Peugeot 208 MOT Failures
An analysis of 2,209,263 real DVSA MOT tests on the Peugeot 208 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: A9 (2012–2021), GTi (2012–2019).
Where the Peugeot 208 fails its MOT
The single biggest MOT failure point on the Peugeot 208 is exhaust system damage — this model is 19 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 2,209,263 MOT tests, 2.91% of all Peugeot 208 tests recorded this as a failure.
Bodywork failures usually mean structural corrosion — not cosmetic rust, but rot that affects the car's structural integrity. Check sills, subframes, and chassis rails carefully, especially on older examples.
Other notable weak points include emissions failure (31x the fleet average), electrical wiring fault (10x the fleet average), steering lock missing or not functioning (23x the fleet average), and anti-roll bar links worn (28x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Peugeot 208'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 5 categories: Bodywork, Exhaust & Emissions, Lights & Electrics, Steering, Suspension. If you're inspecting a Peugeot 208 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 208'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 208 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are anti-roll bar links worn (25x the average) and engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det... (19x). transmission joint, belt or chain worn (18x) and emissions failure (14x) 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 208 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are coil springs broken (38x the average) and anti-roll bar links worn (20x). stop lamps remain on when the brakes are released (13x) and emissions failure (12x) 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 208 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). any part of the noise suppression system insecure (9.6x) and exhaust system damage (8.0x) also appear frequently.
The shift from anti-roll bar links worn 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.
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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 208 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.
Wet timing belt failure (Mk2) Dangerous
The 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder engine uses a timing belt that runs in an oil bath (wet belt system) instead of the traditional dry belt. Affects All; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,200.
Timing chain tensioner failure (GTi) Dangerous
The 1.6 THP engine (Prince engine co-developed with BMW) suffers from timing chain tensioner failure due to inadequate oil pressure to the tensioner mechanism. Affects GTi; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,200.
Camshaft timing chain stretch Major
The 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine uses a camshaft timing chain that experiences premature stretch due to high combustion loads and oil contamination from DPF regeneration cycles. Affects All; typical independent garage repair cost is £500–£800.
Brake vacuum pump failure (GTi) Major
The 1.6 THP engine uses a mechanical brake vacuum pump driven from the camshaft to provide brake servo assistance. Affects GTi; typical independent garage repair cost is £300–£500.
For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Peugeot 208 common problems breakdown.
What to check before buying a Peugeot 208
Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Peugeot 208:
Bodywork — check for exhaust system damage, engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det.... Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Lights & Electrics — check for electrical wiring fault, light unit fault. Steering — check for steering lock missing or not functioning.
Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about wet timing belt failure and timing chain tensioner failure. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £800. 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.
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Peugeot 208 MOT FAQs
What are the most common MOT failures on a Peugeot 208?
Based on 2,209,263 DVSA MOT tests, the most common failure is exhaust system damage — at 19x the national fleet average. Other frequent failures include emissions failure and electrical wiring fault.
Is the Peugeot 208 reliable based on MOT data?
The Peugeot 208 has 17 MOT failure categories above the fleet average. Specialists also flag wet timing belt failure 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 208 most commonly fails on steering lock missing or not functioning and emissions failure. Under 60,000 miles, the main issues are anti-roll bar links worn and engine mounting/bracket severely damaged or det....
How do I check a Peugeot 208'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.