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Peugeot2007–2025 Critical issues documented

Peugeot 308: common faults & what to check

Thinking about buying a used Peugeot 308 (2007–2025) in New Zealand? We've documented 26 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, fluid leaks, and electrical. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Every one is listed below with its symptoms and repair cost, and each has its own page with where to look and what to ask the seller. Free, no account needed.

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  • Odometer history
  • Money owing
  • Reported stolen
  • Ownership history
  • Official NZ vehicle register data
  • NZ owned and operated

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26

Documented faults

Critical

Most serious

$500–$2,200

Typical repair

6

Systems covered

Which Peugeot 308 are you looking at?

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

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 308

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.

Peugeot 308Engine not picked yet

Pick the engine above first: the 308 came with 6, and without it the report has to show all of their faults. Pick the engine

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Can't confirm for this car

Peugeot 308

Nothing has been narrowed yet, so nothing below is a claim about a particular car. Pick a year and an engine to see which faults apply.

Tell us the engine, or check the engine code on the car, before relying on this.

matched on no vehicle context

What to look out for

The checks worth doing on a Peugeot 308 before you hand over any money. Every documented fault is listed below, each with its own page.

  • Serious issue

    Ask for an invoice proving the wet belt has been replaced with correct-spec 5W-30 oil.

    See why

    1.2 PureTech wet timing belt disintegration (T9)

    The T9 308's 1.2 PureTech turbo petrol runs its timing belt in oil, and the belt breaks up and blocks the oil pickup, starving and often destroying the engine. Short trips and the wrong oil accelerate it; Stellantis shortened the interval after early failures. A car with no wet-belt history is the biggest risk on the petrol T9.

    What you would notice

    • Oil-pressure light flicker at idle/braking
    • Rubber flecks or sludge on the oil cap
    • Cold rattle or whine
    • No belt-change record

    Typically $1,200–$9,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Cold-start the engine and immediately listen for chain rattle from the timing cover area on the left side of the engine bay.

    See why

    EP6 1.6 THP Timing Chain Premature Stretch

    The PSA-BMW Prince EP6 1.6 THP engine (THP150 in T7, THP200 in T9) uses a plastic-guided simplex timing chain that stretches prematurely when oil change intervals exceed 15,000km or when the engine is run with low oil level. Oil starvation causes the variable valve timing VVT actuator solenoids to varnish and stick, compounding cam-crank phase errors. Chain stretch triggers fault codes P0016 and P0017. In severe cases the chain skips teeth causing bent valves and total engine destruction. The T7 EP6 is more prone than the revised T9 unit but both require vigilant maintenance with 5W30 full-synthetic oil changed no later than every 10,000km.

    What you would notice

    • Metallic rattling from front of engine on cold start lasting 5-15 seconds
    • Check engine light with fault codes P0016 or P0017
    • Rough idle and misfires on cold start
    • Reduced power or limp mode activation
    • Hesitation and jerking under acceleration

    Typically $2,800–$7,500 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Start the engine stone cold and listen at the passenger-side timing end for a rattle lasting more than a second or two.

    See why

    1.6 THP/VTi 'Prince' timing chain rattle and carbon build-up

    The T7 308's 1.6 petrol is the EP6 Prince engine (with BMW) and is the headline mechanical risk on this generation: the timing chain stretches early giving a diesel-like cold-start rattle, and if ignored the chain can jump and bend valves. On the direct-injected THP the inlet valves also coke up, and higher-mileage cars can suffer turbo and fuel-pump faults. Treat the chain as a wear item, not a lifetime part.

    What you would notice

    • Diesel-like rattle from the passenger side on cold start
    • Rattle getting longer as it worsens
    • Rough idle / misfire
    • P0016/P0017 cam-crank correlation codes

    Typically $1,500–$6,000 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Inspect each rear trailing arm where it attaches to the body subframe.

