IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013 Peugeot 2008 (Gen 1)

The A94 2008 reached UK showrooms in 2013 on 208 running gear, mixing hatchback manners with a raised seat and 1.2 VTi or 1.6 e-HDi power. Grip Control and an optional panoramic roof were the talking points.

What changed for 2013

  • •1.2 VTi 82 and 1.6 VTi 120 petrols, plus 1.4 and 1.6 e-HDi diesels
  • •Five- and six-speed manuals with ETG5/ETG6 automated manual gearboxes
  • •Grip Control front traction system with all-season tyres, but no four-wheel drive
  • •UK trims Access+, Active, Allure and Feline, the last on 17-inch wheels with sat-nav

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Front drop-link and lower-arm bush play picked up as suspension advisories
  • !Diesel smoke-test failures where the DPF has been gutted or the EGR is clogged
  • !Corroded rear brake pipes and ferrules on early 2013-2015 cars
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

Front Suspension Wishbone Mounting Bolt Failure

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

A recall affected first-generation 2008s built in 2013 and 2014 where the mounting bolts on the front suspension wishbones could break or had not been tightened correctly at the factory. A broken bolt can cause clunks, vibration, vague steering and in the worst case a loss of steering control. Affected vehicles should have had the bolts replaced free of charge under the recall, but used buyers must confirm the work was completed.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (recall repair)
Warning Signs:

Clunking or vibration from the front suspension, Vague or imprecise steering feel, Knocking over speed humps and potholes

What to Inspect:
  • Verify by VIN with a Peugeot dealer that the wishbone bolt recall was completed
  • Test drive over rough surfaces listening for front suspension knocks
  • Check MOT history for front suspension advisories or failures
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

DPF Oil Contamination on Diesel Models

ModerateExhaust & Emissions

First-generation diesel 2008s fitted with a DPF can suffer oil contamination if the DPF regeneration cycle is interrupted mid-way — for example by switching the engine off during a forced regen. Fuel leaks into the oil system, gradually raising the oil level and risking engine damage. This is especially relevant to UK cars used predominantly on short, low-speed urban trips where the DPF rarely reaches regeneration temperature. Regular motorway running and checking the oil level are essential preventative measures.

Est. Repair Cost: £100–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Rising oil level on dipstick, Diesel or fuel smell from the oil, DPF or anti-pollution warning light, Engine management light illuminated

What to Inspect:
  • Check oil level and condition — look for fuel dilution or overfilled oil
  • Ask whether DPF regeneration has ever been interrupted mid-cycle
  • Review service history for DPF cleaning, forced regeneration or oil flush invoices
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Bluetooth Connectivity Faults

MinorElectrics & Electronics

Owners of the 2008 Mk1 have reported problems with the Bluetooth music-streaming functionality, including connection dropouts and refusal to access music playlists. The issue can affect hands-free phone operation and audio streaming, which is a common frustration on UK used examples. The fault may persist even after re-pairing the phone and can require a head unit software reset or replacement in persistent cases.

Est. Repair Cost: £0–£300
Warning Signs:

Phone will not pair or repeatedly drops Bluetooth connection, Music playlists cannot be accessed via Bluetooth, Intermittent audio streaming dropouts

What to Inspect:
  • Pair a smartphone and stream music for at least 10 minutes to test stability
  • Make and receive a hands-free call to verify microphone and speaker operation
  • Check whether a head unit software reset or update has been applied
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2013 Peugeot 2008 (Gen 1)

  • Drive an ETG car in traffic; a long pause or clunk on downshifts is not normal
  • Check all four tyres for uneven wear, a known 2008 trait on UK roads
  • Ask for DPF and EGR repair history on any 1.6 e-HDi diesel