2019+ (P24) · 1.2 PureTech EB2 petrol (100-155 hp)
Stylish compact crossover popular with city dwellers and families, but the 1.2 PureTech engine has well-documented reliability issues. The notorious wet timing belt (pre-2023 models) degrades in engine oil, causing oil starvation and potential catastrophic failure - often before 60,000 miles. Oil consumption problems from clogged piston rings affect many examples. Infotainment system suffers widespread black screen failures with no permanent fix. Models from 2023+ use chain timing which is more reliable. Verify complete service history and wet belt replacement before purchase.
Wet timing belt degradation (pre-2023)€800 - €8,000
Belt runs in engine oil, degrades and fragments, blocks oil pump causing catastrophic failure · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech engine (pre-2023) uses a wet timing belt that runs submerged in engine oil. The belt material cracks and fragments over time, with debris blocking oil galleries and the oil pump strainer. This causes oil starvation and catastrophic engine damage. Many failures occur before 60,000 miles despite the official 100,000 km/6 year replacement interval. Belt replacement costs €650-850 including oil change and cleaning. If the belt fails and damages the engine, you're looking at complete engine replacement at €5,000-8,000. Stellantis issued a recall in 2021 (March 2013-April 2017 models) and extended warranty to 10 years/180,000 km for affected engines. Models from 2023+ use chain timing which eliminates this issue. Essential: verify belt replacement history and always change at 60,000 km maximum regardless of official interval.
Oil control rings clog with carbon, allowing 1 litre per 1,000 miles consumption · more· less
The PureTech engine commonly develops excessive oil consumption as piston ring grooves clog with carbon deposits. This allows oil past the rings, burning at rates of 1 litre per 1,000 miles or worse. The problem is exacerbated by short trips and low-rev driving. Some owners have had success with piston soak treatments (€200-300) reducing consumption by 60-70%. Valve stem seal replacement costs around €600-800. However, severe cases require new piston rings at €2,500+ labor-intensive repair, or complete engine replacement at €5,000-7,500. Check oil level regularly - weekly inspections are essential for high-mileage examples. Extended warranty typically covers this under certain conditions.
Infotainment system black screen failure€500 - €3,500
Touchscreen goes black randomly on startup, controls AC and reversing camera · more· less
Widespread issue affecting 2019-2024 models where the i-Cockpit infotainment screen fails to turn on or goes black shortly after starting the car. The problem affects essential functions including air conditioning control, reversing camera, navigation, and steering wheel multimedia controls. Dealers attribute it to faulty software but firmware updates provide only temporary relief - the problem returns after a few days. Some cases require new connectivity boxes (hardware) at dealership cost. Peugeot stopped releasing updates in late 2023 with no permanent solution. Touchscreen replacement costs €1,500-2,000 parts plus €300-500 labor. Aftermarket repair services offer alternatives for €500-1,000. This is a known, unresolved issue that Peugeot has acknowledged but not fixed.
Turbocharger failure€800 - €1,200
Actuator sticks from gentle driving and carbon buildup, causes limp mode and EPC light · more· less
The turbo actuator on the 1.2 PureTech tends to stick due to carbon buildup, particularly if the car is driven gently or only for short trips. Symptoms include EPC warning light, loss of power, and limp mode. Some cases are linked to oil contamination from timing belt debris blocking the turbo oil feed. VW dealerships won't sell the actuator separately. Actuator-only repair at specialist costs €500-600. If turbo internals are damaged from oil starvation, complete turbo replacement costs €820-1,170. Preventive measures: use premium fuel, regular spirited driving to higher RPMs, and frequent oil changes (every 7,500 km maximum) help prevent carbon buildup. Turbo failures are often secondary to timing belt or oil consumption problems.
Front shock absorber wear€450 - €750
Top mount bush failure causes knocking over bumps, typically 40,000-80,000 km · more· less
The front shock absorbers and top mounts are a known issue on the 2008. The bush in the top of the shocks fails, causing knocking noise from the front suspension, particularly over bumps and rough roads. This is common between 40,000-80,000 km. Symptoms include rumbling from front nearside, excessive bounce, poor handling, and uneven tire wear. Both front shocks typically need replacement together. Dealer cost for both front shocks is approximately €750. Independent garages charge €450-550 for the same job. One 2015 model with 58,000 miles needed replacement at €450. Peugeot has acknowledged this is a known issue. Regular inspection every 12,000-15,000 km recommended.
Battery drain (12V electrical issues)€200 - €650
Battery Protection Management Unit (BPGA) fails, or parasitic draw from interior light relay · more· less
Multiple Peugeot models from 2017-2019+ including the 2008 experience 12V battery drain issues. The Battery Protection and Management Unit (BPGA) commonly fails, causing constantly flat battery, flickering lights, weak starts, and multiple electrical fault codes (up to 138 reported). BPGA replacement costs around €545 fitted at dealers - contact Peugeot customer care for potential cost recovery as they're aware of the problem. Battery sensor defects also cause similar symptoms at €200-350 to replace. Interior light relay switches that don't turn off properly create parasitic draw. Owners report spending €3,000+ on new batteries, alternators, and auxiliary coolant pumps without resolution. Proper diagnostics to identify the specific electrical component at fault is essential before replacement.
