1.6 THP timing-chain stretch
SeriousEnginePrince engine chain and carbon issues.
Est. Repair Cost: £500–£1,800
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Reliability GuideCommon Problems with the
Common Problems with the
2011 Peugeot 308 (T7)
The May 2011 facelift sharpened the 308's nose and introduced the e-HDi 112 micro-hybrid with stop-start, which became the default British diesel. The 200 hp GT had just joined the range, giving the T7 its widest choice before the T9 arrived.
What changed for 2011
- •Revised front end, new grille and a drag coefficient cut to 0.28
- •1.6 e-HDi 112 with stop-start and regenerative braking
- •308 GT with a 200 hp 1.6 THP joined the UK range in 2010
- •Bluetooth and USB audio became standard on most trims
Common MOT watch-outs
- !Stop-start battery and alternator faults causing non-starting
- !DPF warning lights on e-HDi cars doing short journeys
- !Worn front wishbone bushes and drop links causing uneven tyre wear
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor
All Known Issues
DPF Clogging on HDi Diesels
ModerateExhaust & EmissionsThe 1.6 HDi and 2.0 HDi diesels are prone to diesel particulate filter clogging, especially on short urban trips. A blocked DPF triggers limp mode, excessive fuel consumption and can eventually damage the turbo.
Est. Repair Cost: £200–£1,500
Warning Signs:
Anti-pollution warning light, Limp mode, Cooling fan running after shutdown, Poor fuel economy
What to Inspect:
- Ask about typical journey types and motorway use
- Check for DPF forced-regeneration or cleaning invoices
- Scan for soot-loading fault codes
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Flywheel (DMF) Vibration and Wear
ModerateGearbox & TransmissionThe dual-mass flywheel on diesel models can develop excessive play, causing vibration at idle, judder during take-off and a rattling noise. Replacement is expensive as the clutch must come off at the same time.
Est. Repair Cost: £800–£2,000
Warning Signs:
Judder when pulling away, Rattling at idle, Vibration through the clutch pedal
What to Inspect:
- Feel for judder from a standstill
- Listen for rattle with engine running and clutch depressed
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BSI Water Ingress and Electrical Gremlins
ModerateElectrics & ElectronicsThe body control module (BSI) located under the scuttle panel can suffer water damage from blocked pollen filters or poor sealing, causing erratic electrics such as phantom warning lights, wiper faults and central locking failures.
Est. Repair Cost: £200–£800
Warning Signs:
Phantom dashboard warning lights, Wipers operating randomly, Central locking cycling on and off, Interior lights staying on
What to Inspect:
- Check the pollen filter area for dampness
- Inspect the scuttle panel drains
- Look for corrosion on the BSI connector pins
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Buying Tips for 2011 Peugeot 308 (T7)
- Check stop-start cuts and restarts repeatedly in traffic
- Ask for proof of DPF regeneration or replacement on e-HDi
- On GT, check front tyres and brake discs for heavy wear