The third-generation 308 is a striking compact hatchback on Stellantis's EMP2 platform, offering a distinctive i-Cockpit interior and sharp styling. The 1.2 PureTech 130 three-cylinder turbo carries over from the previous generation with Gen2 improvements, though from mid-2023 a Gen3 version with a timing chain replaced the controversial wet belt. Paired with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed EAT8 automatic, it competes directly with the Golf Mk8 and Astra L.
Bold design, premium interior
Efficient and refined drivetrain
Wet timing belt risk (pre-2023)
Infotainment system instability
Buy if: You can find a 2023+ model with the Gen3 timing chain, or a well-maintained earlier car with documented belt status and complete service history.
Avoid if: You do mostly short urban trips (accelerates belt degradation and GPF clogging) or cannot tolerate early-generation infotainment bugs.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Common Problems
Oil-immersed belt frays prematurely, fragments clog oil system and can cause engine failure · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech Gen2 engine (EB2DTS) in 2021-2023 models uses a timing belt running submerged in engine oil. Under certain conditions, particularly with short-trip driving, degraded oil, or extended oil change intervals, the belt deteriorates much earlier than its official 100,000 km / 6-year replacement interval. Rubber fragments circulate through the oil system, blocking the oil pump pickup screen, contaminating the VVT solenoids, and damaging the turbocharger bearings. In severe cases the belt snaps, causing catastrophic piston-to-valve contact. Preventive belt replacement costs approximately €800-1,000 at an independent shop. If engine damage occurs, a rebuild or replacement runs €3,500-5,000. Stellantis recalled affected vehicles and extended warranty coverage to 10 years / 175,000 km from March 2024, conditional on adherence to the manufacturer's service schedule. Models produced from mid-2023 onward use a Gen3 timing chain, eliminating this issue. To identify the engine version: if the oil filler cap sits on the plastic engine cover near the boost pipe, it is likely the Gen3 chain variant. If it sits lower, near a separate plastic air resonator, it is the Gen2 with the wet belt.
Carbon deposits clog piston oil control rings, allowing oil into combustion chambers · more· less
The 1.2 PureTech engine is prone to carbon buildup on piston rings due to its direct-injection design. When piston oil control rings become coked, oil passes into the cylinders and burns off. Some owners report consumption of 0.5 to 1.0 litre per 1,000 km, which Stellantis considers within tolerance up to 0.5L per 1,000 km. Root causes include infrequent oil changes, incorrect oil specification, and predominantly short-trip driving where the engine rarely reaches full operating temperature. The PCV valve can also contribute (€150-250 to replace). Mild cases are managed by regular oil level checks and top-ups, costing approximately €100-200 per year in additional oil. Severe cases require piston ring decoking (€800-1,200) or an engine top-end rebuild at €2,500-3,000. Using the correct PSA B71 2312 specification oil and changing it annually or every 10,000 km significantly reduces this risk.
Oil coking and belt debris cause premature turbo bearing wear and seal failure · more· less
Turbo failure on the 1.2 PureTech is typically a secondary consequence of the wet timing belt degradation or excessive oil consumption rather than a standalone fault. When belt fragments contaminate the oil, the turbocharger bearings suffer from reduced lubrication. Oil coking from degraded oil compounds the problem. Symptoms include loss of boost pressure, blue exhaust smoke on acceleration, whistling from the engine bay, and limp mode. Failure usually occurs between 80,000 and 150,000 km, but earlier if oil maintenance has been neglected. Replacement costs €1,200-2,500 depending on whether a new or remanufactured unit is fitted. Before replacing the turbo, it is critical to inspect the oil system for belt fragment contamination, as a new turbo will fail quickly if the root cause remains.
Touchscreen freezes, random reboots, and Bluetooth/CarPlay connectivity drops on early production cars · more· less
The P5 308 uses Stellantis's latest infotainment platform with a 10-inch central touchscreen. Early 2021-2022 production models suffer from software instability: the screen freezes mid-drive, the system reboots spontaneously, Bluetooth audio cuts out, and Apple CarPlay or Android Auto disconnects randomly. The digital instrument cluster can also flicker or go blank briefly. In most cases the issue is software-related and resolved by a dealer firmware update or over-the-air update (free). However, some owners report persistent problems even after multiple software reflashes. In rare cases the head unit hardware fails and needs replacement at €800-1,200. The system generally improved with each firmware update through 2023-2024. A temporary workaround for most freezes is holding the power button for 10 seconds to force a reboot.
