The first-generation 2008 is Peugeot's compact crossover based on the 208 supermini platform, offering raised ride height and decent boot space for a small SUV. The 1.6 HDi diesel was the volume seller, available in 75, 92, 100, and 120 hp versions using the PSA DV6 engine family. Fuel economy is excellent at 4-5 L/100 km, parts are cheap and widely available, and the engine can exceed 200,000 km with proper care.
Excellent fuel economy (4-5 L/100km)
Cheap parts, widely available
Turbo prone to carbon buildup
DPF and EGR clog on short trips
Buy if: You cover regular motorway miles, can verify the service history with correct oil specification, and the brake vacuum pump recall has been completed.
Avoid if: You mainly drive short urban trips under 15 km, or the car has gaps in its service history suggesting extended oil change intervals.
Known Issues most common first
Oil sludge and carbon deposits block the turbo oil feed pipe, destroying the turbo bearings · more· less
The DV6 1.6 HDi is well known for turbo failures caused by carbon contamination in the oil system. Carbon particles build up in the oil feed pipe's fine mesh filter and restrict oil flow to the turbo bearings, leading to overheating and bearing destruction. Contributing factors include extended service intervals, incorrect oil specification, short-trip driving, and the inherently small turbo being asked to work hard. Even engines serviced at manufacturer intervals have experienced repeated failures. A reconditioned turbo costs around 600-800 euros, new OEM units around 900-1,200 euros, plus 300-500 euros labor. The oil feed pipe must be replaced at the same time, and the oil and filter changed immediately after installation. Prevention: change oil every 10,000-12,000 km with the correct low-SAPS specification, not the maximum 20,000 km interval. Turbo failure typically occurs between 80,000-150,000 km.
Short trips prevent DPF regeneration, leading to blockage, warning lights, and limp mode · more· less
The diesel particulate filter requires sustained driving at motorway speed (20+ minutes above 60 km/h, engine revs above 2,000 rpm) to burn off accumulated soot. Cars used predominantly for short urban trips rarely complete a regeneration cycle. When the filter reaches approximately 45% blockage, the 'risk of DPF clogging' warning appears. If ignored, the car enters limp mode. A forced regeneration at a workshop costs 150-250 euros. Professional DPF cleaning runs 300-500 euros. If the filter is beyond cleaning, replacement costs 800-1,500 euros including labor. The Eolys cerine additive that assists regeneration needs periodic refilling at around 120,000 km — dealer cost is approximately 150-250 euros including the ECU counter reset. On BlueHDi models (from 2014), the additive system differs but DPF clogging remains equally common with short-trip use.
Copper injector seals degrade, allowing combustion gases and carbon to build up around injectors · more· less
The copper washer seals between the injectors and the cylinder head degrade over time, allowing combustion gases to escape. This creates a hissing sound and diesel smell from the engine bay. If left unrepaired, gases deposit a thick black carbon substance around the injectors — known as 'black death' — which can damage the cylinder head, wiring harness, and fuel pipes. Injector number 3 is the most commonly affected. Catching it early means a simple seal replacement at around 150-300 euros (parts are only 3-5 euros per injector, but labor is 1-2 hours per injector due to cleaning). If black death has progressed significantly, seized injectors may require specialist extraction at 500-1,000 euros. In worst cases, the cylinder head may need reconditioning or replacement at 1,500-2,000 euros.
Carbon deposits cause the EGR valve to stick, triggering anti-pollution warnings and power loss · more· less
The exhaust gas recirculation valve accumulates carbon deposits over time, especially in cars doing predominantly urban driving. When the valve sticks, it triggers the 'anti-pollution fault' warning and can cause rough idling, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption. Professional EGR cleaning costs around 150-250 euros. If the valve is beyond cleaning, replacement costs 300-600 euros including parts and labor. An important note: when replacing the EGR valve, use genuine Valeo or OEM parts — cheap aftermarket EGR valves are known to cause problems on PSA engines. Failure typically occurs between 80,000-120,000 km. Regular motorway driving helps keep the valve cleaner.
