Popular French supermini with stylish design and good economy. Affordable to insure and parts widely available, but the 1.2 PureTech has a critical wet timing belt issue affecting 2013-2017 models that can cause catastrophic engine failure. This belt runs submerged in oil and deteriorates prematurely, especially with short trips and city driving. Peugeot issued a recall and reduced service intervals from 175,000 km to 100,000 km. From 2023, new models use a timing chain instead. Oil consumption and electrical gremlins are also common. Mk2 (2019+) is reportedly more reliable than Mk1 (2012-2019).
Wet timing belt degradation (2013-2017 models)€800 - €5,000
Belt runs in oil, degrades from fuel contamination, blocks oil pump causing engine failure · more· less
The wet timing belt is the biggest issue with the 1.2 PureTech. The belt runs submerged in engine oil. When driven gently or only for short trips, unburned fuel droplets slide down cylinder walls and contaminate the oil, creating an abrasive mixture that degrades the belt prematurely. As the belt deteriorates, rubber particles clog the oil pump strainer, causing oil starvation and potentially catastrophic engine damage. PSA issued a recall for 2013-2017 models (500,000+ engines) and reduced service intervals from 175,000 km/10 years to 100,000 km/6 years. Preventive belt replacement costs €800-1,000. If belt fails and damages engine, replacement can cost €5,000. Use correct PSA B71 2312 spec oil and avoid only short trips. From 2023, Peugeot switched to timing chain. For pre-2017 models, budget for belt change every 60,000-80,000 km regardless of official interval.
Oil control rings clog with carbon, allowing 1L per 1,000 km consumption · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech has a known issue with piston oil control rings becoming clogged with carbon deposits. This allows excessive oil to enter the combustion chamber and burn. Many owners report consuming 1L oil per 1,000-1,500 km, though PSA states "acceptable maximum" is 1L per 4,000 km - showing there's a clear problem. Symptoms include blue exhaust smoke and frequent need to top up oil. Peugeot replaced engines in many 2016 208s due to this issue (non-safety recall). Fixing requires either piston ring replacement (engine rebuild, €1,500-3,000) or full engine replacement (€7,000). Some cases turned out to be valve stem seals instead (€800-1,500 for head work). Regular oil changes with correct spec oil and spirited driving (avoiding only gentle use) may reduce risk. Check oil level frequently on these engines.
Infotainment system freezing/failure€300 - €1,000
Touchscreen freezes, unresponsive, loses all functions including settings and radio · more· less
The touchscreen infotainment system in the Peugeot 208 has developed a reputation for freezing or failing completely, rendering radio, navigation, settings, and all functions unusable. Over 15% of 208s reported electrical issues centered on the infotainment system. Sometimes a software reset or battery disconnect solves the problem, but some owners have needed complete unit replacement (€300-1,000). Try these fixes first: remove fuse #18 (dashboard fuses, left side) for a few seconds to reset; or disconnect battery for 30 minutes. If that doesn't work, Peugeot dealers may perform free software update. If still faulty, replacement required. Common on both Mk1 and early Mk2 models. Always test all touchscreen functions thoroughly before buying used.
PCV valve failure€50 - €300
Valve clogs with oil sludge, causes rough idle and increased oil consumption · more· less
The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) valve on the 1.2 PureTech is embedded in the rocker cover. When it fails, you'll notice rough idle, poor engine performance, check engine light, and often increased oil consumption. The valve can clog with oil sludge due to inadequate oil change intervals. Symptoms include oil on top of rocker cover (ruptured PCV diaphragm), P052E/P053A codes, or lean condition codes (P0171/P0174). The PCV valve itself costs €5-25, but labor can be €50-150 depending on accessibility. Some models require whole new head for non-turbo variants. Replacing the rocker cover (if PCV integrated) costs around €230 for parts plus 3 hours labor. Mostly due to poor maintenance - regular oil changes prevent this.
Actuator sticks from gentle driving, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
On turbocharged PureTech variants (110/130 hp), the turbo actuator tends to stick if driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms: EPC warning light, limp mode, loss of power. Peugeot won't sell the actuator separately. Actuator-only repair at specialist costs €500-700. If turbo internals are damaged, full turbo replacement runs €1,200-2,500. Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving (revving engine, motorway use) helps prevent this. Early models (2012-2013) may have had substandard parts. Test drive should include checking for EPC light and full boost under acceleration.
Water pump/thermostat housing failure€600 - €1,400
Electric water pump fails at 70,000-100,000 km causing overheating · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech uses an electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing. Failures are common between 70,000-100,000 km. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The integrated part costs €400-500 due to electric design. Labor is approximately 4-6 hours (€200-600) due to poor accessibility in the engine bay. Check coolant level frequently. Brown or milky coolant indicates head gasket issues (more serious). Low coolant or sweet smell near engine bay indicates pump leak. Don't ignore coolant warning - overheating can warp cylinder head.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€700 - €1,200
Direct injection causes carbon deposits, reducing performance at 60,000+ km · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech uses direct petrol injection, which causes carbon buildup on intake valves over time (no fuel washing over valves as with port injection). Symptoms include rough idle, misfires, reduced power. Typically becomes noticeable after 60,000-80,000 km, especially if driven gently. One owner reported needing valve cleaning at just 34,000 km. Professional walnut blasting (safest method) costs €700-1,200 including labor. Prevention: Use premium fuel, Italian tune-up (spirited driving) regularly, fuel system cleaner additives. Less common than on 1.6 THP but still worth checking on higher-mileage examples.
