IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2014 Peugeot 308 (T9)

We've identified 4 known issues that can affect the 2014 Peugeot 308 (T9). 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

4
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
1
Minor

All Known Issues

1.2 PureTech "Wet Belt" Degradation

SeriousEngine

The 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine utilises a wet timing belt operating submerged in engine oil. Fuel contamination and thermal stress cause belt rubber to degrade, shedding fibrous particles into the engine sump. These particles block the oil pump strainer, causing severe oil starvation, vacuum pump failure, and loss of assisted braking (UK recall R/2020/331), with catastrophic engine failure if unaddressed.

Est. Repair Cost: £600–£1,800
Warning Signs:

Low oil pressure warning lamp illuminated while driving, Sudden firm or unassisted brake pedal due to vacuum pump blockage, Engine warning light illuminated with variable valve timing fault codes, Visible degradation or swelling of the belt when viewed through the oil filler cap

What to Inspect:
  • Measure timing belt width through the oil filler cap using the PSA measuring tool
  • Verify complete service history proving annual oil changes with PSA B71 2312 or B71 2010 oil
  • Check DVSA recall records to confirm safety recall R/2020/331 has been completed
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

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 2014 Peugeot 308 (T9)

  • Check for a comprehensive service history with invoices.
  • Ensure all electronics and dashboard displays function correctly.
  • Test drive the car on various road surfaces to check for suspension noise.