Peugeot 308 MOT Failures

An analysis of 1,073,386 real DVSA MOT tests on the Peugeot 308 — what fails, how often, and how that compares to every other car on UK roads. Generations covered: Mk1 (2007–2013), Mk2 (2013–2022).

Where the Peugeot 308 fails its MOT

The single biggest MOT failure point on the Peugeot 308 is emissions failure — this model is 109 times more likely to fail on this item than the average car on UK roads. That makes it an extreme outlier for anyone buying or owning this model. Across 1,073,386 MOT tests, 0.72% of all Peugeot 308 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 headlight fault (21x the fleet average), towbar fault (30x the fleet average), light unit fault (18x the fleet average), and transmission joint, belt or chain worn (31x the fleet average). These ratios compare the Peugeot 308'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, Lights & Electrics, Bodywork, Suspension. If you're inspecting a Peugeot 308 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 308'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 308 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (109x the average) and transmission joint, belt or chain worn (31x). towbar fault (30x) and light unit fault (18x) 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 308 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (27x the average) and towbar fault (21x). transmission joint, belt or chain worn (13x) and suspension component missing, (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 308 specifically, the DVSA data shows the most common failures at this mileage are emissions failure (37x the average) and towbar fault (12x). transmission joint, belt or chain worn (9.7x) and structural corrosion (8.3x) 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 308 specialists and owners flag most frequently, drawn from manufacturer technical bulletins, workshop data, and verified owner reports.

Timing chain failure (Mk1 THP) Dangerous

The EP6 1.6 THP turbo engine uses a timing chain system with known stretch and tensioner failure issues. Affects Mk1; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,500.

Timing chain tensioner failure (Mk1 THP) Dangerous

The hydraulic timing chain tensioner on EP6 THP engines fails prematurely, unable to maintain proper chain tension. Affects Mk1; typical independent garage repair cost is £600–£1,200.

Timing belt (wet) issues (Mk2) Dangerous

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. Affects Mk2; typical independent garage repair cost is £800–£1,400.

Water pump failure (Mk1 THP) Major

The belt-driven water pump on 1.6 THP engines fails prematurely due to bearing wear and seal degradation. Affects Mk1; 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 308 common problems breakdown.

What to check before buying a Peugeot 308

Based on the MOT failure data and known issues above, here's what to prioritise when inspecting a Peugeot 308:

Exhaust & Emissions — check for emissions failure. Lights & Electrics — check for headlight fault, light unit fault, stop lamp with a multiple light source up to 1/.... Bodywork — check for towbar fault, transmission joint, belt or chain worn, transmission shaft constant velocity joint boot....

Beyond the MOT items, ask specifically about timing chain 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.

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.