The entry-level Peugeot 208 with the smallest engine available. The 1.0-litre three-cylinder EB0 produces just 68 hp but is cheap to insure, costs nothing in road tax in many countries, and returns excellent fuel economy. It shares the PSA EB engine family's wet timing belt architecture with the 1.2 PureTech, making belt condition and oil quality critical. With only 68 hp, motorway driving requires effort, but as a city car it is economical and practical.
Very low running and insurance costs
Simple engine, no turbo complexity
Wet timing belt needs monitoring
Only 68 hp, struggles on motorways
Buy if: You want a cheap, economical city car and can verify the timing belt condition and service history with correct oil specification.
Avoid if: The timing belt history is unknown, you regularly drive motorways at speed, or you cannot commit to annual oil changes with the correct specification.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Common Problems
Oil-immersed timing belt sheds particles that clog oil galleries and can cause oil starvation · more· less
The 1.0 VTi EB0 engine uses the same wet timing belt design as the 1.2 PureTech EB2, where the belt runs in engine oil. Over time, especially with incorrect oil specification or extended oil change intervals, the belt material degrades. Rubber particles shed from the belt can block the oil pump strainer, variable valve timing solenoids, and oil galleries. In the worst case, the belt snaps entirely, causing catastrophic valve-piston contact as this is an interference engine. PSA originally set a 180,000 km / 10 year replacement interval but reduced it to 100,000 km / 6 years for PureTech engines after widespread failures. Belt replacement at an independent garage costs approximately €800-1,000 (parts around €200-250, labor 5-6 hours). If belt debris has already damaged the VVT system or oil pump, costs can reach €1,500-2,500. Using the correct PSA-approved oil specification and changing oil annually (or every 10,000 km) significantly reduces this risk. Pre-2017 belts are most vulnerable. Stellantis launched a compensation programme in 2024 covering repair costs for engines under 10 years / 180,000 km with documented service history.
Piston oil control rings clog with carbon, leading to accelerated oil burning · more· less
The EB0 engine can develop excessive oil consumption, typically 0.5 to 1 litre per 1,000 km in severe cases. Peugeot states up to 1 litre per 1,000 miles is acceptable, but many owners consider this excessive. The root cause is carbon buildup on the piston oil control rings, especially on cars doing short trips where the engine rarely reaches full operating temperature. In mild cases, topping up oil regularly between services costs around €50-100 per year. In severe cases, piston ring cleaning or replacement is needed at €1,500-2,000. Regular motorway driving and more frequent oil changes (every 7,500-10,000 km rather than the standard interval) help prevent this. Some owners have had engines replaced under warranty when oil consumption was extreme. After warranty, Peugeot has been known to contribute toward repair costs on a case-by-case basis.
Coil packs fail causing misfires, rough running, and engine warning light · more· less
The three-cylinder engine uses individual coil-on-plug ignition coils that can fail, typically between 60,000 and 100,000 km. Symptoms include rough running, misfires especially noticeable at low revs, loss of power, and the engine warning light. On the 1.0 VTi, coil failures sometimes present as loss of power between 2,000-3,000 rpm. Diagnosis involves swapping coils between cylinders to see if the misfire follows the coil. A single coil costs €30-60 (aftermarket), and replacing all three coils along with spark plugs as a preventive measure costs €100-350 depending on parts quality. Forum owners also report that corroded connectors on the ignition coils can mimic coil failure — cleaning with electrical contact spray often resolves intermittent issues.
Rubber in the strut top mounts degrades, causing knocking noises over bumps · more· less
This is one of the most commonly reported issues on the Peugeot 208, regardless of engine. The rubber in the front strut top mounts degrades over time, allowing metal-to-metal contact with the body, causing an intermittent knocking or clunking noise when driving over bumps at low speed. Many 208 owners describe this as nearly universal after 4-5 years or 60,000+ km. Top mount replacement costs approximately €120-150 per side including parts and labor at an independent garage. Peugeot dealers charge around €200-250 per side. It is advisable to replace the top mounts whenever the front shock absorbers are being changed.
Synchromesh wear causes crunching between 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd gears, stiff when cold · more· less
The 5-speed manual gearbox (BE4/5 or MA5 type) can develop crunching or knocking when shifting, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear, and 2nd to 3rd. The gearbox is very stiff when cold and improves as it warms up. The root cause is synchromesh ring wear accelerated by the manufacturer's claim that the gearbox oil is a lifetime fill. Changing the gearbox oil (75W-80 or 75W-90) every 60,000 km significantly slows deterioration. If caught early, an oil change at €200-300 may resolve the symptoms. If internal wear has progressed, a gearbox rebuild costs €800-1,500 at a specialist.
Touchscreen freezes, goes black, or becomes unresponsive, especially in extreme temperatures · more· less
Electrical gremlins affect approximately 15% of 208s according to reliability surveys, centered around the infotainment system and switches. The SMEG head unit can freeze, go black, or become completely unresponsive. Extreme temperatures (above 30 degrees Celsius or freezing conditions) trigger the problem more frequently. Earlier pre-facelift models (2012-2015) are more affected than post-2015 models. A software update from a Peugeot dealer sometimes resolves the issue (€50-100 for the diagnostic session). If the head unit itself has failed, replacement costs €300-600 for a used or refurbished unit. Pulling fuse number 18 from the dashboard fuse box can reset the system as a temporary fix.
Smart alternator fails to charge battery properly, causing starting difficulties · more· less
Some 208s experience intermittent charging faults where the smart alternator does not charge the battery correctly. Symptoms include slow cranking, battery warning light, and eventually failure to start. In some cases, an ECU software update resolves the issue (performed free of charge at Peugeot dealers on affected vehicles). If the alternator itself has failed, replacement costs approximately €300-550 including parts and labor. An aftermarket alternator is approximately €150-250 for parts alone.
Simple engine with shared wet belt weakness
The 1.0 VTi EB0 is the simplest engine in the 208 range — no turbo, no direct injection, just 68 hp. Its main reliability concern is the wet timing belt it shares with the 1.2 PureTech family. With correct oil, annual servicing, and timely belt replacement, the engine can reach high mileages. The 208 platform adds typical French car electrical niggles and universally worn strut top mounts. Overall, a low-cost car to run if properly maintained.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Brake vacuum pump damaged by timing belt material (2013-2017 production)
Verify completed
Premature timing belt tooth wear from excessive tension (2015-2018 production)
Verify completed
Engine calibration causing excessive NOx emissions (2017-2019 production)
Verify completed
High pressure fuel rail pipe torque specification (various production dates)
Verify completed
Contact a Peugeot dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The timing belt related recalls are particularly important as belt debris can damage the brake vacuum pump, potentially reducing braking assistance.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)
Expired on all used 208 A9 models
Timing belt compensation programme
Stellantis covers repairs under 10 years / 180,000 km with service history
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)
May still apply to 2014+ models
All first-generation 208s are now outside their original 2-year factory warranty. The Stellantis timing belt compensation programme launched in 2024 may cover belt-related engine damage for qualifying vehicles with documented service history — contact a Peugeot dealer with your VIN to check eligibility.
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.