Peugeot 207: common faults & what to check

Which Peugeot 207 are you looking at?

2 generation variants documented. Pick the shape you recognise: the faults, the servicing and the timeline below all narrow to it. Free, no account needed.

Petrol

2 variants documented

2007–20122007–2012Generation1.4 petrolPetrolDocumented issues6 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: DieselFordMondeo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

2007–20122007–2012Generation1.6 petrolPetrolDocumented issues8 knownSee faults & what to checkPhoto: DieselFordMondeo via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.

Now narrow it to the engine

A 1.8 and a 2.4 of the same car do not fail the same way, so the faults below narrow to the engine as well as the year. Free, no account needed.

Start your free check on this Peugeot 207

No plate needed. You get the risk score, the buyer's checklist and the guided inspection for the exact car you picked above — not the whole nameplate.

The checks worth doing on a Peugeot 207 before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

• Serious issue

  Cold-start listen is essential — do not skip this step.

  See why

  EP6 1.6 THP Timing Chain Stretch and Tensioner Failure

  The 207's 1.6 THP engine (PSA/BMW Prince EP6) has extensively documented timing chain elongation caused by a failing plastic tensioner guide. The chain can skip teeth and contact valves, bending them and requiring head replacement or full engine rebuild. The fault was the subject of a French class action and widespread international consumer complaints. Oil service discipline is critical — this engine will tolerate neither extended intervals nor incorrect oil grade.

  What you would notice

  • Rattling or whirring from front of engine on cold start, typically disappearing after warm-up
  • Check engine light with camshaft/crankshaft correlation codes (P0016, P0017)
  • Engine misfires or rough idle
  • Sudden engine failure without prior warning if chain jumps timing

  Typically ≈A$2,300–5,520 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.

  See why

  BSI (Body Systems Interface) Module Failure

  Included here as a cross-model fault: the BSI module fitted to 307, 308, 3008, and Citroën C5 is an integrated body control unit that manages central locking, windows, lighting, and CAN bus communications. Internal solder joint failure and moisture ingress cause intermittent or total loss of electrical functions including windows, central locking, dash illumination, and failure to start. BSI modules can sometimes be resoldered; otherwise a pre-coded replacement unit is required.

  What you would notice

  • Difficult cold start or unstable idle
  • Fault codes or irregular readings when scanned

  Typically ≈A$1,030–2,060 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Inspect the steering rack and both end seals for fluid seepage.

  See why

  Power Steering Rack Internal Seal Leak

  The hydraulic power steering rack on pre-facelift and later 207 models develops internal seal leaks causing power steering fluid loss and progressively heavy steering. Fluid can weep from rack end seals or the high-pressure hose connections. A leaking rack requires replacement as the unit is not serviceable at the seal level by most independent workshops.

  What you would notice

  • Power steering progressively heavier over weeks or months
  • Power steering fluid weeping from rack or hose connections
  • Fluid staining under the front of the vehicle
  • Low power steering fluid reservoir level

  Typically ≈A$640–1,660 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Cold idle quality assessment — should be smooth and stable from start.

  See why

  EP6 Inlet Valve Carbon Build-up

  On 1.6 THP direct-injection variants, fuel is never sprayed over the inlet valves, so oil vapour from the crankcase ventilation system carbonises on valve stems and backs over time. Heavy deposits restrict airflow, causing rough cold idle, misfires, and progressive power loss. Cleaning requires inlet manifold removal and manual decarbonising of each valve — a labour-intensive job often deferred on high-mileage examples.

  What you would notice

  • Rough idle particularly when cold, smoothing as engine warms
  • Misfires at low RPM under light throttle
  • Hesitation or stumble on light throttle pick-up
  • Gradually declining fuel economy

  Typically ≈A$550–1,290 to put right.

• Costly issue

  Watch the temperature gauge on a longer drive and check the heater blows hot.

  See why

  Electric water pump / thermostat housing failure and overheating

  The 1.6 uses an electric coolant pump and plastic thermostat housing that fail, triggering a 'depollution/coolant' or engine-temperature warning and limp mode, sometimes with no obvious leak. Left unchecked the engine overheats, which is dangerous on the chain-driven Prince engine. Diagnosis can be frustrating because the fault can persist after unrelated parts are swapped.

  What you would notice

  • Coolant-temperature or 'depollution' warning
  • Limp mode / reduced power
  • Heater blowing cold
  • Coolant loss without an obvious puddle

  Typically ≈A$460–1,200 to put right.

• Common issue

  Visually inspect trailing arm pivot bushes for cracking or collapse.

  See why

  Rear Trailing Arm Bush Wear

  The 207's torsion beam rear axle trailing arm pivot bushes deteriorate with age, causing knocking over bumps, uneven rear tyre wear, and failed roadworthy alignment checks. Australian road conditions accelerate degradation. Replacement is straightforward but requires a press; many owners defer the job until tyre wear forces the issue.

  What you would notice

  • Knocking from rear axle over speed bumps or rough surfaces
  • Uneven or inside-edge rear tyre wear
  • Failed roadworthy wheel alignment check at rear axle

  Typically ≈A$280–740 to put right.

Other Peugeot models