Peugeot 2008 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Peugeot 2008?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing belt that runs in oil (PureTech petrol)

  Cars registered 2013–2026 · 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol

  The 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech petrol engines use a timing belt that runs in the engine oil (a “wet belt”). It can break down early and shed rubber that blocks the oil supply, which can wreck the engine. Some also burn too much oil. Stellantis now covers earlier engines for belt and oil-burning problems for up to 10 years or 112,000 miles, as long as the car has been serviced on schedule.

  At the viewing: Ask for a full service history showing the right oil, and when the belt was last checked or changed. Check the oil level on the dipstick, and that no oil-pressure or engine warning light stays on.

  Source: Parkers: Stellantis wet belt compensation, and the cars at risk, Stellantis: compensation policy for earlier PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines (7 May 2025)

• Many recalls (19)

  Cars registered 2013–2019 · All engines

  Recalls covered a plastic exhaust part that could damage the diesel particulate filter (2019), oil and fuel leaks (some a fire risk), the starter motor, loose rear shock absorber bolts and subframe corrosion protection.

  At the viewing: Ask a Peugeot dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Peugeot 2008 (Mk1, 2013-2019) problems and recalls

• Bluetooth problems and uneven tyre wear

  Cars registered 2013–2019 · All engines

  Bluetooth can fail to connect, and some owners see uneven tyre wear.

  At the viewing: Connect your phone and look at the tyre tread across each tyre.

  Source: Auto Express: used Peugeot 2008 (Mk1, 2013-2019) problems and recalls

Common Peugeot 2008 MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2025.

• Brake discs

  up to 2.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

• Exhaust system

  up to 10.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

  Rough price £100–£500 (pipe or section) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for blowing or rattling from underneath at idle, and look for black soot around joints.

• Number plate lights

  up to 9.7× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints

  up to 7.6× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  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.

• Headlights

  up to 4.4× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Ball joint

  up to 9.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

Peugeot 2008 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2022 Peugeot 2008 did best (90% passed first time, 1 point above all 2022 cars) and the 2017 did worst (69%, 9 points below all 2017 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a Peugeot 2008

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. When was the timing belt last checked or changed, and has it had the right oil at every service? Is the car still within Stellantis’ extended PureTech cover?
2. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Peugeot dealer confirm from the VIN?
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.6× as often on the Peugeot 2008 as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the exhaust system? (Flagged at MOT 10.4× as often on the Peugeot 2008 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 9.7× as often on the Peugeot 2008 as on other cars the same age.)
6. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?