A compact crossover based on the 208 platform, the first-generation 2008 carved out a niche as a practical urban runabout with raised ride height and decent boot space. The 1.2 PureTech engine is available in naturally aspirated 82 hp form and turbocharged 110/130 hp versions. All variants share the EB2 engine family and its notorious wet timing belt design, which is by far the most important reliability concern on this car.
Compact and practical for urban use
Cheap parts widely available
Wet timing belt is a critical weakness
Oil consumption needs constant monitoring
Buy if: You can verify the timing belt has been replaced or budget for immediate replacement, and the car has a complete, documented service history.
Avoid if: The timing belt history is unknown, the car shows signs of excessive oil consumption, or you only drive short urban trips without regular motorway runs.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Common Problems
Oil-immersed timing belt deteriorates, shedding rubber particles that clog oil galleries and can cause catastrophic engine failure · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech EB2 uses a timing belt running submerged in engine oil. Over time, fuel dilution and oil degradation cause the belt material to break down, shedding rubber particles into the oil system. These fragments clog the oil pickup strainer, variable valve timing solenoids, and vacuum pump, leading to oil pressure warnings — especially during braking or cornering. In the worst case, the belt snaps entirely, causing catastrophic valve-piston contact as this is an interference engine. PSA originally specified a 180,000 km replacement interval but reduced it to 100,000 km (or 6 years) after widespread failures. Belt replacement costs €600-1,000 at an independent garage (parts approximately €225, labor 4-6 hours). If belt debris has already contaminated the VVT system, oil pump, or vacuum pump, costs escalate to €1,500-3,000. If the belt snaps and destroys the engine, expect €3,000-5,000 for an engine replacement or rebuild. Pre-2017 belts are the most problematic. Stellantis launched a compensation programme in 2024 covering 100% of repair costs for engines under 10 years or 180,000 km with documented service history.
Carbon-clogged piston oil control rings allow oil to burn at an accelerated rate, sometimes 1 litre per 1,000 km · more· less
Many 1.2 PureTech owners report oil consumption between 0.5 and 1 litre per 1,000 km — well above Peugeot's stated maximum of 0.25L per 1,000 km. The root cause is carbon buildup on the piston oil control rings, which prevents them from scraping oil effectively. Short trips and gentle driving exacerbate the problem as the engine rarely reaches optimal operating temperature. High oil consumption also accelerates timing belt degradation since the belt is oil-immersed. In mild cases, more frequent oil changes (every 7,500 km) and occasional sustained motorway driving can manage consumption at the cost of extra oil top-ups (€50-100/year). Severe cases require piston ring cleaning or replacement at €1,500-2,500. The Stellantis compensation programme may cover these repairs for qualifying vehicles.
Electric water pump seal or thermostat housing develops a coolant leak, typically after 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The EB2 engine uses an electric water pump integrated with the thermostat housing. The water pump shaft seal can fail from corrosion and contamination, while the plastic thermostat housing develops micro-cracks from thermal cycling. Symptoms include low coolant warnings, poor cabin heating, or visible coolant pooling underneath the car. The integrated design means the entire unit typically needs replacing. Parts cost €200-350 plus 3-4 hours labor. If overheating occurs before the leak is detected, head gasket damage can push costs significantly higher. Peugeot updated the thermostat housing design in later production runs. Checking coolant level at every fuel stop is advisable on higher-mileage examples.
Integrated PCV membrane in rocker cover fails, causing whistling, rough idle, and increased oil consumption · more· less
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve on the PureTech engine is integrated into the rocker cover and is not serviceable separately. When the PCV membrane fails, symptoms include a whistling or hissing sound from the engine, rough idle, misfires, increased oil consumption, and poor fuel economy. Since Peugeot does not sell the PCV membrane as a separate part, the entire rocker cover assembly must be replaced. Parts cost €180-250, plus 2-3 hours labor. This issue typically appears between 60,000 and 120,000 km. Aftermarket PCV membrane repair kits exist but require careful installation.
Coil packs fail causing misfires, and incorrect spark plug specification can damage pistons · more· less
The three-cylinder engine uses individual coil-on-plug ignition coils that can fail prematurely, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 km. Symptoms include rough running, misfires, loss of power, and engine warning light. Importantly, the PureTech engine requires specific spark plugs — incorrect aftermarket plugs (particularly certain NGK specifications) can cause misfires and even piston damage on the turbo versions. Always use Bosch ZR5 SPP 3320 or the exact OEM specification. Replacing all three coils and spark plugs costs €150-400. Early factory-fitted spark plugs on some production runs had a defect causing plug break-up, which was addressed via ECU software update and revised plug specification.
Robotized manual gearbox produces jerky shifts by design and clutch actuator fails prematurely · more· less
Early 2008 Mk1 models (2013-2015) with the ETG/EGC automated manual gearbox are widely considered problematic. The jerky, slow gear changes are a design characteristic rather than a fault, but the clutch actuator and hydraulic pump can fail, requiring expensive repair or replacement. Clutch actuator replacement costs €800-1,500, and a complete gearbox overhaul can reach €2,000. The later EAT6 automatic (Aisin torque converter, introduced 2016) is significantly better but still has occasional low-speed shudder reports. Manual gearbox versions are by far the most reliable choice. If considering an automatic, strongly prefer the EAT6 over the ETG.
The wet timing belt is a serious and well-documented design flaw
The 1.2 PureTech engine is the biggest concern on the 2008 Mk1. The wet timing belt design has caused widespread failures and led to a Stellantis recall and compensation programme. Pre-2017 cars with the original belt specification are highest risk. With meticulous maintenance — belt replacement before 100,000 km, oil changes every 7,500-10,000 km with correct specification oil, and regular oil level monitoring — many engines reach 150,000+ km without major issues. The naturally aspirated 82 hp version is simpler (no turbo, no direct injection) and generally more reliable than the 110/130 hp turbo variants. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more dependable than the ETG automatic. Always verify timing belt history before purchase, and check eligibility for the Stellantis compensation programme.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Timing belt premature wear — belt material degrades prematurely causing oil system contamination and engine damage risk (2013-2017 production)
Critical - verify completed
High pressure fuel rail leak — fuel rail pipes not torqued correctly, fire risk (January 2014 production)
Verify completed
Fuel injector rail leak — supply rail develops leak over time, petrol spray risk (January-June 2014 production)
Verify completed
Fuel tank non-return valve — valve does not conform to specification, risk of fuel leak in rollover (April-July 2015 production)
Verify completed
Front suspension wishbone mounting bolts — bolts may break causing poor directional control (September 2013-November 2014 production)
Verify completed
Front subframe corrosion protection — internal corrosion protection may not be durable enough (2015 production)
Verify completed
The Peugeot 2008 Mk1 has been subject to numerous recalls. Contact a Peugeot dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The timing belt recall (2013-2017) is the most critical. Also check eligibility for the Stellantis PureTech compensation programme (up to 10 years / 180,000 km coverage for timing belt and oil consumption issues) at stellantis-support.com.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)
Expired on all used 2008 Mk1 models
Stellantis PureTech support programme
Up to 10 years / 180,000 km for timing belt and oil consumption (requires service history)
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)
May still apply to 2014+ models
All Peugeot 2008 Mk1 models are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. The Stellantis PureTech compensation programme (launched March 2024) may cover timing belt and oil consumption repairs for qualifying vehicles under 10 years old with documented service history. A tolerance of 3 months or 3,000 km overage on service intervals is accepted. Maintenance need not have been performed at a Peugeot dealer — any professional workshop qualifies.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.