Building cars since 1889, Peugeot combines French design flair with aggressive pricing. But the 1.2 PureTech wet belt and 1.6 THP timing chain mean engine choice matters more than badge — pick wrong and maintenance costs double.
| Engine | Found in | Verdict | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 VTi (1KR-FE) | 208 A9, 108 (2012-2019) | Toyota-sourced three-cylinder with dry timing chain. Simple, reliable, and shared with the Aygo. Low power but low problems. | Reliable |
| 1.4 TU3 / 1.6 TU5 | 206, 207, 307 (1998-2012) | Pre-turbo era PSA petrols with decades of service. Robust, cheap to repair, and mechanically straightforward. | Reliable |
| 2.0 HDi (DW10) | 308 T7, 3008 Mk1, 508 Mk1, 5008 Mk1 (2001-2018) | One of the most respected diesel engines ever. Taxi fleets regularly exceed 300,000 km. Just maintain it properly. | Reliable |
| 1.6 HDi (DV6) | 207, 208, 308, 307, 3008 Mk1, 5008 Mk1 (2004-2018) | Widely used, generally durable with proper oil. Turbo failure if neglected, and short journeys kill the DPF. Use correct oil spec. | Caution |
| 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5) | 208, 2008 Mk2, 308 T9, 3008 Mk2, 508 Mk2, 5008 Mk2 (2017+) | Original 7mm timing chain stretched and snapped prematurely. Redesigned 8mm chain from 2023 is more durable. Check chain condition or verify replacement. | Caution |
| 1.2 PureTech NA (EB2) | 208 A9, 2008 Mk1 (2012-2019) | Naturally aspirated version without turbo. Still has the wet timing belt, but lower stress means longer belt life. Replace belt by 100,000 km. | Caution |
| 1.2 PureTech Turbo (EB2DT) | 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008 (2014+) | Wet timing belt degrades from oil dilution and can destroy the engine. Peugeot recalled affected cars in 2021. Oil consumption of 1L per 1,500 km reported on 2014-2018 units. | Avoid |
| 1.6 THP (EP6) | 207 GTi, 208 GTi, 308 GTi, RCZ, 308 T9 (2006-2018) | Co-developed with BMW (Prince engine). Timing chain stretch, carbon buildup on valves, HPFP failures, and high oil consumption. Later 270 hp GTi revision improved the HPFP. | Avoid |
The 1.2 PureTech's oil-bathed timing belt degrades from fuel-diluted oil, clogging the oil pump filter and causing catastrophic engine failure. Peugeot issued a recall in 2021, and Stellantis announced compensation for affected owners in 2025. Replacement interval is 100,000 km or 6 years, but many belts fail earlier — especially on 2014-2018 engines.
Both diesel and petrol turbos are affected. On the 1.6 HDi (DV6), carbon buildup from oil sludge blocks the turbo oil feed, particularly when services are missed or wrong oil is used. On the 1.6 THP, wastegate rattle and bearing failure are common at higher mileages. Replacement costs €1,200-2,500.
Peugeot diesels are very sensitive to driving patterns. Short urban trips prevent the DPF from reaching regeneration temperature (around 600°C), causing progressive soot buildup. The additive-based FAP system used on older models adds complexity. If you drive under 15,000 km per year or mostly in the city, a diesel Peugeot is the wrong choice.
The EP6 engine (co-developed with BMW as the Prince engine) suffers from timing chain stretch, carbon deposit buildup on the direct-injection intake valves, and high-pressure fuel pump failures. The hydraulic chain tensioner can stick at cold start, causing a rattle that signals chain slack. Later revisions (2015+) improved the HPFP, but carbon buildup remains inherent to the direct-injection design.
Cost estimates based on 15,000 km/year in Western Europe. Individual costs may vary based on driving style, location, and maintenance history.