Alternator failure causes multiple electrical problems: battery warning light, dimming headlights, unexpected stalling, car refusing to start. The alternator isn't charging the battery properly. Average replacement cost is €400 (parts €200-300, labor 1-2 hours). Check for loose, corroded, or damaged ground cables in engine bay first - these can cause similar symptoms and are cheap to fix. Battery should be tested after alternator replacement. Watch for warning light during test drive.
Shock absorber/front suspension noise€300 - €600
Rattling/knocking from front over bumps, particularly 1.4 HDi diesel models · more· less
Common issue particularly on 1.4 HDi Active diesel model: rattling or knocking noise from front passenger side when driving on bumpy roads or throttling in high gear. Peugeot dealers have been replacing shock absorbers on affected vehicles. Front strut mount bearings with excessive play are also common. Replacing shock absorbers, mounting struts, and drop links typically cures the issue. Cost: shock absorbers €30-60 each (must replace in pairs), mountings €90-190 for pair. Total job: €300-600 fitted. Genuine Peugeot parts: €188 for 2 shocks + €92 for mountings. Job takes 1.5-3 hours. Monroe offers 5-year warranty on replacement shocks.
Approach with caution - wet timing belt is a serious issue
The Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech has significant reliability concerns, particularly the wet timing belt issue on 2013-2017 models which can cause catastrophic engine failure. This affected over 500,000 engines worldwide and led to a major recall. While the engine can be economical and peppy when running well, the combination of wet belt degradation, excessive oil consumption, and electrical gremlins make this a risky used purchase unless the belt has been recently replaced and full service history is verified. The 2019+ Mk2 models are reportedly better, and 2023+ models finally use a timing chain. Budget for preventive belt changes every 60,000-80,000 km and frequent oil top-ups.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Peugeot dealer or specialist records absolutely essential. Verify oil changes at proper intervals (max 10,000 km). Missing service history is a deal-breaker on PureTech engines.
Tires
Check tread depth (min 3mm), age (date codes), uneven wear. Common sizes: 185/65 R15, 195/55 R16. Budget tires from €31 each.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for any unusual sounds, rattles, or rough idle in first 30 seconds.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect wheel arches carefully.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds, bumpy roads, and motorway if possible. Test all electrical features.
Specific for this vehicle
Check timing belt replacement history (critical for 2013-2017)
Ask for proof of timing belt replacement. If car is 2013-2017 and belt hasn't been changed, or mileage exceeds 60,000 km since last change, budget €800-1,000 immediately. This is non-negotiable - belt failure causes engine destruction.
Check oil level and consumption
Check dipstick - oil should be at correct level and clean. Ask seller about oil consumption between services. More than 1L per 4,000 km is excessive (though Peugeot claims it's "acceptable"). Blue smoke from exhaust indicates burning oil.
Test all infotainment and electrical functions
Spend 5+ minutes testing touchscreen, radio, navigation, climate controls, all switches. Over 15% of 208s have electrical gremlins. Try fuse #18 reset trick if screen is unresponsive.
Listen for front suspension rattles
Drive over bumpy roads and listen for knocking/rattling from front, particularly passenger side. Known issue on 1.4 HDi but can affect all variants.
Check for coolant leaks and level
Inspect coolant reservoir - should be at correct level, not brown or milky. Sweet smell near engine indicates leak. Water pump failures common at 70,000-100,000 km.
Verify recall completion (2013-2017 models)
Contact Peugeot dealer with VIN to verify wet timing belt recall (JZR) was completed. This included belt inspection and potential replacement.
Test for EPC light and boost (turbo models)
On 110/130 hp turbo variants, accelerate hard and watch for EPC warning light or limp mode. Turbo should provide strong boost throughout rev range. Carbon buildup causes actuator sticking.
Check for reverse engagement issues
Some older 208s have trouble engaging reverse gear. Test multiple times during inspection.
Test brake pedal feel
Brake pedal should feel firm and progressive. If you have to push harder than normal, could be air in system or vacuum pump issue (related to wet belt degradation clogging vacuum line).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Wet timing belt degradation (JZR recall, 2013-2017 models)Verify completed
Front suspension wishbone mounting bolts (5,502 cars)Verify completed
Vacuum pump/brake booster failure (2013-2017)Related to wet belt
Various electrical recalls (check VIN)10 total recalls issued
Contact Peugeot dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The wet timing belt recall (code JZR) is the most critical - this involved belt width measurement and potential replacement if degraded. Service intervals were reduced from 175,000 km to 100,000 km. In March 2024, Stellantis announced warranty extension to 10 years/175,000 km for wet belt issues under certain conditions.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years/60,000 miles)Expired on pre-2022 models
Wet belt warranty extension (March 2024)10 years/175,000 km*
Peugeot extended warrantyAvailable <10 years, <100,000 miles
Most used 208s are outside factory warranty. In March 2024, Stellantis announced warranty extension to 10 years or 175,000 km specifically for wet timing belt issues (*conditions apply - contact dealer). Extended warranty available for cars under 10 years old with under 100,000 miles. E-208 electric models have 8 year/160,000 km battery warranty under Peugeot Care program.
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.