IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2012 Peugeot 107

Second major facelift introducing Peugeot's revised front styling with integrated LED daytime running lights, improved interior materials, and CO2 emissions cut below 100g/km to qualify for free UK annual road tax.

What changed for 2012

  • •Redesigned front bumper with revised grille and LED daytime running lights
  • •Engine revisions reducing CO2 output to 99g/km for zero UK VED tax
  • •Upgraded interior upholstery and improved audio head unit options
  • •Strengthened 190mm clutch assembly fitted as standard from factory

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Rear trailing arm bush deterioration from road salt and speed cushions
  • !Headlamp lens UV clouding and beam alignment drift
  • !Front brake disc scoring from grit and urban stop-start use
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Premature Clutch Wear on Urban Cars

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The 1.0-litre 107 is predominantly used for urban commuting and first-time driver learning, placing immense strain on the lightweight clutch assembly. Pre-2009 models were manufactured with an undersized 180mm clutch friction plate that frequently wore out before 40,000 miles. Symptoms include a biting point at the very top of pedal travel, slipping in higher gears under moderate acceleration, and severe judder when moving off from a standstill. Peugeot later superseded the part with a sturdier 190mm clutch kit.

Est. Repair Cost: £350–£650
Warning Signs:

Clutch bite point right at top of pedal travel, Clutch slip when accelerating in third or fourth gear, Judder through pedal when pulling away in first gear, Squeaking or scraping noise from clutch release bearing

What to Inspect:
  • Perform a hill start from rest to feel for clutch slippage or severe judder
  • Accelerate in third gear at 2,000 rpm to ensure engine speed does not rise without road speed
  • Listen with the engine idling and clutch pedal depressed for release bearing noise
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Water Pump Bearing Seepage and Coolant Loss

ModerateCooling System

The coolant water pump on the 1.0-litre 1KR-FE three-cylinder petrol engine has a limited working lifespan and commonly develops shaft seal leaks or bearing failure. If left undetected, coolant gradually drains from the system, leading to engine overheating and potential cylinder head gasket failure. Early detection is possible by looking for dried crusty pink coolant residue around the water pump pulley on the auxiliary belt drive side of the engine block.

Est. Repair Cost: £180–£380
Warning Signs:

Coolant level dropping below minimum in expansion bottle, Crusty pink or white coolant crystallization around water pump pulley, Sweet antifreeze odour around engine bay when warm, Metallic grinding or high-pitched squeal from auxiliary belt area

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect the auxiliary belt side of the engine block for dried pink coolant deposits below the water pump pulley
  • Check coolant expansion tank level on a cold engine
  • Listen for rumbling or squeaking from the water pump bearing with the engine running
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Water Ingress via Tailgate and Light Cluster Seals

MinorBodywork & Rust

Water ingress into the luggage compartment is one of the most widespread faults on the 107. The foam gasket seals behind the high-level brake lamp, rear tail lamp clusters, and the main perimeter tailgate rubber deteriorate over time or detach from their mountings. Rainwater runs down the channels and pools in the spare wheel well, leading to damp boot carpeting, cabin condensation, musty odours, and potential corrosion of the boot floor pan.

Est. Repair Cost: £60–£200
Warning Signs:

Damp or mouldy boot carpet, Puddle of standing water in spare wheel well, Persistent window misting in cold weather, Damp smell inside the vehicle

What to Inspect:
  • Lift the boot carpet board and check the painted metal wheel well for standing water or rust
  • Inspect the high-level brake light and rear lamp cluster perimeter for perished foam gaskets
  • Check rear footwell carpets for dampness after wet weather or a car wash
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2012 Peugeot 107

  • Confirm the LED daytime running lights illuminate evenly without flickering
  • Check air conditioning operates cold if fitted, as condensers are vulnerable to stone chips
  • Review annual MOT history for recurring suspension or emissions advisories