Peugeot 3008 MOT Failures

An analysis of 1,470,716 real DVSA MOT tests on the Peugeot 3008 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: T84 (2008–2016), Mk2 (2016–2023).

Where the Peugeot 3008 fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Peugeot 3008 is parking brake inefficient — 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 1,470,716 MOT tests, 0.1% of all Peugeot 3008 tests recorded this as a failure.

Brake failures on the MOT range from worn pads and discs (routine maintenance) to corroded brake lines and seized calipers (more serious). Check for any pulling under braking and listen for grinding.

Other notable weak points include emissions failure (34x the fleet average), fluid leak (440x the fleet average), lens defective (9.5x the fleet average), and light unit fault (8.9x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Peugeot 3008'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: Brakes, Exhaust & Emissions, Suspension, Lights & Electrics, Seatbelts & Airbags. If you're inspecting a Peugeot 3008 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 3008'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 3008 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are fluid leak (440x the average) and parking brake inefficient (20x). brake hoses perished or damaged (15x) and anti-roll bar links worn (9.9x) 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 3008 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are fluid leak (263x the average) and parking brake inefficient (37x). emissions failure (14x) and wheel damage (11x) 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 3008 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are fluid leak (236x the average) and parking brake inefficient (34x). cable damaged or knotted (15x) and emissions failure (11x) also appear frequently.

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 3008 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Timing chain failure (T84) Dangerous

The 1.6 THP engine uses a timing chain system that is prone to excessive stretch due to undersized tensioner components and inadequate oil pressure at the chain guides. Affects T84; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,800–£2,500.

Timing belt (wet) issues (Mk2) Dangerous

The 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder engine uses a timing belt that runs in engine oil (wet belt system) instead of a traditional dry timing belt. Affects Mk2; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,200.

EGS gearbox issues (T84) Major

The EGS (Efficient Grip System) automated manual gearbox fitted to many T84 3008 models suffers from actuator and clutch control problems. Affects T84; typical independent garage repair cost is £1,200–£1,800.

DPF issues (T84/Mk2) Major

Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) blockage is a persistent problem across all PSA diesel engines, particularly on vehicles used predominantly for short journeys. Affects T84, Mk2; typical independent garage repair cost is £400–£1,200.

For the complete picture — including repair costs across independent, specialist, and dealer garages — see the full Peugeot 3008 common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Peugeot 3008

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Peugeot 3008:

Brakes — check for parking brake inefficient. Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Suspension — check for fluid leak, anti-roll bar links worn, abs fault. Lights & Electrics — check for lens defective, light unit fault.

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about timing chain failure and timing belt. These won't show up on a standard MOT but can be expensive to fix — repairs start from £1,800. 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.

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.