    See why

    Rear Trailing Arm Bush Separation

    The 308 T7 rear suspension uses a pressed steel trailing arm with bonded rubber-to-metal bushes at the body mounting points. These bonded bushes are known to de-bond from the outer metal sleeve under the combined stress of New Zealand and Australian road surfaces. Bush separation causes the rear wheel to adopt an uncontrolled toe and camber position, producing unpredictable handling especially under braking and cornering. In advanced cases the trailing arm shifts enough to contact surrounding body structure. This fault is sufficiently common and dangerous that VTNZ and state-equivalent inspectors specifically target it during Warrant of Fitness inspections and many 308 T7s have failed WoF on this defect alone. The failure is not always accompanied by obvious symptoms before catastrophic bush separation.

    What you would notice

    • Knocking or clunking from rear suspension over road bumps and dips
    • Rear-end instability or wandering under braking
    • Rear tyre wearing unevenly on inner or outer edge
    • Pulling to one side under braking
    • WoF or roadworthy failure on rear suspension inspection

    Typically $600–$1,800 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Inspect spring isolator pads for deterioration.

    See why

    Front Coil Spring Fracture

    Front coil springs on the 308 are prone to fracturing at the lower coil, particularly on vehicles with higher mileage or exposure to road imperfections. The failure pattern is documented by DVSA (UK) as a safety concern across the PSA range. A fractured spring can puncture the adjacent tyre or cause sudden handling changes — the failure mode can be sudden with minimal warning.

    What you would notice

    • Clunking from front suspension over bumps or turning
    • Vehicle pulling to one side, particularly under braking
    • Visible fractured coil on inspection
    • Sudden tyre sidewall damage or puncture

    Typically $400–$900 to put right.

  • Serious issue

    Check the service book for the wet-belt interval and whether approved 5W-30 has always been used.

    See why

    1.2 PureTech wet timing belt caution (P51)

    The current 308 continues with the 1.2 PureTech turbo and its oil-immersed timing belt. Stellantis revised the belt and interval after earlier failures, but the design still relies on the correct oil and on-time belt changes to avoid belt debris blocking the oil pickup. On a near-new car the risk is low, but confirm the belt schedule and that approved oil has always been used.

    What you would notice

    • Oil-pressure light flicker
    • Rubber debris on the oil cap
    • Cold rattle
    • Belt interval approaching with no plan

    Typically $1,200–$9,000 to put right.

See all 26 documented issuesEverything researched for the Peugeot 308, including 9 rated critical.
Depends on which engine this Peugeot 308 has — 26Each of these is documented for one particular engine. Pick the year and engine above to see which of them apply.
Engine, transmission & cooling16

011.2 PureTech wet timing belt disintegration (T9)

Ask for an invoice proving the wet belt has been replaced with correct-spec 5W-30 oil.petrol2014–2021Engine
CommonEngine $1,200–$9,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The T9 308's 1.2 PureTech turbo petrol runs its timing belt in oil, and the belt breaks up and blocks the oil pickup, starving and often destroying the engine. Short trips and the wrong oil accelerate it; Stellantis shortened the interval after early failures. A car with no wet-belt history is the biggest risk on the petrol T9.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil-pressure light flicker at idle/braking
  • Rubber flecks or sludge on the oil cap
  • Cold rattle or whine
  • No belt-change record

What to check

  1. Ask for an invoice proving the wet belt has been replaced with correct-spec 5W-30 oil.
  2. Check the oil cap and dipstick for rubbery debris.
  3. Start cold and watch for a lingering oil-pressure light.
  4. No belt history = walk away or big discount.

Where to look: Timing belt in oil at the right-hand end of the engine; sump oil pickup

Parts involved: Timing belt.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the wet belt been replaced, with proof?”
  • “Correct oil every service?”
  • “Any oil-pressure warnings?”

