Is the Peugeot 208 reliable?
The first-generation Peugeot 208 isn't the mot reliable supermini floating around the classifieds. How reliable your 208 is dependent on the engine you go for, with the 1.2-litre petrol Puretech best avoided for its wet belt issues (see below).
In the What Car? reliability survery, the Peugeot 208 finished second to last in the small car class, with Peugoet as a brand coming 18th our of 31 manufacturers.
Engine: A warning light, knocking sound or fluctuating engine temperature could be a sign of engine thermostat failure. The Puretech petrol engine’s wet timing belt can fail, resulting in major engine damage. Fragments from the belt can block oil pathways, causing low oil pressure/oil starvation. Faulty piston rings can also cause oil starvation. Make sure to check the history of the car to see if the belt has been changed.
Gearbox: A spongy, loose or vibrating clutch pedal could be a sign that it’s on its way out. If it’s difficult to change gears or the clutch engages too early or too late, then the clutch might need replacing. It is recommended that the cables, hydraulic cylinders and plates are serviced regularly to prevent clutch failure.
Air conditioning: If you don’t get an icy blast from your air conditioning, this could be down to a faulty compressor, a clogged filter or a lack of refrigerant gas.
Wipers: The factory-fit wiper blades are made from hard rubber and in colder climates can judder across the windscreen when operating. Replacing these with Bosch items will solve this issue.
