Popular small SUV with good practicality and low running costs, ideal for urban driving and first-time buyers. However, the 1.2 PureTech engine has a critical design flaw: a wet timing belt that runs submerged in oil and degrades prematurely. Belt fragments can block oil passages, leading to oil starvation and catastrophic engine failure. PSA issued a recall affecting 500,000+ engines built 2013-2017. Additional concerns include excessive oil consumption from worn piston rings, carbon buildup on intake valves in direct injection models, and turbocharger actuator sticking from gentle driving. Stellantis now offers 10-year/180,000 km warranty extension on PureTech engines.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€900 - €1,700/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€500-800
Risk buffer
€400-900
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Wet timing belt degradation/failure€500 - €7,000
Belt runs in oil, degrades prematurely, blocks oil system causing engine failure · more· less
The PureTech wet belt is the engine's Achilles heel. Unlike traditional dry timing belts, it runs submerged in engine oil. Over time, especially in cars with short trips, unburned fuel contaminates the oil creating an abrasive mixture that deteriorates the belt material. Belt fragments circulate through the oil system, clogging the oil pickup strainer, VVT solenoids, and vacuum pump. This causes oil starvation and can destroy the engine. Peugeot originally recommended replacement at 100,000 miles/10 years, but real-world failures occur much earlier - many specialists now recommend 60,000-70,000 km or 6 years maximum. Preventative belt replacement costs €500-700. If the belt fails, expect €7,000+ for engine replacement. PSA recalled 500,000+ engines (2013-2017 production). Use PSA B71 2312 spec oil and change every 7,500 km maximum.
Oil control rings clog with carbon, allowing 1L oil consumption per 1,000 km · more· less
PSA states acceptable oil consumption is 1 liter per 4,000 miles, but many PureTech owners report burning 1 liter every 1,000 km. The oil control rings become clogged with carbon deposits, allowing excessive oil past the pistons into the combustion chamber. This is a known design flaw - PSA issued a recall for wet belt issues but not for the piston ring problem. Symptoms include blue smoke on startup, oil-fouled spark plugs, and frequent need to top up oil. Sometimes a faulty PCV valve contributes (€150-300 repair). If it's the piston rings, expect €2,000-3,500 for repair at independent garages. Some mechanics recommend full engine replacement instead as it may be more cost-effective. Peugeot may offer goodwill contributions if vehicle has full dealer service history and is within 1 year of warranty expiration.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€700 - €1,000
Direct injection means no fuel wash on valves, carbon accumulates causing misfires · more· less
The PureTech uses direct injection where fuel is sprayed directly into the cylinders, bypassing the intake valves. Without fuel washing over them, carbon deposits accumulate on valve stems and ports. This is worse in cars used for short trips and city driving. Symptoms include hesitation between 1,750-2,250 rpm, misfires, hard starting, and power loss. Some new cars needed decarbonization after only 1,000 miles. One owner reported needing inlet valve cleaning at just 33,000 km costing over €700. The only permanent solution is walnut blasting or removing the cylinder head for manual cleaning (€700-1,000). Peugeot acknowledges this is a known issue with direct injection engines but offers no design solution. Regular motorway driving at higher revs helps prevent buildup.
Actuator sticks from gentle driving/short trips, causes EPC light and limp mode · more· less
The turbocharger wastegate actuator tends to stick when cars are driven too gently or only on short trips, as carbon builds up. Symptoms include EPC warning light, loss of power, and limp mode activation. VW/Peugeot won't sell the actuator separately. Specialist repair of just the actuator costs €500-600. However, if turbo internals are damaged from the stuck actuator, full turbocharger replacement runs €1,200-2,500. Prevention: use 98-octane fuel occasionally and ensure the engine reaches full operating temperature (80°C+) regularly. Once warm, take the engine to higher revs (4,000+ rpm) periodically to exercise the turbo and prevent carbon buildup. Avoid only driving in town at low revs.
Torque converter locks/unlocks causing shudder, valve body issues possible · more· less
The EAT6 is an Aisin-sourced 6-speed torque converter automatic, much more reliable than the earlier problematic EGC/ETG robotized manual. However, some owners report shudder during low-speed acceleration, gear hunting on inclines, and a pronounced thud when downshifting. The gearbox slips intentionally in 2nd and 3rd below 1,000 rpm - this is normal behavior. The torque converter locks above 23 km/h which you can feel. Real problems include sticky valve body solenoids, worn servo seals, or TCM adaptation issues requiring mechatronics replacement (€1,500-3,500). Despite Peugeot claiming "sealed for life," many mechanics recommend fluid changes every 60,000 km using the correct Aisin specification. Avoid early 2013-2015 2008s with EGC semi-automatic - get manual or post-2015 EAT6.