021.2 PureTech wet timing belt caution (P51)

Check the service book for the wet-belt interval and whether approved 5W-30 has always been used.petrol2022 onwardEngine
OccasionalEngine $1,200–$9,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The current 308 continues with the 1.2 PureTech turbo and its oil-immersed timing belt. Stellantis revised the belt and interval after earlier failures, but the design still relies on the correct oil and on-time belt changes to avoid belt debris blocking the oil pickup. On a near-new car the risk is low, but confirm the belt schedule and that approved oil has always been used.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil-pressure light flicker
  • Rubber debris on the oil cap
  • Cold rattle
  • Belt interval approaching with no plan

What to check

  1. Check the service book for the wet-belt interval and whether approved 5W-30 has always been used.
  2. Inspect the oil cap for debris.
  3. A near-new full-history car is lower risk but the belt remains a scheduled wear item.

Where to look: Timing belt in oil at the right-hand end of the engine

Parts involved: Timing belt.

Ask the seller

  • “When is the wet belt due?”
  • “Approved oil every service?”
  • “Any oil-pressure warnings?”

03P51 308 1.2 PureTech 130 (EB2DTS) wet timing belt degradation

Ask for the service book and check every oil change used the Stellantis-approved oil at no more than 12 months or 20,000 km apart.petrol2022–2024Engine
OccasionalEngine $1,500–$9,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The third-generation 308 (P51) sold in NZ and AU as the 1.2 PureTech 130 with the EAT8 automatic still uses the EB2DTS engine with its timing belt running in engine oil, not a chain. Fuel dilution and short-trip use soften the belt, and flakes of it can block the oil pump strainer and brake vacuum pump, causing a loss of oil pressure, weak brakes and in the worst case a wrecked engine. Stellantis cut the belt interval to 100,000 km or 6 years from June 2022 and in Europe offers an extended warranty of 10 years or 180,000 km; confirm with a dealer whether any goodwill applies in NZ or AU. Only the later 308 GT Hybrid (1.2 Hybrid with the e-DCS6 gearbox, AU from 2025) moved to the new chain-driven Gen 3 engine.

Symptoms to notice

  • Oil pressure or 'engine fault' warning, sometimes flickering at idle
  • Brake pedal suddenly heavy (vacuum pump starved)
  • Black rubbery flakes visible on the oil filler cap or dipstick
  • Engine in limp mode or rough running after a cold start

What to check

  1. Ask for the service book and check every oil change used the Stellantis-approved oil at no more than 12 months or 20,000 km apart.
  2. Open the oil filler cap with the engine off and shine a phone torch in; you can see part of the belt and there should be no black rubbery bits on the cap or dipstick.
  3. Ask when the belt was last checked or changed; on a 2022 car the 6-year change falls due in 2028.
  4. On the test drive make sure the brake pedal feels normal and no oil pressure warning appears.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: have the belt width measured with the Stellantis belt gauge through the filler hole and, if it is out of spec, the sump dropped to check the oil pump strainer.

Where to look: Timing belt inside the engine behind the right-hand end cover, visible through the oil filler opening

Parts involved: Timing belt.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the timing belt been checked or replaced, and is there an invoice?”
  • “Was the oil changed at least every 12 months with the approved grade?”
  • “Has the oil pressure or brake warning ever come on?”
  • “Is this the 1.2 PureTech 130 with EAT8 or the later GT Hybrid?”

04EP6 1.6 THP Timing Chain Premature Stretch

Cold-start the engine and immediately listen for chain rattle from the timing cover area on the left side of the engine bay.petrol2007–2021EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

05PureTech 1.2T Timing Belt Premature Failure

The T9-generation 308 with 1.2 PureTech turbocharged engine shares the same belt-in-oil (TBIO) timing belt design as the 208 EB2.petrol2014–2021EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

061.6 THP/VTi 'Prince' timing chain rattle and carbon build-up

Start the engine stone cold and listen at the passenger-side timing end for a rattle lasting more than a second or two.petrol2008–2013EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

07P51 308 EAT8 automatic hesitation, 1-2 shift flare and low-speed jerks

2022 onwardTransmission
OccasionalTransmission $400–$6,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The Aisin-built EAT8 eight-speed automatic used in the P51 308 (petrol and PHEV) draws owner complaints about hesitation pulling away, a flare or slur between first and second, and jerky shifts at low speed or when slowing. Most cases are calibration related and improved by a software update and adaptation reset, but aged fluid, torque converter shudder and valve body wear show up on some cars. Peugeot calls the fluid 'lifetime' so many never get it changed.

