2012 Peugeot 208: common problems and what to check
What gets flagged at MOT on 2012 Peugeot 208s, from 13,371 tests in 2025, plus known faults and what to look at before you buy one.
What stands out
Parts flagged at MOT more often on 2012 Peugeot 208s than on all cars registered in 2012.
- Exhaust system3.3× usualPeugeot 20818.4% All 2012 cars5.5%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Drive shaft (CV) joints3.7× usualPeugeot 20816.3% All 2012 cars4.4%Rough price £60–£350
At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.
- Suspension arm bushes and joints1.7× usualPeugeot 20816.8% All 2012 cars10.1%Rough price £100–£300
At the viewing: Listen for clunks over bumps and feel for the steering wandering. Worn arm bushes show as cracked rubber near the wheels.
- Exhaust emissions (catalyst)6.3× usualPeugeot 2086.9% All 2012 cars1.1%Rough price £100–£500
At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.
- Number plate lights1.7× usualPeugeot 20812.3% All 2012 cars7.3%Rough price £5–£40
At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.
Coil springs: 2% here, against 9.6% of all 2012 cars. Rigid brake pipes: 0.5% here, against 5.5% of all 2012 cars.
By area
The share of 2012 Peugeot 208 MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.
- Suspension34% of testsRough price £120–£400
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.
- Tyres34% of testsRough price £70–£150
At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.
- Lights and electrics33% of testsRough price £10–£80
At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.
- Brakes29% of testsRough price £150–£350
At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.
- Exhaust and emissions23% of testsRough price £100–£1,200
At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.
- Driveshafts and joints16% of testsRough price £60–£350
At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.
Known faults
Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.
- Timing belt that runs in oil (1.2 PureTech)1.2 PureTech petrol
The 1.2 PureTech’s timing belt runs in oil and can break up early, blocking the oil pickup. That can destroy the engine. Belts improved from 2018.
At the viewing: Look at the belt through the oil filler cap: it should be smooth and shiny. Ask for proof of belt changes and correct-spec oil.
- Steering and ABS warnings
The electric steering rack and ABS module can fail.
At the viewing: Check there are no steering or ABS warning lights, and the steering isn’t heavy.
- Worn suspension parts
Top mounts, rear shocks, springs and anti-roll bar links wear.
At the viewing: Listen for knocks over bumps.
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Other years
| Year | MOT tests | Most flagged |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 17,011 | Tyres 32% |
| 2018 | 15,211 | Tyres 30% |
| 2017 | 17,460 | Tyres 30% |
| 2016 | 25,457 | Tyres 30% |
| 2015 | 26,846 | Tyres 31% |
| 2014 | 27,924 | Tyres 32% |
| 2013 | 31,123 | Tyres 33% |
Where this comes from: the DVSA's anonymised results for every MOT test in Great Britain in 2025, counting tests of 2012 Peugeot 208s registered in 2012. "Flagged" includes advisories, so it isn't the same as a fail rate. How we score