Peugeot 2008 MOT Failures
An analysis of 1,112,680 real DVSA MOT tests on the Peugeot 2008 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: A94 (2013–2023).
Where the Peugeot 2008 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Peugeot 2008 is emissions failure — this model is 37 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it a significant weak point for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 1,112,680 MOT tests, 0.77% of all Peugeot 2008 tests recorded this as a failure.
Exhaust and emissions failures often point to catalytic converter degradation, lambda sensor faults, or — in diesel models — DPF problems. These can be expensive to fix and will cause an immediate MOT failure.
Other notable weak points include exhaust system damage (13x the fleet average), steering lock missing or not functioning (23x the fleet average), transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot... (18x the fleet average), and electrical wiring fault (13x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Peugeot 2008's failure rate on each item against the national average for all cars tested — a ratio of 10x means this model fails ten times more often than a typical car.
The failures span 4 categories: Exhaust & Emissions, Bodywork, Steering, Lights & Electrics. If you're inspecting a Peugeot 2008 before purchase, these are the areas to focus on — and if any have been flagged as advisories on a previous MOT, they're likely to become failures in the near future.
How failures change with mileage
The Peugeot 2008's weak points shift as the car covers more miles. Understanding these patterns helps you know what to expect — and what to budget for — at each stage of ownership.
Under 60,000 miles
At this mileage, most failures are either design-related or caused by age rather than wear. Components like bushes and drop links may not have been replaced yet, and original-fit parts can deteriorate even on low-mileage cars that spend a lot of time sitting.
For the Peugeot 2008 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (37x the average) and transmission joint, belt or chain worn (21x). steering lock missing or not functioning (20x) and rear registration plate lamp or light source mi... (16x) also appear frequently.
60,000 to 100,000 miles
This is where routine wear items start to show up. Brake components, tyres, and exhaust parts have done serious work by this point. Cars that have been well serviced will show fewer of these failures — this mileage band is where good maintenance really separates the well-kept from the neglected.
For the Peugeot 2008 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are electrical wiring fault (13x the average) and steering lock missing or not functioning (12x). reversing lamp lens defective (11x) and exhaust system damage (9.9x) also appear frequently.
Over 100,000 miles
High-mileage cars accumulate failures across multiple systems. The key question isn't whether things will need doing — they will — but whether the car has been maintained well enough to keep on top of them. Look for a consistent service history and recent MOT passes with minimal advisories.
For the Peugeot 2008 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are steering lock missing or not functioning (23x the average) and emissions failure (18x). exhaust system damage (8.1x) and rear registration plate lamp does not illuminat... (5.9x) also appear frequently.
The shift from emissions failure at lower mileages to steering lock missing or not functioning at higher mileages is typical — early failures tend to be design or factory-related, while high-mileage failures reflect accumulated mechanical wear. A car that's been well maintained will usually dodge the worst of both.
Known issues beyond the MOT
An MOT only tests roadworthiness at a single point in time — it won't catch developing faults, intermittent problems, or issues that haven't yet reached the failure threshold. These are the issues that Peugeot 2008 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Timing belt issues (A94) Dangerous
The 1.2 PureTech EB2 engine uses a wet timing belt that runs immersed in engine oil rather than a conventional dry belt or chain. Affects A94; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£600.
DPF blockage and regeneration failure (A94) Major
The diesel particulate filter (DPF) on 1.6 HDi and 1.5 BlueHDi engines blocks at rates far exceeding the national average, particularly on vehicles used for short urban journeys. Affects A94; typical independent garage repair cost is £200–£400.
Steering lock mechanism failure (A94) Major
The electric steering lock mechanism fails at 22.5 times the fleet average, particularly on higher mileage examples. Affects A94; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£500.
Exhaust system corrosion and mounting failure (A94)
The exhaust system shows premature failure rates up to 27 times the national fleet average across all engine variants, with the 1.6 petrol particularly affected. Affects A94; typical independent garage repair cost is £150–£350.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Peugeot 2008 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Peugeot 2008
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Peugeot 2008:
Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Bodywork — check for exhaust system damage, transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot..., transmission joint, belt or chain worn. Steering — check for steering lock missing or not functioning.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about timing belt issues and dpf blockage and regeneration failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £400. A specialist pre-purchase inspection is worth the investment on this model.
Always check the car's full MOT history for patterns — recurring advisories often become failures within 12 months. And verify the service history to confirm maintenance has been kept up to schedule. Enter any reg into our free car check to see the complete picture.
Looking at a specific Peugeot 2008?
Enter the reg to see its full MOT history, mileage records, write-off status, and finance checks.
Peugeot 2008 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Peugeot 2008?
Based on 1,112,680 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is emissions failure — at 37x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include exhaust system damage and steering lock missing or not functioning.
Is the Peugeot 2008 reliable based on MOT data?
The Peugeot 2008 has 15 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag timing belt issues as a concern. A pre-purchase inspection and service history check are recommended.
What MOT failures should I expect at high mileage?
Above 100,000 miles, the Peugeot 2008 most commonly fails on steering lock missing or not functioning and emissions failure. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are emissions failure and transmission joint, belt or chain worn.
How do I check a Peugeot 2008's MOT history?
Enter the registration number into our free car check above. You'll see every MOT test result, advisories and failures, mileage readings, write-off status, and finance checks.
MOT failure data sourced from DVSA bulk test records via data.gov.uk. Ratios compare this model's failure rate against the national fleet average. Known issues sourced from manufacturer bulletins, specialist workshops, and verified owner reports.