Water pump / thermostat failure€600 - €1,400
Electric water pump fails typically between 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The PureTech uses an integrated electric water pump and thermostat housing - a common failure point. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating. The integrated unit costs €400-500 for parts, with 6 hours labor due to poor accessibility (total €600-1,400). Water pumps should be replaced preventatively at 70,000-90,000 km. Combined thermostat housing and rocker cover repairs can reach €1,350. If you see steam from under the hood, pull over immediately - continued driving with a failed water pump will destroy the engine. Check coolant level regularly; low or milky coolant indicates problems.
AdBlue system faults (diesel BlueHDi models)€60 - €3,000
Diesel BlueHDi models use an AdBlue (DEF) system for emissions control. Common faults include injector crystallization (€60-250 DIY or €250-400 fitted), NOx sensor failures, AdBlue pump integrated in tank failing, and urea injection tube leaks. Error codes P20E8 (urea pressure) and P20F6 (urea leakage) are common. The injector is cheap (€40-90) and simple to replace - often just needs cleaning. However, full tank/pump/injector system replacement can cost €1,200-3,000. Peugeot offered 75% goodwill discount on AdBlue tank replacements for certain model years - some owners paid only €300. If you get AdBlue warnings, try cleaning the injector first before replacing expensive components.
The Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve on the PureTech is integrated into the rocker cover. When it fails, symptoms include whistling/hissing sounds, rough idle, misfires, increased oil consumption, and poor fuel economy. On some engines, oil appears on top of the rocker cover indicating a ruptured PCV membrane. Replacing the PCV often reduces oil consumption significantly - it's worth trying before assuming piston ring failure. The valve should be inspected every 30,000 km and replaced every 60,000-90,000 km. A clogged PCV can increase crankcase pressure causing oil leaks and gasket failures. DIY repair costs €150-200 for parts; garage fitting is €300-500.
Suspension component wear€150 - €400
Ball joints, bushes, anti-roll bar links wear causing clunking noises · more· less
The 2008 had recalls for front suspension wishbone mounting bolts (Sept-Nov 2013/2014 production) which could break, and for improperly tightened bolts on rear shock absorber assemblies. Beyond recalls, normal wear items include worn suspension bushes causing clonk noises over rough surfaces, ball joint wear, and anti-roll bar link failures. Clunking while steering or over speed bumps indicates worn components. Average repair cost is €150 per component. Check that all recall work has been completed before purchase - some recalls involved serious safety issues.
Electrical gremlins and infotainment issues€100 - €800
Touchscreen failures, sensor faults, Bluetooth issues, air conditioning problems · more· less
Electrical faults are common on 2008s. The touchscreen infotainment system suffers from software glitches, dead pixels, and unresponsive touch surfaces (early systems from 2013-2015 are worst). Bluetooth music streaming often fails to connect or access playlists. Numerous sensor failures trigger false warning lights. Air conditioning issues include refrigerant leaks, compressor failure, and faulty wiring connectors. Central locking and climate control can malfunction. Diagnostic testing is required to locate faults, which are often caused by loose connections or failed components. Touchscreen replacement costs €400-800. Most electrical issues are minor annoyances rather than serious problems.
High risk of catastrophic engine failure from wet belt design
The 1.2 PureTech wet timing belt is a fundamentally flawed design affecting hundreds of thousands of vehicles. Belt degradation leads to oil system contamination and engine failure, often before 60,000 km. Combined with piston ring oil consumption issues and carbon buildup, this engine requires vigilant maintenance and early preventative belt replacement (60,000 km maximum). Stellantis now offers extended warranty coverage acknowledging the severity. Only consider this car if the wet belt has been recently replaced with updated parts and full service history exists. Manual gearbox versions are more reliable than early automatics.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete Peugeot dealer service records absolutely essential. Verify oil changes at 7,500 km intervals maximum with PSA B71 2312 spec oil. Missing service history makes warranty claims nearly impossible.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age (date codes - replace if over 6 years old), and uneven wear patterns indicating suspension or alignment issues.