Clutch slipping and DMF noise, sometimes from as early as 50,000 km with urban driving · more· less
Premature clutch wear has been reported on the 2008 1.6 HDi, with some owners experiencing slipping at under 80,000 km. The dual mass flywheel can develop rattling noises, particularly at idle. A clutch kit alone costs around 200-350 euros for parts. If the DMF also needs replacement (recommended if the clutch has failed early), the combined parts cost rises to 500-800 euros. Labor is around 300-500 euros for the combined job. Clutches on the 2008 1.6 HDi rarely last beyond 150,000 km with mixed driving. Urban stop-start driving accelerates wear significantly. Some owners opt for solid flywheel conversion kits as an alternative, though these produce more drivetrain vibration.
AdBlue injector crystallization or pump failure causes engine warnings and potential non-start · more· less
Post-2014 BlueHDi models use an AdBlue urea injection system for NOx reduction. The AdBlue injector can crystallize and block, especially in cold weather, while the pump (built into the AdBlue tank) can fail when its circuit board is contaminated by the fluid. Common fault codes include P2200, P20E8, and P2BAD. Symptoms include the AdBlue warning light, and eventually the engine may refuse to start after a countdown warning. An AdBlue injector replacement costs around 300-500 euros. If the entire tank and pump assembly needs replacing, costs rise to 1,200-2,000 euros. This issue does not apply to pre-2014 e-HDi models which do not use AdBlue.
Front dampers wear prematurely on rough roads, causing knocking noises from around 50,000 km · more· less
The Peugeot 2008 Mk1 is known for premature front shock absorber wear, with some owners reporting knocking noises from as early as 40,000-50,000 km. The raised ride height and relatively soft damper setup contribute to faster wear compared to the lower-sitting 208. Shock absorbers must be replaced in pairs. Parts cost around 60-100 euros per damper for quality aftermarket units (Monroe, Sachs), with labor around 1-2 hours per pair. Peugeot has offered goodwill contributions on some vehicles, with reports of 50-60% cost coverage when the car is within 4 years of purchase.
Reliable diesel with maintenance-dependent turbo and emissions system
The DV6 1.6 HDi engine can exceed 200,000 km when properly maintained, but it is notably intolerant of skipped services, incorrect oil grades, or predominantly short-trip driving. Turbo and DPF problems are the most costly issues but are largely preventable with correct oil, regular servicing at shorter-than-maximum intervals, and sufficient motorway driving. The BlueHDi variants (from 2014) add AdBlue system complexity. Manual gearbox versions are straightforward. Always verify the brake vacuum pump recall status on 2013-2017 cars and check for injector seal leaks before purchase.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Brake vacuum pump — timing belt debris may damage the pump, reducing braking assistance (June 2013 to April 2017 production)
Critical — verify completed
Fuel rail leak — high pressure fuel rail pipes not correctly torqued, fire risk (January 2014 production)
Verify completed
Fuel injector line leak — supply rail develops leak, petrol spray risk (January to June 2014 production)
Verify completed
Fuel tank non-return valve — valve does not conform to specification, fuel leak risk in rollover (April to July 2015 production)
Verify completed
Front suspension wishbone mounting bolts — bolts may break causing loss of directional control (September 2013 to November 2014 production)
Verify completed
NOx emissions software calibration error (September 2013 to August 2019, multiple production batches)
Verify completed
Front subframe corrosion protection — internal corrosion protection may not be durable enough (June 2014 production)
Verify completed
Seatbelt mounting bolt — lower driver seatbelt bolt may be loose (July 2015 production, small batch)
Verify completed
Contact Peugeot with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The brake vacuum pump recall (2013-2017) is particularly important as it directly affects braking safety. The front suspension wishbone bolt recall (2013-2014) is also safety-critical.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)
Expired on all used 2008 Mk1 models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)
May still apply to 2014+ models
Extended warranty
Available through Peugeot dealers or third-party providers
All Peugeot 2008 Mk1 models are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. The 12-year rust perforation warranty may still cover 2014 and newer models. Recall work is performed free of charge regardless of warranty status — contact any Peugeot dealer with the VIN.
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.