Peugeot 207 1.6 THP A7

The EP6DT engine's timing chain system is its most well-known weakness. Pre-2012 engines used a tensioner with a seal that allowed oil pressure to bleed off overnight, letting the chain go slack. This produces a distinctive rattle on cold start lasting 1-30 seconds. If ignored, the chain can skip teeth or snap, causing catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. PSA revised the tensioner (identifiable by a dot marking) and switched to stronger white PVC chain guides around August 2012, but the fundamental design remains a concern on all EP6DT engines. Typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 km, earlier with poor oil maintenance. The chain, guides, tensioner, and VVT sprockets need replacing together. Parts cost €200-350, labor runs 5-6 hours. Independent garages charge €800-1,200 total, Peugeot dealers quote €1,400-1,800.

Because fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber, it does not wash over the intake valves. Oil vapors from the PCV system coat the back of the valves and carbonize over time. Symptoms develop gradually: rough idle, misfires, reduced power (up to 20% loss), and increased fuel consumption. Typically noticeable between 50,000-80,000 km. Walnut blasting is the most effective cleaning method, costing €400-600 at a specialist. Chemical cleaning products offer marginal improvement at best. This issue will recur every 40,000-60,000 km. Regular spirited driving and shorter oil change intervals slow the buildup but cannot prevent it entirely. Post-2012 engines received minor intake geometry changes to reduce the severity.

The camshaft-driven high-pressure fuel pump is a known weak point on the EP6DT engine. It contains a small hydraulic oil reservoir that depletes over time, causing air bubbles and pressure loss. Symptoms include intermittent failure to start (fuel rail not reaching 5.0 bar), hesitation at low speeds, and eventually complete pump failure. Typically occurs between 80,000-120,000 km. A genuine Peugeot HPFP costs €400-500, aftermarket units €200-300. Labor is approximately 1-1.5 hours. Some specialists offer refurbishment services (oil reservoir refill) for around €150-200, which can extend pump life by several years.

The KKK K03 turbocharger fails primarily due to oil starvation when the oil feed banjo bolt or supply line becomes clogged with carbon deposits. This is accelerated by extended oil change intervals or incorrect oil grade. Additionally, the twin-scroll exhaust manifold develops hairline cracks after 60,000-80,000 km, eventually affecting turbo performance. Symptoms include excessive turbo lag, whistling or grinding noises, blue smoke, and loss of boost. A remanufactured turbo costs €500-800, new genuine unit €900-1,200. Labor is 4-5 hours. The oil feed pipe must always be replaced alongside the turbo to prevent recurrence. The 150 hp tune stresses the turbo less than the 175 hp GTi variant, making complete failure less common at this power level.

The EP6DT uses a plastic thermostat housing that becomes brittle after years of heat cycling. Hairline cracks develop and allow coolant to weep, often pooling on top of the gearbox where it is difficult to spot. Typically occurs after 80,000 km. If not addressed, gradual coolant loss leads to overheating and potential head gasket damage. The thermostat housing costs €100-150, with labor at 2-3 hours. Total repair cost at an independent is €250-350, dealer €400-500.

The Peugeot 207's electric power steering system is a documented weak point across all engine variants. The EPS motor and its integrated ECU can fail, producing fault codes C1404/C1414. Steering becomes very heavy and the EPS warning light illuminates. A new unit from Peugeot costs €700-1,000, but specialist remanufacturing services can repair the existing unit for €250-400 with warranty. The repair involves replacing internal components with upgraded parts. More common on cars over 8 years old or 100,000 km, but can occur at any mileage.

Water enters the engine bay fusebox through degraded seals around wiring entry points, particularly the washer pump and coolant sensor connections. This causes intermittent and seemingly random electrical faults: malfunctioning wipers, lights, warning lights, and occasional stalling. The fix involves removing the fusebox, drying and cleaning all connector blades, and resealing entry points. If internal corrosion has set in, a replacement fusebox costs €100-150 plus labor. Preventive sealing of cable entry points is recommended on any 207 over 5 years old.