2013-2019 · 1.6 THP EP6CDTX/EP6FDTX petrol (200-208 hp)
A characterful French hot hatch that rewards spirited driving but demands proper maintenance. The BMW-developed 1.6 THP engine delivers broad torque from 1,700 rpm but suffers from timing chain tensioner weakness and carbon buildup on direct-injected valves. Early cars (pre-2015) have higher timing chain failure rates - look for 2016+ Euro 6 models with full service history. The later "GTi by Peugeot Sport" (2015+) adds Torsen limited-slip diff, Brembo brakes, and sharper handling. Turbo actuators stick from short trips. Budget for regular oil changes and Italian tune-ups to keep it healthy.
Early cars prone to "death rattle" on cold start - 2016+ Euro 6 models improved · more· less
The PSA/BMW "Prince" engine timing chain tensioner loses oil pressure overnight, causing distinctive rattling for 1-30 seconds on cold starts. Pre-2015 cars had 60-70% failure rates, while 2016+ Euro 6 engines see only 10% failure. Typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 km. Low oil levels and incorrect oil viscosity accelerate wear. Full replacement includes chain, guides, tensioners, and VVT sprockets. Ignoring this leads to chain skip and catastrophic valve/piston contact. Dealer costs €900-1,000, independent specialists charge €550-650. Use 5W-40 oil and change every 7,500 km maximum.
Turbo wastegate actuator sticking€500 - €2,500
Carbon buildup from short trips causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator sticks when carbon builds up from gentle driving or short trips below operating temperature. Symptoms: EPC warning light, sudden power loss (limp mode), P0087 low fuel pressure code. VW/Peugeot dealers won't sell actuator separately - they quote full turbo replacement at €1,200-2,500. Specialist actuator repair costs €500-600. Prevention: weekly spirited drives to 4,500+ rpm for 10+ minutes, use Shell V-Power or equivalent high-detergent fuel. Actuator-only failures are repairable, but if turbo internals are damaged from oil starvation, full replacement needed.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€400 - €800
Direct injection means no fuel washing valves - needs walnut blasting every 80,000 km · more· less
Direct injection engines spray fuel directly into cylinders, so intake valves never get washed by gasoline. Engine oil seepage past valve seals bakes onto hot valves, forming carbon deposits. Symptoms appear gradually: rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, check engine light, misfires. Typically needs attention at 60,000-100,000 km. Chemical cleaners (Seafoam, CRC Intake Valve Cleaner) provide temporary relief but don't remove hardened deposits. Only solution: walnut shell blasting - intake manifold removal, blast each valve with crushed walnut shells. Specialists charge €400-650, dealers €700-850. Prevention: frequent oil changes (7,500 km max), occasional high-rpm runs.
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure€350 - €750
Camshaft-driven pump fails 60,000-90,000 km causing cold start misfires · more· less
The camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump pressurizes fuel to 130+ bar for direct injection. Internal oil degrades, creating wear particles and leaks. Symptoms: erratic cold idle, multiple misfires worsening over weeks, engine management light, P0087 code. Typically fails at 60,000-90,000 km. Genuine Peugeot pump costs €330-400. Important: replace high-pressure fuel line simultaneously - it operates at 150 bar and seals degrade. Budget €350 (DIY) to €750 (dealer fitted). Avoid cheap aftermarket pumps - many report cars rejecting non-genuine parts. Job takes 1-1.5 hours for DIY, relatively straightforward access.
Thermostat housing coolant leak€250 - €500
Plastic housing cracks around 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The 1.6 THP uses an integrated plastic thermostat housing with embedded temperature sensor and wiring. Plastic degrades from heat cycling, developing cracks and coolant weeps. Symptoms: coolant warning light, sweet smell, visible green fluid under engine, poor cabin heating, overheating. Typically fails 70,000-100,000 km. Cannot replace thermostat separately - entire housing required. Parts cost €105-160, labor 1.8-4 hours depending on accessibility. Independent garages charge €250-350 total, dealers €400-500. Use Behr or Mahle OEM-quality replacement - cheap units fail quickly. Flush cooling system during replacement.
Front suspension top mounts knocking€220 - €400
Known weak point - nearside fails first, causes knocking over bumps · more· less
Front shock absorber top mounts are a widespread 208 issue affecting cars with as low as 14,000 km. KYB (Peugeot's supplier) modified design but early units fail prematurely. Nearside (driver side in UK/Netherlands) typically fails first. Symptoms: knocking/rattling over bumps and potholes at low speeds, particularly when steering. Often requires both top mounts and shock absorbers together. Dealer quoted €225 for top mount only, €400+ for complete repair with shocks. Independent specialists charge less. This is a known warranty issue - if still covered, push dealer to repair. Front shocks known to fail on 208/2008/308/3008 models.
