Common Problems with the Peugeot 208
FixMyCar explores common problems with the Peugeot 208 and average repair costs.
Compare Peugeot 208 repair quotesEllie Dyer-Brown
Monday October 13 2025
7 min read
The Peugeot 208 is a stylish supermini that blends smart design with everyday practicality. First launched in 2012, it’s been a popular choice for drivers seeking an economical, comfortable car that’s just as at home in the city as it is on the motorway.
This guide looks at common problems reported with the 208, giving owners and potential buyers a clear overview of known faults and their typical repair costs.
In a nutshell: The 208’s reliability is mixed. Key problem areas include the PureTech wet timing belt (and related piston ring issues that can starve the engine of oil), recurring infotainment glitches, and - on newer models - fuel system faults such as fuel pump and fuel pressure sensor failures. Owners also report outside temperature sensor/wiring problems and the occasional rear washer leak into the boot.
What's wrong with the Peugeot 208?
Drivers are searching online for information about the following problems.
Peugeot 208 PureTech engine problems
Early PureTech engines use a wet timing belt that runs inside the engine, constantly bathed in oil. Over time, this design can lead to premature belt wear. If fragments of the belt break off, they can circulate through the oil system, potentially causing blockages and severe engine damage.
To reduce the risk, ensure oil changes are performed on schedule and always follow the manufacturer’s recommended interval for belt replacement.
Average wet belt replacement cost: £900.53
Peugeot 208 outside temperature sensor problems
Incorrect temperature readings can affect how the air conditioning performs. In most cases, a simple sensor replacement resolves the issue.
However, if the problem persists, the underlying cause may be damaged or corroded wiring within the door rather than the sensor itself. If you’re unsure, it’s worth booking an electrical fault diagnosis to pinpoint whether the sensor or wiring is at fault.
Peugeot 208 diesel problems
The main reliability issues with diesel 208 models are AdBlue system faults - usually triggering a dashboard warning light and decreased performance - and faulty sensors. Some owners have reported experiencing excessive engine noise.
If you think there's something wrong with your car's engine, the best thing to do is book a diagnostic test to find out what the problem is and how to fix it.
Average diagnostic test cost: £61.72
Recent recalls
| Recall number | Date | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| R/2025/277 | 18.07.25 | On affected vehicles, there may be loose connections between a high-pressure fuel pipe and the engine fuel rail, which potentially could lead to a leak and risk of fire. |
| R/2025/246 | 03.07.25 | Vehicles may be affected by premature wearing of the camshaft drive chain, leading to abnormal noise or to a breakage of the chain in the worst case. |
| R/2025/210 | 11.06.25 | On affected vehicles, the Autonomous Telematics Box (ATB) has no connectivity to the Connected Services features, and therefore does not comply with regulatory requirements. |
| R/2025/148 | 14.04.25 | On affected vehicles, the Electronic Brake System Module is not according to specification, which could potentially lead to light internal leakage of brake fluid. |
| R/2025/086 | 27.02.25 | Affected vehicles may have been equipped with an Autonomous Telematic Box (ATB) that does not work. |
| R/2025/073 | 19.02.25 | On affected vehicles, the engine is at risk of becoming damaged because of an inadequate oil supply from an oil jet cooling nozzle. |
| R/2025/045 | 07.02.25 | Affected vehicles may not comply with test requirements in the matter of emissions test execution by competent authorities, and energy consumption may be too high. |
| R/2024/485 | 06.12.24 | On affected vehicles, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) functionality may not meet regulatory requirements, and the Active Emergency Brake (AEB) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) can inadvertently be deactivated by a long press of the ADAS button on the radio. |
| R/2024/444 | 01.11.24 | On affected vehicles, there may be a reduced alert time of three seconds instead of the regulatory requirement of 10 seconds to warn the driver that the Advanced Emergency Braking (AEB) is unavailable following an emergency braking event occurring. |
| R/2024/292 | 24.07.24 | Affected vehicles may exceed regulatory emissions standards. |
| R/2024/176 | 16.04.24 | On affected vehicles, incorrect MCU (Motor Control Unit) calibration may result in a loss of propulsion while driving. |
| R/2024/135 | 13.03.24 | On affected vehicles below 12,500 miles, under certain conditions engine emissions may lead to a non-compliance to regulatory standards. |
| R/2023/140 | 09.05.23 | On affected vehicles, the AC compressor stator wiring could develop a fault leading to current loss inside the AC compressor. This could result in a vehicle powertrain shutdown while driving. |
Peugeot 208 2012-2019 problems
1. Infotainment glitches
The 208’s infotainment system has a reputation for being temperamental. Some owners report that the touchscreen occasionally freezes, while others have experienced complete system failure, leaving key features like the sat-nav, radio and media controls unusable.
What repair is needed for infotainment glitches, and how much does it cost for a Peugeot 208?
In some cases, a quick software reset is all that’s needed to get the system working again. Unfortunately, others have found the fault more serious, requiring a complete replacement of the infotainment unit - an expensive and often time-consuming repair.
2. Wet belt failure
The PureTech engine’s wet belt can fail, causing catastrophic engine damage due to oil starvation.
What repair is needed for wet belt failure, and how much does it cost for a Peugeot 208?
The average cost of a Peugeot wet belt replacement on FixMyCar is £716.25. However, if the belt fails, you’ll likely face far higher repair costs due to resulting engine damage, which can be difficult to estimate in advance.
3. Faulty piston rings
Some 208 owners have reported piston ring failure, which – like issues with the wet belt - can starve the engine of oil.
What repair is needed for piston ring failure, and how much does it cost for a Peugeot 208?
The average price of a Peugeot piston ring replacement on FixMyCar is £1,130.18.
4. Water leak
The rear wiper’s washer can leak water into the boot.
What repair is needed for a water leak, and how much does it cost for a Peugeot 208?
Replacing the rear washer should do the trick. Unfortunately, we don’t have average price data for this type of repair.
Peugeot 208 2019-present problems
1. Fuel pump failure
There have been a few reports of the fuel pump becoming clogged or failing entirely, which can lead to a loss of power and trouble starting the engine.
What repair is needed for fuel pump failure, and how much does it cost for a Peugeot 208?
Replacing the fuel pump in a Peugeot costs £515.96 on average, according to our data.
2. Faulty fuel pressure sensors
Faulty fuel pressure sensors can cause issues with fuel delivery and acceleration in some 208 models.
What repair is needed for faulty fuel pressure sensors, and how much does it cost for a Peugeot 208?
The average price of a Peugeot fuel pressure sensor replacement on FixMyCar is £240.48.
3. Glitchy infotainment system
Infotainment glitches are a recurring problem with the 208. The system can freeze or crash without warning, and you may also experience slow response times due to an overloaded processor or insufficient memory.
What repair is needed for a glitchy infotainment system, and how much does it cost for a Peugeot 208?
Updating or resetting the system will often fix any glitches.
Is the Peugeot 208 reliable?
Peugeot, as a brand, came 19th out of 31 manufacturers in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey with a score of 90.3%. The latest generation of the 208 didn’t feature in the survey due to insufficient data.
In an earlier survey, the 2012-2019 generation came second to last in the small car class, scoring just 87%. While reliability has never been one of the model’s strengths, it excels in other areas, earning a four-star rating overall from What Car? Reviewers.
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