Peugeot 308 common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a Peugeot 308?

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 2012–2026 · 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 (23)

  Cars registered 2014–2021 · All engines

  Recalls covered fuel leaks that could cause a fire, front subframe corrosion (2020), door latches, turbo and engine oil leaks, starter motors, overheating, airbags, particulate filters and emissions software.

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

  Source: Auto Express: used Peugeot 308 (Mk2, 2013-2021) buyer's guide

• DPF warning and no-start (diesel)

  Cars registered 2007–2013 · Diesel

  A particulate filter warning can come on, and the car may refuse to start.

  At the viewing: Check there's no DPF warning and it starts first time.

  Source: What Car?: used Peugeot 308 (2007-2013) reliability

• Cooling system faults

  Cars registered 2007–2013 · All engines

  The cooling can fail to work properly, or run when it isn't needed.

  At the viewing: Watch the temperature gauge and listen for the fan running constantly.

  Source: What Car?: used Peugeot 308 (2007-2013) reliability

• Gearbox sticking in neutral

  Cars registered 2007–2013 · Manual gearbox

  Some owners report the manual gearbox getting stuck in neutral.

  At the viewing: Go through every gear several times.

  Source: What Car?: used Peugeot 308 (2007-2013) reliability

• Knocking rear axle (built to end of 2015)

  Cars registered 2014–2016 · Built to 2015

  Cars built up to the end of 2015 could have a damaged rear axle that knocks.

  At the viewing: Listen for metallic knocking from the back over bumps.

  Source: Auto Express: used Peugeot 308 (Mk2, 2013-2021) buyer's guide

• Electrical faults and recalls

  Cars registered 2007–2013 · All engines

  Switches and controls can play up, and there were recalls for brakes, headlights and electrics.

  At the viewing: Test every switch, and ask a Peugeot dealer about outstanding recalls.

  Source: What Car?: used Peugeot 308 (2007-2013) reliability

Common Peugeot 308 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.

• Number plate lights

  up to 4.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  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 3.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  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 9.8× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

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

• Exhaust system

  up to 7.3× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020.

  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.

• Engine oil leaks

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2018.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Anti-roll bar link joints

  up to 14.6× usual

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

  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 308 MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2022 Peugeot 308 did best (88% passed first time, 1 point below all 2022 cars) and the 2013 did worst (55%, 11 points below all 2013 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 308

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. Has the DPF had any work?
4. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 4.5× as often on the Peugeot 308 as on other cars the same age.)
5. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.5× as often on the Peugeot 308 as on other cars the same age.)
6. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 9.8× as often on the Peugeot 308 as on other cars the same age.)