Abnormal combustion at low rpm under load can damage pistons and bearings · more· less
LSPI is a phenomenon affecting small turbocharged direct injection engines including the PureTech. Oil droplets or fuel residue ignite prematurely in the combustion chamber at low rpm under moderate load, creating extreme pressure spikes. Symptoms include hesitation, low-speed knocking or stuttering around 2,000 rpm during gentle acceleration, and an engine fault code P1032. Stellantis has issued a technical service bulletin with a diagnostic procedure starting with an oil and filter change, followed by intake valve cleaning, and in severe cases injector or engine replacement. Using the correct oil specification (PSA B71 2312, typically 0W-30), higher octane fuel (98 instead of 95), and avoiding prolonged low-rpm high-load driving reduces the risk. Minor LSPI damage may only need spark plug or injector replacement (€500-800), while severe piston damage leads to engine rebuild (€3,000-5,000). This is more common on cars driven predominantly in low-speed urban traffic.
Jerky low-speed shifts and delayed gear engagement, typically in stop-and-go traffic · more· less
The Aisin-sourced 8-speed EAT8 torque converter automatic is generally reliable but some owners report jerky shifts at low speeds, particularly between 1st and 2nd gear in urban traffic. Occasional delayed engagement from standstill and harsh downshifts have also been documented. In most cases, a software recalibration at the dealer resolves the issue for €100-300. More serious cases may require valve body replacement at €1,500-2,500. The 6-speed manual gearbox does not have these problems and is considered more reliable. If buying an EAT8 model, test drive extensively in stop-and-go traffic to check for hesitation or harsh shifts. Regular transmission fluid changes every 60,000 km are recommended despite the manufacturer claiming a lifetime fill.
Direct injection leads to carbon deposits restricting airflow, causing rough idle and power loss · more· less
As a direct-injection engine, fuel is sprayed into the cylinders rather than over the intake valves. Without this fuel-wash effect, carbon deposits accumulate on the backs of the intake valves over time. Symptoms include rough idle, slight misfires, increased fuel consumption, and reduced power. These typically become noticeable between 60,000 and 100,000 km, though drivers who only do short trips may see issues earlier. Professional walnut blasting or chemical cleaning costs €400-800 at a specialist workshop. Regular motorway driving at higher rpm helps slow the buildup. This is inherent to all direct-injection petrol engines, not a flaw specific to the PureTech.
Efficient engine with a documented weak point that demands attentive maintenance
The 1.2 PureTech Gen2 in the P5 308 uses improved belt materials compared to the Gen1 in earlier Peugeots, but the fundamental wet timing belt design remains a known concern on pre-2023 models. Stellantis's 10-year extended warranty programme provides a safety net for qualifying vehicles, but strict adherence to oil change intervals and correct oil specification is essential. Models from mid-2023 with the Gen3 timing chain eliminate the belt issue entirely and represent the preferred choice. Oil consumption, turbo health, and LSPI risk are all closely linked to proper maintenance. With regular highway driving and proactive servicing, the engine can reach well beyond 150,000 km without major failures.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Door handle defect - doors may not close properly (Feb 2021 - Jan 2022, recall KVH)
Verify completed
Wet timing belt degradation and oil system contamination (PureTech 1.2 Gen2 engines)
Verify completed
Mechanical/electrical connection torque defect - fire risk (Aug 2022 - Jan 2023, recall MEQ)
Verify completed
Fuel line contact with ignition coil screw - fuel leak risk (May 2023 - Jan 2025, recall MWY)
Verify completed
NOx emissions non-compliance - software update (2022-2023 production, recall MKS)
Verify completed
Contact a Peugeot dealer with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The door handle recall (KVH) is important for early 2021-2022 production, and the fuel line recall (MWY) for 2023-2025 production. Also verify eligibility for the Stellantis extended PureTech warranty programme (10 years / 175,000 km) via the Stellantis support platform.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)
Expired on 2021-2023 models; may still apply to late 2024+
Extended PureTech belt warranty
10 years / 175,000 km (from March 2024, subject to service history conditions)
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)
Active on all P5 308 models
Most used 2021-2023 models are outside the original 2-year factory warranty. However, the Stellantis extended warranty for PureTech 1.0 and 1.2 engines covers belt-related and oil consumption repairs for up to 10 years / 175,000 km, provided the vehicle has followed the manufacturer's maintenance schedule with an authorised repairer. This is a significant safety net for used buyers. Verify eligibility via the Peugeot dealer or stellantis-support.com. The 12-year rust perforation warranty applies to all P5 308 models.
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.