Symptoms to notice

  • Pause or lurch when pulling away from a stop
  • Revs flare between 1st and 2nd
  • Clunk or jerk when slowing to a stop
  • Shudder at light throttle around 60 to 80 km/h
  • Gearbox fault message on the dash

What to check

Drive from cold and warm, including stop-start traffic: pull away gently and firmly from a stop several times and feel for a pause, lurch or rev flare. Coast down to a stop and feel for a clunk as it drops gears. Hold a steady light throttle at 60 to 80 km/h and feel for a shudder through the floor. Ask whether the gearbox software has been updated at a dealer. If a workshop inspection is possible: read the gearbox computer for stored fault codes and check the fluid condition.

Where to look: EAT8 automatic gearbox, left side of the engine bay

Parts involved: Torque converter, Mechatronic / valve body.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the gearbox had any software update or adaptation reset?”
  • “Has the gearbox fluid ever been changed?”
  • “Has a gearbox fault warning ever appeared?”

081.6 HDi FAP diesel filter clogging and Eolys additive depletion

Ask about usage (short trips are bad for the FAP) and for proof the Eolys additive has been topped up and the FAP serviced.diesel2008–2013Engine
CommonEngine $600–$3,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The T7 308's 1.6 HDi diesel uses a FAP particulate filter with cerium Eolys additive. On short trips it cannot regenerate and clogs, and when the Eolys tank runs low the filter blocks quickly, giving anti-pollution warnings and limp mode. The 1.6 HDi turbo is also fussy about oil (a blocked oil-feed gauze starves the turbo). Higher-mileage cars can weep from the head/cam-cover join.

Symptoms to notice

  • Anti-pollution / DPF warning and limp mode
  • Loss of power, extra smoke, failed regens
  • Turbo whistle or lag (oil-starved turbo)
  • Oil weep at the back of the engine

What to check

  1. Ask about usage (short trips are bad for the FAP) and for proof the Eolys additive has been topped up and the FAP serviced.
  2. Check for anti-pollution warnings.
  3. Confirm oil changes are frequent with the correct grade to protect the turbo.
  4. A long test drive should clear, not trigger, warnings.

Where to look: FAP in the exhaust; Eolys tank near the fuel tank; turbo on the engine

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter, Rocker / valve cover, Turbocharger.

Ask the seller

  • “Short trips or longer runs?”
  • “Eolys topped up and FAP serviced?”
  • “Regular oil changes for the turbo?”

092.0 BlueHDi DW10FC DPF Blockage on Short Trips

Check service history for evidence of predominantly urban short-trip use.diesel2014–2021EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

10DW10C 2.0 HDi DPF Blockage

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.diesel2013–2020Engine
CommonEngine $1,540–$3,080 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The diesel particulate filter on the DW10C requires active regeneration cycles at sustained motorway speeds. NZ and AU urban driving patterns frequently prevent successful regeneration, leading to DPF saturation. The ECU enters limp mode, regeneration attempts may cause excessive exhaust temperatures or oil dilution from repeated post-injection. Replacement of a fully blocked DPF is expensive; early forced regeneration at a workshop is the cost-effective intervention.

Symptoms to notice

  • Evidence of engine wear or deterioration
  • Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation

What to check

  1. Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
  2. Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter.

112.0 BlueHDi diesel DPF, AdBlue and EGR faults

Check the dash for AdBlue and anti-pollution warnings and ask how AdBlue is managed.diesel2014–2021Engine
OccasionalEngine $500–$3,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The T9's 2.0 BlueHDi diesel uses AdBlue and a DPF; owners see AdBlue warnings with 'no restart' countdowns, DPF clogging on short trips and EGR/cooler faults. Some PSA BlueHDi engines were subject to an EGR-cooler fire-risk recall in certain markets, so confirm with Peugeot NZ using the VIN rather than assuming a recall number. Best suited to longer-distance drivers.

