Popular French family hatchback with excellent fuel economy (50-70 mpg). The 1.6 BlueHDi is a refined diesel with a timing belt (not chain), but comes with Euro 6 emissions equipment that can be costly when it fails. Key concerns: AdBlue system failures (tank/pump/sensor), DPF clogging on short trips, and EGR valve carbon buildup. The rear axle has a known factory welding defect causing rattling. Manual gearbox is reliable; EAT6 automatic generally good but requires oil changes despite "sealed for life" claims. Avoid cars used primarily for short urban trips.
AdBlue system failure (tank/pump/sensor)€800 - €1,800
SCR system components fail, triggering countdown to engine start prevention · more· less
The 1.6 BlueHDi uses AdBlue (urea) injection for NOx reduction. Common failures include the AdBlue pump (integrated into the tank), NOx sensors, and the SCR catalyst. Symptoms: flashing UREA warning light with full tank, "engine will not restart in X miles" countdown message. The pump cannot be replaced separately - the entire tank assembly must be replaced. Peugeot extended warranty to 5 years/90,000 km for tank issues after widespread complaints. Post-2018 models have a revised tank design. Dealer replacement runs €1,400-1,800; aftermarket tank from Eastern Europe plus fitting can reduce cost to €800-1,000.
DPF clogging / regeneration failure€400 - €800
Short trips prevent regeneration, soot accumulates until warning light appears · more· less
The Diesel Particulate Filter traps soot and needs periodic "regeneration" (burning off at high temperature). This requires sustained driving at highway speeds for 20-30 minutes. Short urban trips prevent regeneration, causing the filter to clog. Warning light appears, car may enter limp mode or refuse to start. Professional forced regeneration costs €100-150. DPF cleaning services run €200-400. Full DPF replacement is €500-800 at independent garages. The 308 uses Eolys additive to assist regeneration - tank should be topped up during major services. Expected DPF lifespan: 125,000-185,000 km with proper use.
EGR valve carbon buildup€200 - €600
Valve sticks from carbon deposits, causing "Anti-pollution fault" warning · more· less
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve recirculates exhaust gases to reduce emissions. Over time, carbon deposits cause the valve to stick open or closed. Symptoms: "Anti-pollution faulty" message, loss of power, rough idle, engine stalling. The EGR on the 1.6 HDi is awkward to access - requires removing air filter box, battery, battery tray, fuel filter mount, and plastic trim under windshield. Cleaning with brake cleaner or oven cleaner can work if caught early (€50-100 at garage). Replacement valve costs €60-280 for aftermarket, €300-520 for Valeo OE. Total repair: €200-400 cleaning, €350-600 replacement.
High pressure fuel pump failure€400 - €900
Pump loses pressure, causing starting issues and limp mode · more· less
The 1.6 HDi uses a Bosch or Denso high-pressure fuel pump. Early versions had an internal wear issue causing low fuel pressure codes and limp mode. Peugeot released an updated pump (part number ending 1280 vs old 4880). Symptoms: difficult starting, loss of power, fuel fault warning. Before replacing the pump, try changing the fuel filter first (€30-50) as this often resolves the issue. Pump part costs €250-400 (tip: the same pump fits BMW 1-series and can be bought cheaper from BMW dealers at around €230). Labor is 1.5-2 hours. Total repair: €400-600 at independent, €750-900 at dealer.
Rear axle rattling noise€0 - €350
Factory welding defect causes metallic rattling from rear of car · more· less
Many 308 T9 models have a known manufacturing defect where poor quality welds on the rear torsion beam axle cause internal components to rattle. The noise is annoying but not safety-critical. Peugeot issued a TSB for this issue and may fix it under goodwill even out of warranty. Official fix: dealer injects expanding foam into the axle tube (€300+ at dealer). DIY foam fill costs around €10. Alternatively, a secondhand replacement axle from a later production car runs €150-200 on eBay. If still under warranty or within goodwill period, this should be fixed free of charge.
Turbocharger failure€800 - €2,000
Blue/black smoke, whistling noise, loss of power indicates turbo wear · more· less
Turbo failure on the 1.6 BlueHDi is not extremely common but occurs, typically after 150,000-250,000 km or due to oil starvation from missed oil changes. Symptoms: blue or black exhaust smoke, significant power loss, whistling from engine bay. Note: sooty deposits around the turbo exhaust clamp are often just a loose clamp (10-minute fix) rather than turbo failure. Remanufactured turbo costs €400-600; new OE turbo €600-900. Labor is approximately 3 hours. Total repair: €800-1,200 for remanufactured unit, €1,400-2,000 for new OE at dealer.