Ignition coil pack failure€100 - €350
OEM Delphi coils problematic - replace with Bosch upgrades · more· less
The 1.6 THP uses coil-on-plug ignition with individual coils for each cylinder. OEM Delphi coils have poor reliability - Bosch replacements strongly recommended. Symptoms: misfires, rough running, check engine light, poor fuel economy. Failed coils cause unburned fuel to reach catalytic converter, risking expensive cat damage. Bosch coils cost €18-25 each, full set of 4 costs €70-90. Labor minimal - simple plug-and-pull job, but cylinder 4 hardest to access. Total cost DIY €70-90, garage fitted €180-350 depending on how many coils need replacing. If remapped, upgrade all four coils preventatively.
Infotainment touchscreen freezing€150 - €900
Peugeot touchscreen software notoriously unreliable · more· less
Peugeot's touchscreen infotainment system develops reputation for freezing, black screens, and complete failures. Sometimes fixable with software reset (disconnecting 12V battery for 30 minutes), but persistent failures require head unit replacement. OEM Peugeot unit costs €600-900 fitted. Many owners replace with aftermarket Android units (Dasaita popular choice) for €300-400, gaining CarPlay/Android Auto, faster response, and better reliability. Check all touch functions work during test drive - climate controls integrated into touchscreen on many 208s, making failures more than just inconvenience.
Decent hot hatch when maintained, but needs regular Italian tune-ups
The 208 GTi is more reliable than the infamous 207 GTi but still demands respect. 2016+ Euro 6 models with full Peugeot service history are significantly safer bets than early cars. The engine loves to rev and needs regular high-rpm use to prevent carbon and actuator issues. Avoid cars used only for short urban trips. This isn't a Toyota - it needs proactive maintenance and spirited driving to stay healthy. Budget for timing chain inspection around 80,000 km even if not rattling yet.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Peugeot dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 7,500 km maximum with correct 5W-40 spec.
Tires
GTi uses 205/45 R17 (208 GTi by Peugeot Sport uses 215/40 R18). Check tread depth, age codes, and uneven wear.
Cold start - CRITICAL
Engine must be completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds is red flag.
Body condition
Small car used in tight urban spaces - check all panels for parking dings. Wheels often curbed.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including highway speeds. Must reach full operating temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain noise - MOST IMPORTANT CHECK
Arrive when engine completely cold (overnight parked). Start and listen for 60 seconds. Any rattle means immediate €900+ bill or walk away. Pre-2016 cars higher risk.
Drive spiritedly and watch for EPC light
Accelerate hard through gears. If EPC light appears with power loss (limp mode), turbo actuator issue likely. Costs €500-2,500.
Check all electrical functions thoroughly
208s suffer electrical gremlins. Test every button, touchscreen (climate controls integrated), windows, mirrors, lights. Infotainment freezing common.
Front suspension knocking test
Drive slowly over speed bumps and potholes while turning wheel. Listen for knocking from top mounts - very common issue, nearside fails first.
Verify which version - standard GTi or by Peugeot Sport
2015+ "GTi by Peugeot Sport" has Torsen LSD, Brembo brakes (red 4-pot), 18-inch wheels, sits 10mm lower. Worth €2,850 premium new, more desirable used.
Check coolant level and thermostat housing
Plastic thermostat housing cracks common 70,000-100,000 km. Look for green weeps, sweet smell. Check coolant reservoir level.
Verify oil consumption
Ask owner about oil top-ups between services. Excessive consumption (more than 1L per 5,000 km) indicates piston ring wear.
Check service records for timing chain replacement
If already replaced (especially with upgraded tensioner), that's positive. Original tensioner part number different from updated version.
Inspect for modifications/remaps
Popular tuning car - check for aftermarket exhaust, intake, ECU tune. Remapped cars need upgraded coil packs and more frequent servicing.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Front suspension wishbone mounting bolts (5,502 cars)Verify completed
Takata airbag inflator (varies by build date)Verify completed
Various electrical and sensor TSBsCheck via VIN
The 208 has 10+ recalls - most serious involves front suspension wishbone bolts that can break causing loss of steering control. Enter VIN at Peugeot Servicebox (public.servicebox.peugeot.com) or check with Peugeot dealer. For TSBs, you'll see headings free but need to pay ~€10/hour to read full articles. Wishbone bolt recall affects largest number of cars.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all 2013-2019 models
Paintwork warranty (3 years)Expired
Corrosion warranty (12 years)May still apply on 2013+ cars
All 208 GTi models now outside factory warranty. Extended warranties available from third parties but often exclude common THP engine issues (timing chain, carbon buildup). Corrosion warranty still valid on newer examples. Some independent specialists offer their own warranties on approved used cars - valuable given this engine's maintenance requirements.
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.