Cold start test
Must start engine completely cold (ideally overnight). Listen for any rattles, knocking, or unusual sounds in first 30 seconds. Watch for blue smoke indicating oil burning.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch. 2008 uses steel body so rust can occur on older examples.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds and extended motorway driving to get engine fully hot (80°C+). Many issues only appear when warm.
Specific for this vehicle
Wet timing belt replacement history - CRITICAL
Demand proof of wet belt replacement with updated parts. If no evidence of replacement and car is over 60,000 km or 6 years old, budget €500-700 immediately. Walk away if seller cannot prove belt history on high-mileage examples.
Check oil level and consumption
Check oil level on dipstick - should be near MAX. Ask owner when they last topped up oil. If they add oil between services, this indicates consumption problems. Test drive and recheck after 30 minutes - level should not drop noticeably.
Cold start oil pressure / belt rattle test
Start engine completely cold. Listen for rattling in first 30 seconds (indicates belt tensioner failure). Watch dashboard for oil pressure warning. Any warning light or prolonged rattle = walk away.
Test acceleration between 1,750-2,250 rpm
Drive in 3rd/4th gear and accelerate gently in this rev range. Hesitation or misfires indicate carbon buildup on intake valves. This is expensive to fix.
Check for blue smoke on startup and acceleration
Blue smoke indicates oil burning from worn piston rings or valve stem seals. Requires major engine work. Check exhaust during cold start and hard acceleration.
Verify Stellantis PureTech warranty extension applied
Contact Peugeot dealer with VIN to confirm vehicle is enrolled in 10-year/180,000 km PureTech warranty extension (available since March 2024). This is crucial protection.
Check coolant level and color
Open coolant reservoir when cold. Level should be at MAX. Coolant should be pink/red and clear. Brown or milky appearance indicates head gasket or water pump issues.
EPC/check engine light test (turbo models)
During test drive, watch for EPC warning light. If it appears with sudden power loss, turbo actuator problems likely. Test in varied conditions including hills.
Automatic gearbox smoothness test (EAT6 models)
Drive for 20+ minutes to get transmission hot. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation, shudder during 1-2 gear changes, or harsh downshifts. Avoid earlier EGC/ETG semi-auto completely.
Listen for suspension clunking
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads. Clunking indicates worn ball joints or bushes. Turn steering lock-to-lock while stationary - listen for clicking (CV joints).
Verify all recalls completed
The 2008 Mk1 has 19 recalls including critical fuel leaks (fire risk), suspension bolt failures, and timing belt issues. Get VIN and check with Peugeot dealer that ALL recalls completed.
Touchscreen and electrical system test
Test all electrical systems: infotainment touchscreen responsiveness, Bluetooth pairing, air conditioning (should blow cold within 2 minutes), all sensors, central locking.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Wet timing belt degradation (2013-2017 production)Verify completed
Front suspension wishbone bolts (Sep-Nov 2013/2014)Verify completed
High-pressure fuel rail leak fire risk (Jan 2014)Verify completed
Fuel injector line leak (Jan-Jun 2014)Verify completed
19 recalls issued for 2008 Mk1 - verification essential
The Peugeot 2008 Mk1 has been subject to 19 recalls covering serious safety issues including fuel leaks with fire risk, suspension component failures, and the critical wet timing belt problem. Contact a Peugeot dealer with the VIN number to verify that ALL recall work has been completed before purchase. Do not buy a 2008 unless you can confirm recall completion status.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all Mk1 2008s
PureTech warranty extension (10 years/180,000 km)Available since March 2024
PureTech compensation platform (repairs 2022-2024)Claim via Stellantis website
Peugeot extended warranty (optional purchase)If under 10 years/100,000 miles
Extended PureTech warranty crucial protection
All 2013-2019 Peugeot 2008 Mk1 vehicles are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. However, Stellantis implemented a warranty extension in March 2024 covering PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines for up to 10 years or 180,000 km, covering 100% of parts and labor costs for timing belt and oil consumption issues under certain conditions. Additionally, owners who paid for repairs between January 2022 and December 2024 can claim compensation through the Stellantis PureTech Compensation Platform. Contact a Peugeot dealer with your VIN to enroll in the extended warranty program and check eligibility for compensation. This protection is essential given the severity of PureTech engine issues.
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.