Symptoms to notice

  • AdBlue warning / 'no restart in X km'
  • DPF / anti-pollution warning and limp mode
  • EGR fault codes, rough running
  • Extra smoke or failed regenerations

What to check

  1. Check the dash for AdBlue and anti-pollution warnings and ask how AdBlue is managed.
  2. Establish whether the car does enough longer runs.
  3. Ask Peugeot NZ (with the VIN) whether any BlueHDi EGR-cooler recall applies and was completed.

Where to look: AdBlue tank/injector, DPF in the exhaust, EGR valve and cooler

Parts involved: Diesel particulate filter, EGR valve.

Ask the seller

  • “Any AdBlue or DPF warnings?”
  • “Regular longer drives?”
  • “Any EGR-cooler recall done on this VIN?”

12EGS6 Electro-Hydraulic Clutch Actuator Failure

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol2007–2016Engine
CommonEngine $1,260–$2,520 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The 6-speed EGS (Electronic Gear Selector) robotised manual gearbox uses a hydraulic clutch actuator controlled by an ECU. The actuator piston seals wear, reducing hydraulic pressure and causing jerky, slow, or refused gear changes. The ECU may display clutch wear warnings prematurely. The actuator must be replaced and the gearbox re-calibrated. Clutch itself may require replacement at the same time if worn by poor actuator function.

Symptoms to notice

  • Evidence of engine wear or deterioration
  • Warning light or abnormal behaviour noted during operation

What to check

  1. Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
  2. Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Clutch.

13BlueHDi 1.5 DPF Blockage from Urban Driving

Request a diagnostic scan and check DPF soot loading percentage — above 80% is critical.diesel2017–2021EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

14EP6 Plastic-Impeller Water Pump Failure

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol2007–2020Engine
CommonEngine $980–$1,960 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The OEM water pump on the EP6 and EP6CDT uses a plastic impeller that debonds from the shaft or cracks under thermal cycling. When the impeller spins independently of the shaft, coolant flow drops sharply and the engine overheats with little warning. Overheating typically causes head-gasket failure or warped cylinder head on these aluminium-block engines. The fix requires replacing the OEM pump with an aftermarket metal-impeller unit.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine overheating under load
  • Coolant loss or steam from engine bay

What to check

  1. Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
  2. Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Water pump.

151.2 PureTech Intake Valve Carbon Buildup

Check current odometer and ask about idle quality and cold-start hesitation.petrol2013–2021EngineRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

16EP6 Direct-Injection Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves

Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.petrol2007–2020Engine
CommonEngine $630–$1,260 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The EP6 turbo is a direct-injection engine; fuel is not injected past the intake valves, so oil vapour from the PCV system accumulates as hard carbon deposits on valve stems and seats. As deposits thicken, intake airflow is impeded, causing rough idle, misfires, hesitation, and reduced power. Carbon cleaning (walnut-shell blasting) is required; intake manifold removal is needed for access.

Symptoms to notice

  • Engine misfire or rough idle
  • Difficult cold start or unstable idle

What to check

  1. Check for oil leaks around valve covers, sump and gaskets.
  2. Inspect coolant condition and level.

Parts involved: Intake manifold, Turbocharger, PCV / oil separator.

Electrical4

01P51 308 Hybrid 225 PHEV 'electric traction system fault' and inverter water ingress

Ask the seller to have the car charged before you arrive.hybrid2022 onwardElectrical
OccasionalElectrical $300–$12,000 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Owners of the 1.6 plug-in hybrid 308 (Hybrid 225) report the 'hybrid system fault' or 'electric traction system fault' warning, after which the car will not drive in electric mode or will not start. Causes include a flat or weak 12V battery (often after the car sits plugged in), software faults, and on some 2022 cars a high-voltage cable connector cover not fitted properly to the inverter on the hybrid gearbox, letting water in and causing an insulation fault (Japan recall Gai-3628, October 2023). Separately, a batch of PHEV charging cables built February to May 2023 was recalled for overheating (campaign MGY). Out of warranty, high-voltage inverter or motor repairs are expensive.