Air conditioning compressor failure€600 - €1,400
AC system not reliable, refrigerant leaks, compressor and wiring connector failures · more· less
The air conditioning system on the 2008 isn't the most reliable. Common issues include refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, faulty wiring connectors, electrical problems affecting compressor engagement, and pressure sensor failures. Recharging the refrigerant and replacing cabin filter are relatively affordable at €150-250. However, compressor replacement ranges from €600-1,400 depending on parts choice (aftermarket vs. OEM) and labor. One 2022 model AC repair for undervoltage issue cost €240. Regular AC servicing every 1-2 years helps maintain system health. Replace air filters and recharge refrigerant sooner if airflow is poor. Since the infotainment system controls the AC and often fails (black screen issue), you can lose climate control even if the AC hardware is functioning.
Clutch bite point very high, grinding noise when changing gear, difficulty with reverse · more· less
Some manual gearbox 2008 models experience difficulty selecting gears, particularly reverse which lacks synchromesh on certain variants. Symptoms include gearstick not moving freely between gears, loud grinding noises when changing gear, and clutch pedal needing to be very high before drive engages. Causes include insufficient lubrication, incorrect gearbox oil, or worn clutch components. Many shifting problems stem from clutch failure rather than the gearbox itself. Gearbox oil change costs €150-200. Clutch replacement on a 2008 costs €800-1,200 including labor. If the gearbox itself needs repair, costs can reach €1,500+. Check gearbox oil level and quality during pre-purchase inspection. Test all gears including reverse during cold and warm conditions.
High-risk engine requires meticulous maintenance
The 1.2 PureTech engine (pre-2023) has well-documented reliability problems primarily related to the wet timing belt design and oil consumption. Approximately 500,000 owners have experienced serious issues. Stellantis has implemented warranty extensions (10 years/180,000 km) and a compensation platform for affected owners. Models from 2023 onwards use chain timing which eliminates the wet belt problem. Only consider pre-2023 models with complete service history, verified belt replacement, and frequent oil changes (every 7,500 km). Budget for potential major repairs.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Peugeot dealer or specialist service records are absolutely essential. Must show oil changes every 7,500-10,000 km maximum. Verify wet belt replacement if over 60,000 km.
Oil level and condition
Check oil level weekly during test ownership period. Should be between min-max marks. Check for excessive consumption (top-up needed before next service interval indicates problems).
Cold start
Engine must start completely cold. Listen for any unusual rattling, ticking, or knocking sounds in first 30 seconds which could indicate timing system issues.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds and loads. Monitor for warning lights, loss of power, or excessive oil consumption warnings.
Infotainment system
Test on multiple cold starts over several days. Screen should turn on consistently. Test AC controls, reversing camera, navigation.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify wet timing belt replacement (pre-2023 models)
Most critical check. Demand proof of replacement with receipts. If over 60,000 km without replacement, walk away or negotiate €800 off price for immediate replacement. Belt failure = engine replacement.
Check engine oil consumption
Ask owner when last oil top-up was needed. Check dipstick - should be near max. During test drive week, monitor daily. More than 0.5L per 1,000 km indicates serious problem.
Infotainment screen black screen test
Start car cold at least 3 separate times over different days. Screen should turn on within 10 seconds and stay on. Test all functions: AC, reversing camera, navigation. Known unfixed issue.
Check for EPC warning light and turbo operation
During test drive, accelerate firmly from 2,000 RPM in 3rd gear. Turbo should engage smoothly without hesitation. No EPC light should appear. Check for boost lag or limp mode.
Front suspension knocking noise test
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads at slow speed. Listen for knocking or rumbling from front suspension. Indicates shock absorber top mount failure (common).
Battery and electrical system check
Ask if battery has been replaced. Check for flickering lights, weak starter motor, or electrical fault codes. BPGA unit failure is common and expensive.
Air conditioning operation
Run AC on maximum cold for 10+ minutes. Should blow cold consistently. Check for unusual noises from compressor. Test all fan speeds and temperature settings.
Manual gearbox gear selection (if equipped)
Test all gears when cold and warm. Reverse should engage cleanly without grinding. Check clutch bite point isn't abnormally high. Gearstick should move freely.
Check VIN for recalls and warranty extension
Contact Peugeot dealer with VIN to verify: timing belt recall completed (2013-2017 production), warranty extension eligibility (10yr/180k km for PureTech issues), Stellantis compensation platform registration.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Wet timing belt recall (2013-2017 production)Verify completed with VIN
Warranty extension - PureTech engines10 years / 180,000 km (verify eligibility)
Stellantis PureTech compensation platformAvailable for affected owners
Infotainment system software updatesMultiple updates, no permanent fix
Critical: Verify warranty extension eligibility
Contact Peugeot dealer with VIN to confirm if vehicle is covered under the extended PureTech warranty (10 years/180,000 km covering engine failures). Also check eligibility for Stellantis compensation platform if previous repairs were needed. This could save thousands in repair costs.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (new)3 years / 60,000 miles
PureTech extended warranty10 years / 180,000 km (eligible engines)
Peugeot extended warranty (used cars)€600-1,200/year (under 10 years, 100,000 miles)
Extended warranty recommended
Given the well-documented engine reliability issues, purchasing a Peugeot extended warranty is highly recommended if the vehicle doesn't qualify for the free PureTech extended warranty. Verify what's covered - some warranties exclude oil consumption and timing belt failures. Read the fine print carefully.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.