Peugeot 2008 Problems & Known Issues

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. This belt drives the camshafts and oil pump and is critical to engine operation. The wet belt system is prone to premature failure, with belts deteriorating from 40,000 miles onwards due to oil contamination and heat cycles. When the belt fails, it causes immediate and catastrophic engine damage as the interference design means pistons strike valves. This is a well-documented design flaw affecting thousands of UK vehicles, with failure rates significantly higher than conventional timing systems.

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. The regeneration system struggles with stop-start driving patterns common in urban areas, leading to incomplete burns and progressive filter clogging. This affects both the earlier DV6 1.6 HDi and newer DV5 1.5 BlueHDi engines, though symptoms and failure patterns vary between the two.

The electric steering lock mechanism fails at 22.5 times the fleet average, particularly on higher mileage examples. This electronic system locks the steering column when the engine is switched off and should unlock automatically when the key is detected. Failure typically manifests as the steering remaining locked when attempting to start the car, or the system failing to engage when the car is parked. The issue affects both 1.6 diesel and 1.2 petrol variants and appears to be related to motor wear in the locking mechanism rather than electronic control faults.

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. The issues centre on corroded mounting points, failed rubber hangers, and premature corrosion of the rear silencer and intermediate sections. The exhaust routing under the vehicle exposes joints and mounting points to road salt and moisture, leading to structural failure of hangers and mounting brackets rather than just internal corrosion of the silencer boxes.