Symptoms to notice

  • 'Hybrid system fault' or 'electric traction system fault' message
  • Electric-only mode unavailable even with a charged battery
  • Car will not go into 'Ready' or refuses to start
  • Engine runs all the time with no EV driving

What to check

  1. Ask the seller to have the car charged before you arrive.
  2. Start it and watch that it goes to Ready with no warnings, then drive in Electric mode for a few kilometres; it should pull away silently with the petrol engine off.
  3. Check the dash shows a realistic electric range.
  4. Look at the supplied charging cable and ask whether any recall letters were received, including the charging cable recall.
  5. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a Peugeot dealer run a VIN recall check and read the hybrid system for stored insulation or traction fault codes.

Where to look: Inverter on the hybrid automatic gearbox, high-voltage cables and the 12V battery

Parts involved: 12V battery.

Ask the seller

  • “Has the hybrid system fault warning ever appeared?”
  • “Has the 12V battery been replaced?”
  • “Have all recalls and software updates been done?”
  • “Is the original charging cable included?”

02BSI body-computer water ingress in the passenger footwell

Press on the passenger carpet and lift the mat to feel for damp.2008–2013ElectricalRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

03EMP2 Platform Earth Strap Fault — Spurious Warnings

Locate and inspect all earth strap connection points: battery negative to chassis, engine block to firewall, and gearbox to body.2014–2021Electrical
OccasionalElectrical $150–$1,200 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The PSA EMP2 modular platform underpinning the 308 T9 uses a multi-point earthing architecture relying on earth straps connecting the engine block, body, and battery negative to chassis ground points. These earth strap terminations corrode at the chassis attachment bolts, increasing ground path resistance. The BSI (Built-In Systems Interface) central control module is particularly sensitive to earth quality, and elevated resistance on the battery negative or engine earth causes the BSI to misread sensor signals and log spurious faults across multiple unrelated systems simultaneously. ABS, ESP, lane departure, stop-start and sometimes airbag warning lights illuminate together with no actual mechanical fault present. The problem is intermittent and fault codes clear on restart, making diagnosis difficult without millivolt voltage drop testing across each earth path.

Symptoms to notice

  • Multiple unrelated warning lights appearing simultaneously across systems
  • ABS and ESP warning lights combined with other system alerts
  • Intermittent warning lights that clear on ignition restart
  • BSI reset required repeatedly for faults with no found mechanical cause
  • Stop-start system disabling itself without battery or temperature reason

What to check

  1. Locate and inspect all earth strap connection points: battery negative to chassis, engine block to firewall, and gearbox to body.
  2. Look for green or white corrosion at bolt heads and cable terminals.
  3. Request OBD scan across all modules — multiple-module faults with no mechanical cause and U-series communication codes are the diagnostic signature of this fault.
  4. If a workshop inspection is possible: Use a multimeter on millivolt scale to perform a voltage drop test on each earth path with the engine running.

Where to look: Battery negative earth strap under bonnet, engine block earth strap to firewall left side, additional chassis earth points near front suspension towers

Ask the seller

  • “Has the car shown clusters of multiple unrelated warning lights simultaneously?”
  • “Have the earth straps or battery terminals been cleaned or replaced?”
  • “Has the BSI module ever needed resetting or replacement for electrical faults?”

04P51 308 door control unit software fault - locks, mirrors, stuck in Park (recall MUV)

Lock and unlock the car several times with the key and the door handles and check both front doors respond.2024Electrical
RareElectrical $0–$400 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On 2024-built 308 GT, E-308 and 408 models, software in the door control units for the two front doors can malfunction. The doors may not lock or unlock, the mirrors may not fold or adjust, the window anti-trap auto-reverse may not work, and after the car has been parked for a long time the gearbox can stay locked in Park so the car cannot be moved. Recall REC-006292 (campaign MUV, March 2025) covers 130 cars in Australia and is fixed free with a software update.

