IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2013 Peugeot 308 (T9)

The T9 308 landed in 2013 on the EMP2 platform, losing 140 kg and gaining the small-wheel i-Cockpit. UK registrations began in 2014, with 1.2 PureTech, 1.6 THP and 1.6 e-HDi engines and a class-leading boot.

What changed for 2013

  • •EMP2 platform with a 140 kg weight saving over the T7 and a 470-litre boot
  • •1.2 VTi/PureTech three-cylinder, 1.6 THP and 1.6 e-HDi/HDi engines
  • •Five- and six-speed manuals plus six-speed EAT6 automatic
  • •GT and GTi by Peugeot Sport models with 205 and 250/270 hp

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Diesel smoke-test failures from clogged DPFs on short-run e-HDi cars
  • !Worn front lower-arm bushes causing uneven front tyre wear
  • !Corroded rear brake discs and pads on low-mileage ex-fleet cars
3
Known Issues
0
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

SMEG and NAC Touchscreen Infotainment Freezing

ModerateElectrics & Electronics

The central 9.7-inch touchscreen controls navigation, radio, and all ventilation and heater settings. On early SMEG and later NAC units, internal memory corruption and software bugs cause freezing, black screens, sluggish response, and random reboots. When the screen freezes, occupants cannot adjust cabin heating, fan speeds, or windscreen demisting.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£650
Warning Signs:

Central touchscreen completely black or frozen on the Peugeot startup logo, Inability to adjust climate control temperature, air distribution, or fan blower speed, Frequent audio freezing, volume control lag, or Bluetooth call disconnects, Navigation system sluggish to respond to address inputs or route recalculations

What to Inspect:
  • Test heating and air conditioning controls through the screen to ensure swift temperature changes
  • Cycle through radio, sat-nav, and setup screens to detect system lag or freezes
  • Check whether the unit has been upgraded to the latest manufacturer firmware version
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Rear Torsion Beam Axle Creaking and Noise

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

On 2013–2018 T9 models, the hollow rear torsion beam axle can develop internal stress clicks or creaks over uneven surfaces and road camber changes. The metallic creaking originates from internal axle welding and damping voids. Peugeot issued technical service bulletins advising technicians to inject expanding structural polyurethane foam into the beam or replace the axle.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£1,100
Warning Signs:

Loud metallic creak or clicking noise from rear axle when negotiating uneven road surfaces, Creaking noise audible inside cabin when driving slowly across driveway thresholds or dropped kerbs, Persistent rear suspension noise that remains unchanged after renewing dampers or springs, Acoustic resonance transmitted into rear passenger footwells

What to Inspect:
  • Bounce the rear corners of the vehicle vigorously while stationary to listen for axle creaks
  • Test drive across dropped kerbs, speed humps, and angled driveways to listen for rear clicking sounds
  • Check service history records to see if rear axle foam injection or axle replacement was conducted
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Suspension Wishbone Bush and Drop Link Deterioration

MinorSuspension & Chassis

The EMP2 platform front suspension utilizes rubber lower control arm rear bushes and anti-roll bar drop links that wear quickly when subjected to speed humps and potholed UK roads. Perished rubber bushes cause steering wander, knocking over bumps, and accelerated uneven tyre shoulder wear, frequently resulting in UK MOT test advisories or failures.

Est. Repair Cost: £140–£380
Warning Signs:

Dull clunking or knocking noise from front suspension when traversing speed humps, Vagueness in steering response or slight wandering under heavy braking, Uneven wear on inner or outer edges of front tyres, MOT test advisories for play in front lower suspension arm ball joints or bushes

What to Inspect:
  • Drive over speed cushions and uneven tarmac while listening for front-end suspension thuds
  • Inspect lower wishbone rear bushes visually for cracked, torn, or displaced rubber
  • Review MOT history on GOV.UK for recurring front suspension bush or link advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2013 Peugeot 308 (T9)

  • Check the touchscreen and heating controls work without lag or reboots
  • On 1.6 e-HDi, ask for DPF and EGR history and look for a recent regeneration
  • On a GTi 270, confirm the Alcon front brakes and Torsen differential are present
2014
Check a 2013 Peugeot 308 (T9) by Registration