Peugeot 208 common problems: known faults and repair costs

The electric power steering (EPS) system on the Mk1 Peugeot 208 (2012-2019) is one of the most frequently reported faults. The EPS motor or module can fail, leaving the steering very heavy and difficult, particularly at low speed. The failure is often sudden and accompanied by a steering warning light. In some cases the fault manifests as intermittent heavy steering before failing completely. Peugeot and PSA acknowledged the issue, and there were recalls on some models, but many affected cars are now out of warranty. The fault is common enough to be considered a standard pre-purchase check on the Mk1 208.

Typical repair cost: EPS module or column replacement: £350 to £800. EPS unit refurbishment: £200 to £450.

The diesel particulate filter (DPF) on Peugeot 208 diesel models is a frequent source of problems, particularly for drivers who use the car for short, low-speed urban journeys. The DPF needs to reach a high exhaust temperature to regenerate (burn off collected soot), and short journeys prevent regeneration. A blocked DPF causes power reduction and eventually a warning light. Repeated failed regeneration attempts lead to the filter becoming fully blocked, at which point it cannot be regenerated by driving and must be professionally cleaned or replaced.

Typical repair cost: DPF regeneration (forced, at a garage): £80 to £150. Professional DPF clean: £100 to £250. DPF replacement: £600 to £1,500.

The optional ETG5 automated manual gearbox (also called the 5-speed EGC, essentially a robotised manual) fitted to some 208 models is a well-documented problem area. The gearbox is an automated single-clutch manual rather than a conventional automatic, and its clutch actuator and selector mechanism are prone to wear and failure. The gearbox judders particularly at low speed and when manoeuvring. It is slower and less refined than a conventional automatic, and many owners find the driving experience unsatisfactory. Repair costs for the ETG5 can be significant.

Typical repair cost: ETG5 clutch actuator replacement: £400 to £800. ETG5 gearbox overhaul or replacement: £800 to £2,000.

The clutch on the Peugeot 208 wears at a reasonable rate on normal use, but urban driving and learner use can accelerate wear significantly. The dual mass flywheel (DMF) fitted to diesel 208 models also wears over time, causing judder and rattling at low revs. The DMF must be replaced at the same time as the clutch because gearbox removal is required for both jobs. A worn DMF left untreated accelerates wear on the gearbox input shaft bearings.

Typical repair cost: Clutch replacement (petrol 208): £350 to £700. Clutch and DMF replacement (diesel 208): £600 to £1,100.

The Mk2 Peugeot 208 (2019+) introduced the i-Cockpit digital instrument cluster and a larger infotainment touchscreen. Both have generated reliability concerns. The digital cluster can freeze, display incorrect information, or fail to boot. The infotainment system software can crash or become unresponsive. Some owners have reported intermittent total loss of dashboard information while driving. Peugeot has issued software updates for some issues, but the problems have been persistent enough to generate significant owner complaints.

Typical repair cost: Software update (dealer): nil or nominal. Instrument cluster replacement: £400 to £900. Infotainment head unit replacement: £500 to £1,200.

The 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (fitted to both Mk1 and Mk2 208 as the 82bhp and 100bhp variants) has had some turbocharger issues reported, particularly related to oil sludging when service intervals are not respected. The small turbocharger can suffer bearing wear on neglected examples. Peugeot also had a recall on some PureTech engines for a timing belt tensioner fault (on some markets this engine uses a belt-in-oil system). The later PureTech engines have been improved but it is worth checking service history carefully.

Typical repair cost: Turbocharger replacement (1.2 PureTech): £500 to £1,000. Oil feed pipe replacement: £80 to £200.

Some Mk1 Peugeot 208 hatchbacks have reported water ingress into the boot area through blocked drainage channels or perished seals around the tail lights. Water pooling in the boot can damage the spare wheel well, boot carpets, and any electronics stored in that area. The car's sills can also accumulate moisture if drain holes become blocked, leading to accelerated corrosion on older examples registered before 2015.

Typical repair cost: Boot seal and drainage repair: £100 to £300. Sill corrosion repair: £200 to £500 per side.