Symptoms to notice

  • Front doors fail to lock or unlock with the key or handle
  • Mirrors will not fold or adjust
  • Window does not reverse when it meets an obstruction
  • Gear selector will not leave Park after the car has been parked a while

What to check

Lock and unlock the car several times with the key and the door handles and check both front doors respond. Fold and adjust both mirrors from the switch, and run each front window fully up and down. Check the gear selector moves out of Park normally when you start the car. Ask for proof recall MUV has been completed. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a Peugeot dealer confirm by VIN that the door control unit software update is recorded.

Where to look: Door control units in the driver and front passenger doors

Ask the seller

  • “Has recall MUV (door control unit software) been done?”
  • “Has the car ever refused to come out of Park or failed to lock?”
Body, brakes, suspension & interior4

01Rear Trailing Arm Bush Separation

Inspect each rear trailing arm where it attaches to the body subframe.2007–2013SuspensionRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

02Front Coil Spring Fracture

Inspect spring isolator pads for deterioration.2007–2021Suspension
CommonSuspension $400–$900 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

Front coil springs on the 308 are prone to fracturing at the lower coil, particularly on vehicles with higher mileage or exposure to road imperfections. The failure pattern is documented by DVSA (UK) as a safety concern across the PSA range. A fractured spring can puncture the adjacent tyre or cause sudden handling changes — the failure mode can be sudden with minimal warning.

Symptoms to notice

  • Clunking from front suspension over bumps or turning
  • Vehicle pulling to one side, particularly under braking
  • Visible fractured coil on inspection
  • Sudden tyre sidewall damage or puncture

What to check

Inspect spring isolator pads for deterioration. Springs must be replaced in pairs — replacing only one side creates handling imbalance. If a workshop inspection is possible: With vehicle on a hoist, inspect both front coil springs closely at the lower coil and seat area for any fracture or crack.

Where to look: Front suspension strut, lower section of coil spring

Ask the seller

  • “Have the front coil springs been inspected recently?”
  • “Any clunking from the front over bumps?”
  • “Has the car pulled to one side or had front suspension work?”

03Touchscreen infotainment freezes and blank screens

Work through the screen, climate and phone mirroring for several minutes watching for freezes or blackouts.2014–2021Interior
CommonInterior $0–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The T9 308 moved almost all controls including climate into a central touchscreen, and owners report it freezing, going blank, needing long reboots and losing the reversing camera or phone mirroring. It is an annoyance rather than a mechanical failure, but with climate buried in the screen a dead unit is a genuine usability problem and a replacement head unit is not cheap.

Symptoms to notice

  • Touchscreen freezes or goes black
  • Long reboot after start
  • Climate unresponsive (controls live in the screen)
  • Reversing camera / CarPlay dropouts

What to check

Work through the screen, climate and phone mirroring for several minutes watching for freezes or blackouts. Select reverse and confirm the camera works. Try a cold and a hot restart. Ask if a software update has been done.

Where to look: Centre touchscreen head unit

Ask the seller

  • “Does the screen ever freeze or go blank?”
  • “Does the reversing camera work every time?”
  • “Has the software been updated?”

04i-Connect touchscreen and configurable 'i-toggle' software bugs

Spend a few minutes using the screen, the configurable toggles, climate and phone mirroring, watching for lag or freezes.2022 onwardInterior
OccasionalInterior $0–$1,500 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

The newest 308 uses a large i-Connect touchscreen with configurable shortcut 'i-toggles' and a digital dash for nearly all functions. Early cars have reported screen freezes, laggy or unresponsive toggles, connectivity dropouts and occasional reboots. These are software issues usually improved by updates, but they affect climate and key controls, so check the screen works smoothly.

