2021-2025 (P5/Gen III) · 1.2 PureTech 130 turbocharged petrol
Modern family hatchback with sharp styling and comfortable interior featuring Peugeot's i-Cockpit design. The third-generation 308 (2021+) uses the latest PureTech 1.2 engine with improved wet timing belt design compared to pre-2018 models, but belt degradation remains a concern requiring strict oil change intervals. Main issues include infotainment system failures, wet belt deterioration (though less common on 2020+ engines), carbon buildup on intake valves, and electrical sensor faults. Avoid short-trip-only usage patterns - this engine needs regular highway runs.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
€1,050 - €2,200/year
15,000 km/year
Fixed costs
€550-950
Risk buffer
€500-1,250
What Can Break
bars = likelihood
Wet timing belt degradation€950 - €2,200
Belt runs in oil and can deteriorate prematurely, clogging oil pump strainer · more· less
The PureTech engine uses a wet timing belt submerged in engine oil. Pre-2018 engines had serious issues, but 2020/21+ models use an improved Gen 3 belt design with better durability. However, belt degradation still occurs when unburned fuel contaminates oil, creating an abrasive mixture. Belt particles circulate and can clog the oil pump strainer, causing oil pressure faults and potential engine damage. Replacement interval is 100,000 km or 6 years (whichever comes first), but some belts fail earlier. Belt replacement costs €950-1,100; if oil pump damage occurs, total repair reaches €1,900-2,200. Stellantis offers extended warranty (10 years/180,000 km) for 2013-2017 engines and a compensation program for repairs between Jan 2022-Dec 2024. Annual oil changes are critical - use only PSA B71 2312 spec oil.
Infotainment system failure€50 - €1,200
System crashes, screen overheats, or shows "black screen of death" · more· less
The third-generation 308's infotainment system experiences frequent failures. Common issues include complete system crashes requiring 40-minute reboots, random screen blackouts (especially on trips over 200 miles with navigation), reversing camera showing static or green rave-like images, slow USB file access, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connection failures. Software glitches cost around €45 for a dealer reset, while hardware failures (failed hard drive, faulty display unit) can require complete head unit replacement costing €800-1,200. The system overheating is particularly problematic in warm weather. Many owners report repeated dealer visits for the same issue without permanent resolution. Check all infotainment functions thoroughly during test drive.
Intake valve carbon buildup€700 - €1,000
Direct injection means fuel doesn't wash valves, carbon accumulates causing misfires · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech uses direct injection where fuel bypasses the intake valves entirely. Oil vapor from the PCV system contacts hot valve stems and leaves hard carbon deposits that grow over time. Owners report carbon cleaning needed as early as 34,000 km, with symptoms including rough idle, misfires, and power loss. Professional walnut blasting costs €700-1,000 and requires intake manifold removal - very labor-intensive. Prevention: use high-quality synthetic oil (reduces oil vapor), run the engine hard past 4,000 rpm regularly to burn off deposits, and avoid only short trips. Some specialists recommend Italian tune-up runs every few weeks. This is a design flaw affecting all direct injection engines.
Turbo actuator sticking€500 - €2,500
Carbon buildup from gentle driving causes actuator to stick, triggering limp mode · more· less
The turbo actuator controls boost pressure and tends to stick when carbon builds up from gentle driving or short trips only. Symptoms include sudden EPC warning light, loss of power, and limp mode activation. Specialist actuator-only repair costs €500-600, but Peugeot dealers won't sell the actuator separately and may insist on full turbo replacement (€1,200-2,500). If turbo internals are damaged, full replacement is necessary. Prevention: use premium fuel (98 octane), drive spiritedly regularly (not just short gentle trips), and ensure proper oil change intervals. Many forum users report success after switching from city-only to mixed driving patterns. Cars driven only for school runs are most susceptible.
Start-stop system battery failure€200 - €400
Special start-stop battery degrades faster than conventional batteries · more· less
The 308's start-stop system requires a special AGM (Absorbed Glass Mat) battery or uses an ultracapacitor system. These batteries degrade faster due to constant cycling and deep discharge stress. Battery replacement costs €190-290 at independent garages, up to €400 at dealers. If the car has an ultracapacitor system, failure requires Battery Protection Module replacement costing around €400. The start-stop system disables itself when battery charge drops below 80%, even if the battery works fine for starting. Symptoms include start-stop permanently disabled, frequent "battery charging" messages, or electrical glitches. Battery sensor faults can also cause issues requiring diagnostic work at around €100. Most fail between 3-5 years.
Spark plug and coil pack premature failure€150 - €500
TSB issued for early spark plug failure, wrong plug type causes misfires · more· less
Peugeot issued a Technical Service Bulletin regarding early spark plug failure on 1.2 PureTech 130 engines. Many owners report needing spark plug replacements multiple times, often combined with coil pack failures. Critical issue: some garages fit non-turbo spec NGK plugs to the turbocharged engine, causing severe misfiring and poor running under load. NGK doesn't make a suitable plug for the turbo PureTech despite their website suggesting otherwise. Correct specification: Bosch 0242145535 ZR5 SPP 3320 double platinum plugs (around €65 for set of 3). Coil pack failures cost €100-300 per coil. Symptoms include rough idle, misfires, engine fault codes, and power loss. Replacement is straightforward DIY (8mm bolt, 14mm spark plug socket), so specialist labor shouldn't exceed €150-200.