Clutch and dual mass flywheel wear€900 - €1,800
DMF and clutch wear together, typically after 120,000-180,000 km · more· less
The 1.6 BlueHDi uses a dual mass flywheel to smooth out diesel vibrations. The DMF and clutch should be replaced together when either fails. Symptoms: juddering when pulling away, rattling at idle that disappears with clutch pressed, difficulty engaging gears. Valeo kit (DMF + clutch + bearing) costs €400-550. Dealer charges around €1,600 for complete job. Independent garage: €900-1,200 including parts. The DMF should be checked for excessive freeplay whenever the gearbox is removed for any reason. Expected lifespan: 120,000-180,000 km depending on driving style.
Thermostat / water pump failure€150 - €400
Thermostat sticks open, engine takes too long to warm up · more· less
The thermostat can fail stuck-open, preventing the engine from reaching operating temperature. Symptoms: slow warm-up, heater blows cold air, poor fuel economy. Diesel engines run cooler than petrol, so this issue is more noticeable. The coolant temperature sensor is integrated into the thermostat housing. Access is difficult - plastic pipe from thermostat to water pump can become brittle with age and break during removal. Use genuine Peugeot thermostat (budget aftermarket units often fail quickly). Part costs €50-100; labor 1-2 hours. Total repair: €150-250 at independent, €300-400 at dealer.
Emissions equipment is the main concern
The 1.6 BlueHDi engine itself is well-proven and reliable with good fuel economy. However, the Euro 6 emissions equipment (AdBlue, DPF, EGR) adds complexity and potential repair costs. Cars used primarily for short urban trips are significantly more likely to develop DPF and EGR issues. Highway-driven examples with full service history are the best buy.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential. Verify oil changes at correct intervals (20,000 km or 12 months). Check for Eolys additive top-ups.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear patterns. Common size is 205/55 R16.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, watch for smoke color.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. Inspect wheel arches and sills.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway driving to trigger DPF regeneration if needed.
Specific for this vehicle
Check for AdBlue warnings
Look for any UREA warning lights or "emissions fault" messages. Check the countdown isn't active. Top up AdBlue if low and see if warning clears.
DPF regeneration status
Ask seller about driving patterns. Short trips only? Request a diagnostic scan to check DPF soot loading percentage. Above 80% is concerning.
Listen for rear axle rattle
Drive over rough surfaces at low speed. Listen for metallic rattling from rear. Not dangerous, but can be used for negotiation.
Check engine temperature behavior
Temperature gauge should reach normal within 5-10 minutes of driving. If it stays low, thermostat may be stuck open.
Inspect for exhaust smoke
Blue smoke = oil burning (turbo/rings). Black smoke = over-fueling (injectors). White smoke on cold start only is normal for diesels.
Test clutch engagement (manual)
Feel for juddering or slipping when pulling away from standstill. Listen for rattling at idle that stops when clutch pressed (DMF wear).
Check infotainment system
The SMEG touchscreen can be slow and glitchy. Test all functions - navigation, Bluetooth, radio. Freezing or crashes are common.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Starter motor wire chafing (Oct 2013 - Apr 2017)Verify completed
High pressure fuel rail torque (Jan 2014)Verify completed
Door lock mechanism (Aug 2015 - Nov 2015)Verify completed
Diesel engine components (Oct 2017 - Nov 2017)Verify completed
Airbag ECU (Nov 2017)Verify completed
Rear axle noise (TSB - foam injection fix)Check if applicable
Contact a Peugeot dealer with the VIN to verify all recall work has been completed. Use the official Peugeot recall checker at peugeot.co.uk/tools/recall-campaigns.html or request a full history check.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on most T9s
AdBlue tank extended warranty5 years / 90,000 km
Timing belt interval10 years / 175,000 km
Most 308 T9s are now outside factory warranty. For AdBlue tank issues, Peugeot extended coverage to 5 years/90,000 km - check eligibility with VIN at dealer. The timing belt should be replaced at 10 years or 175,000 km, whichever comes first. Budget €400-600 for timing belt + water pump replacement at an independent garage.
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.