Symptoms to notice

  • Touchscreen or i-toggles freeze / lag
  • Screen reboots itself
  • CarPlay/Android Auto or connected services drop out
  • Digital dash glitches

What to check

Spend a few minutes using the screen, the configurable toggles, climate and phone mirroring, watching for lag or freezes. Restart the car to check everything comes up cleanly. Ask whether software updates have been applied.

Where to look: i-Connect centre touchscreen and digital instrument cluster

Ask the seller

  • “Does the screen or toggles ever freeze?”
  • “Is the software up to date?”
  • “Does phone mirroring stay connected?”
Fluid leaks2

01P51 308 GT Hybrid (48V) high-pressure fuel pump to rail connection loosening - recall MXZ

Open the bonnet after the test drive and smell for raw petrol.hybrid2024–2025Fluid Leaks
RareFluid Leaks $0–$800 to fix

Can't confirm for this car

On the 1.2 Hybrid (48V mild hybrid with e-DCS6 gearbox) versions of the 308 built in 2024 and 2025, the threaded joint between the high-pressure fuel pump and the fuel rail may come loose because of a manufacturing defect. Petrol can then leak onto a hot engine and start a fire. Recall REC-006397 (campaign MXZ) in Australia covers 934 HEV vehicles across the 308, 408, 2008, 3008 and 5008; the dealer fix is free.

Symptoms to notice

  • Strong smell of petrol around the car, especially after driving
  • Wet patch or fuel drips under the engine
  • Fuel system warning light

What to check

Open the bonnet after the test drive and smell for raw petrol. Use a phone torch to look around the top of the engine for wet, shiny fuel residue, and check the ground under the engine for drips. Ask for proof that recall MXZ has been completed. If a workshop inspection is possible: have a Peugeot dealer confirm by VIN that the recall work is recorded as done.

Where to look: High-pressure fuel pump and fuel rail on the 1.2 hybrid engine

Parts involved: High-pressure fuel pump.

Ask the seller

  • “Has recall MXZ (fuel pump to rail connection) been done?”
  • “Has anyone ever smelt petrol from this car?”

021.2 PureTech Injector Copper Seal Fuel Leak

petrol2013–2021Fluid LeaksRead the full fault: symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller

Peugeot 308 faults in detail

Each of these has its own page: the symptoms, where to look, what to ask the seller and what the repair costs. Free, no account needed.

1.2 PureTech Injector Copper Seal Fuel LeakMajor · Fluid Leaks1.2 PureTech Intake Valve Carbon BuildupMajor · Engine1.6 THP/VTi 'Prince' timing chain rattle and carbon build-upCritical · Engine2.0 BlueHDi DW10FC DPF Blockage on Short TripsMajor · EngineBlueHDi 1.5 DPF Blockage from Urban DrivingMajor · EngineBSI body-computer water ingress in the passenger footwellMajor · ElectricalEP6 1.6 THP Timing Chain Premature StretchCritical · EnginePureTech 1.2T Timing Belt Premature FailureCritical · EngineRear Trailing Arm Bush SeparationCritical · Suspension

What these repairs cost on other cars

Some of the Peugeot 308’s documented faults are repairs other models share. Each page lists the documented NZ cost for every model it affects.

Other Peugeot models

Peugeot 300823 documented faultsPeugeot 20811 documented faultsPeugeot 3078 documented faultsPeugeot 2067 documented faultsPeugeot 2077 documented faultsPeugeot 20086 documented faults

Peugeot 308 buyer questions

Is the Peugeot 308 reliable?

Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 26 documented faults for the Peugeot 308, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and fluid leaks. A Peugeot 308 with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.

What are the most common problems with a used Peugeot 308?

We've catalogued 26 known faults for the Peugeot 308, covering engine, suspension, and fluid leaks. All 26 are written out in full on this page, with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each. Free to read, no account needed.

How much do repairs cost on a Peugeot 308?

Most single repairs on the Peugeot 308 fall between $500–$2,200 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 26 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.

Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Peugeot 308?

Yes. A Peugeot 308 inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $24.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.