kickdown lag bothers less in the elegant saloon than in the sporty 308. A comfortable long-distance car with a green conscience.
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 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.
