Genuine Golf rival — but choose the diesel
The Peugeot 308 is a genuine Golf alternative that won European Car of the Year in 2014 (Mk2/T9). It scored 94.6% and finished 11th out of 30 in the What Car? family car reliability survey — a creditable result that challenges French-car stereotypes. However, engine choice is critical: the 1.2 PureTech petrol carries the most documented faults in the range, while the 1.6 BlueHDi diesel is considerably more dependable.
We track 14 known issues across the Peugeot 308 range, including 3 rated as safety-critical. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Peugeot 308? Enter the reg to see which of our 14 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Mk1 (2007–2013) — Petrol options included the 1.4 16v, 1.4 16v, 1.6 THP, 1.6 16v, with 1.6 HDi, 1.6 HDi, 1.6 HDi, 2.0 HDi on the diesel side. Our database flags 11 known issues on this generation, 2 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Timing chain failure (£800–£1,500 to address).
Mk2 (2013–2022) — Petrol options included the 1.2 PureTech, with 1.6 BlueHDi, 1.5 BlueHDi, 1.5 BlueHDi, 2.0 BlueHDi on the diesel side. Our database flags 7 known issues on this generation, 1 of which are rated as safety-critical. The most significant concern is Timing belt (wet) issues (£800–£1,400 to address).
The EP6 1.6 THP turbo engine uses a timing chain system with known stretch and tensioner failure issues. Chain stretch of 5-8 degrees is common by 60,000 miles, causing rough idle, poor performance, and engine management lights. Complete chain failure destroys the interference engine with bent valves and piston damage. This was a widespread issue on early production cars that led to class action lawsuits in multiple countries. The issue was partially addressed in later Mk2 variants with improved tensioner design.
Complete timing chain failure destroys the interference engine requiring full rebuild or replacement. Repair costs typically exceed £8,000-£15,000. Even minor chain stretch reduces performance and fuel economy while causing progressive engine damage. Cars with suspected timing issues should not be driven until professionally diagnosed.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
The hydraulic timing chain tensioner on EP6 THP engines fails prematurely, unable to maintain proper chain tension. This is often the root cause of timing chain stretch and failure. The tensioner uses oil pressure to maintain tension but internal seals fail, causing loss of pressure and allowing the chain to slack. Early morning startup rattle is the classic symptom before complete failure occurs. This merged entry covers both EP6 and EP6DT variants which share the same fundamental tensioner design flaw.
Tensioner failure leads directly to timing chain failure and complete engine destruction in interference engines. Even partial tensioner failure causes accelerated chain wear and timing drift. Complete failure can occur without warning, making this a critical safety issue. Repair costs match timing chain replacement at £600-£1,500.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
The 1.2 PureTech EB2 engine uses an unconventional wet timing belt that runs inside the engine oil bath rather than a traditional dry belt. The belt material degrades in oil, causing particles to contaminate the lubrication system and block oil ways. Belt failure is catastrophic on this interference engine. The wet belt design was intended to reduce noise but has proven problematic with premature failures reported well before the 80,000-mile service interval. This is a known issue across PSA Group vehicles using this engine.
Wet belt failure destroys the interference engine completely, requiring rebuild or replacement costing £8,000-£15,000. Belt particle contamination can damage oil pumps, bearings, and hydraulic systems even before complete failure. The car should not be driven if belt failure is suspected.
Listen carefully for a rattle or ticking noise from the engine on cold start — this is the most common early sign. Ask for evidence of chain replacement in the service history. On higher-mileage cars without documented replacement, budget for preventative work.
The belt-driven water pump on 1.6 THP engines fails prematurely due to bearing wear and seal degradation. The pump is driven by the auxiliary belt system and failure typically manifests as coolant leaks from the pump housing or complete bearing seizure. This is a common failure point that often coincides with timing chain issues due to overheating damage. The pump location makes replacement moderately complex as it requires timing belt area access.
Water pump failure causes engine overheating which can lead to head gasket failure, cylinder head warping, or complete engine seizure. Continued driving with a failed pump will cause secondary damage costing thousands. Replacement is moderately complex due to timing belt area access requirements.
Check the coolant level and look for any white residue or staining around hoses, the expansion tank and radiator. After a test drive, check the temperature gauge stayed stable and look underneath for drips. Ask whether key cooling components have been replaced.
Diesel particulate filter blockage is endemic on Peugeot 308 diesel variants, particularly those used for short journeys. The DPF requires regular high-temperature regeneration cycles that cannot complete during urban driving. Blocked filters cause limp mode activation, excessive fuel consumption, and engine damage from back-pressure. This affects all diesel variants across both generations including 1.6 HDi (DV6), 2.0 HDi (DW10), and newer BlueHDi (DV5) engines. Euro 5 and Euro 6 variants are equally affected.
Completely blocked DPF requires professional cleaning (£300-£500) or replacement (£1000-£1500). Continued driving in limp mode can damage the turbocharger, EGR system, and engine internals from excessive back-pressure. DPF removal is illegal for road use in the UK.
Ask about the car's typical usage — short urban journeys prevent DPF regeneration. Check for DPF warning lights and ask about any previous regeneration issues. A forced regeneration at a garage costs far less than a DPF replacement.
For the full breakdown of all 14 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Peugeot 308 common problems page.
Based on 769k real DVSA MOT tests, the Peugeot 308 fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is emissions failure at 109x the fleet average, followed by transmission joint, belt or chain worn (31x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Peugeot 308 MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 13k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include timing belt (wet) (£800–£1,200).
See the full Peugeot 308 service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Peugeot 308 has some well-documented weak points, including 3 safety-critical issues that demand careful checking. The right example, properly maintained, can still be a sound purchase — but cutting corners on the pre-purchase inspection is not advisable. 2017-2019 Mk2 facelift with 1.6 BlueHDi 120 manual is the sweet spot — the diesel avoids PureTech wet belt risk, the facelift brought improved infotainment, and depreciation has brought prices to £7,000-£10,000. For PureTech buyers, only consider 2023+ models with the timing chain conversion.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Peugeot 308, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 14 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 14 known Peugeot 308 issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.