Electrical sensor and wiring faults€100 - €700
Various sensor failures trigger warning lights, often difficult to diagnose · more· less
The 308 suffers from various electrical sensor issues including coolant temperature sensor failures (causing cooling fan to run constantly post-shutdown), faulty battery sensors (disabling start-stop), and engine management sensor faults. Warning lights often appear without clear causes, requiring diagnostic work (€65-100). Coolant temperature sensor replacement is inexpensive (€20-40 part) but requires diagnosis. Engine ECU failures also occur - symptoms include engine management light, intermittent cutting out, or complete failure to start. ECU replacement costs €500-700 programmed, but specialist ECU repair services offer rebuilds for less. Wiring harness corrosion can cause intermittent faults that are very difficult to diagnose. Use reputable independent garages specializing in French cars for best diagnostic results.
Suspension knocking and shock absorber wear€350 - €900
Front shock knock common issue, especially over bumps · more· less
Front suspension knocking over bumps is a known 308 issue caused by worn shock absorbers or top mounts. Symptoms include clunking sounds over uneven roads and slight wheel movement. Peugeot changed damping values on later production due to ride quality complaints. Shock absorbers should be replaced in pairs - aftermarket shocks (Monroe, KYB) cost €40-70 each, genuine Peugeot shocks around €70-90 each. Top mounts add €45-95 per pair. Full front shock replacement including labor costs €350-600 at independent garages, up to €900 at dealers. Service life is typically 140,000-150,000 km. Labor time is 1.5-2 hours for fronts, 1 hour for rears. Some KYB units require special matching pairs due to revised specifications.
Better than early PureTech engines, but still requires careful maintenance
The 2021+ Peugeot 308 with latest-generation PureTech 1.2 is significantly improved over 2013-2017 models, particularly regarding wet belt durability. However, this engine absolutely requires strict annual oil changes (PSA B71 2312 spec only), regular highway driving to prevent carbon buildup, and avoiding short-trip-only usage patterns. The infotainment system remains problematic across all production years. Budget €500-800/year for repairs after warranty expires. Verify timing belt history and Stellantis compensation eligibility before purchase.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records absolutely essential. Verify annual oil changes with PSA B71 2312 spec oil. Missing service history is a deal-breaker for PureTech engines.
Tires
Check tread depth (minimum 3mm), age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns. Common sizes: 205/55R16, 225/45R17, 225/40R18.
Cold start
Engine must be completely cold. Listen for any rattling, ticking, or unusual sounds in first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 25 minutes including city, highway, and spirited acceleration. Monitor for warning lights.
Visual inspection
Check for oil leaks around engine, rust on exhaust, and accident damage indicators.
Specific for this vehicle
Test infotainment system thoroughly
Spend 10+ minutes testing: screen responsiveness, navigation, reversing camera (check for static/green screen), USB connectivity, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. System crashes are extremely common.
Check engine oil condition and level
Oil should be clean, correct level, and no metallic particles visible. Ask when timing belt was inspected - dealer should check condition through oil filler cap at every service.
Verify timing belt replacement history
Critical for cars near 100,000 km or 6 years old. Ask for proof of belt replacement with invoice. If not replaced, budget €950-1,100 immediately.
Test for turbo actuator issues
During test drive, accelerate hard multiple times. Watch for EPC warning light or sudden power loss (limp mode). Test both city and highway driving.
Check for electrical warning lights
Start from cold and watch dashboard for any warning lights. Drive for 20+ minutes and note if any warnings appear, even temporarily.
Verify start-stop system operation
In city driving, check if start-stop activates correctly. If permanently disabled, indicates battery or system fault.
Listen for suspension knocking
Drive over speed bumps and rough roads slowly. Knocking from front suspension indicates worn shocks or top mounts.
Check usage pattern from service records
If car was used only for short trips (school runs, city only), carbon buildup and turbo actuator issues are more likely. Highway-driven cars are preferable.
Verify Stellantis wet belt warranty status
Contact Peugeot dealer with VIN to check if car qualifies for extended wet belt warranty or compensation program (2013-2017 engines, but worth checking).
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
External door handle slider (Feb 2021 - Jan 2022)Check with VIN
PureTech wet belt service campaign (2013-2017 engines)Verify if applicable
TSB: Early spark plug failure (1.2 PureTech 130)Check service history
Contact Peugeot dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The wet belt recall applies to 2013-2017 engines but check if your car qualifies for extended warranty coverage (10 years/180,000 km for certain engines). Stellantis also offers compensation program for wet belt repairs contracted between January 2022 and December 2024.
Warranty Status
Standard manufacturer warranty3 years, unlimited mileage (first 2 years)
Third year coverage60,000 mile limit
Peugeot Care extended coverageUp to 5 years if serviced at Peugeot network
Extended warranty (aftermarket)Available from ~€400/year
2021 models are now outside the standard 3-year warranty. Peugeot Care offers extended coverage up to 5 years if the car has been maintained at participating Peugeot dealers. For 2013-2017 PureTech engines, Stellantis extended wet belt warranty to 10 years/180,000 km - contact dealer to verify eligibility. Independent extended warranties from AA or MotorEasy average around €400/year.
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.