IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2026 Peugeot 408

The January 2026 facelift gave the 408 a three-claw LED signature, illuminated badges and a revised range built around the 1.2 Hybrid 145, the 195 hp plug-in hybrid and the E-408. It keeps the fastback competitive as rivals retreat.

What changed for 2026

  • •New grille and bumper with a three-claw LED signature and illuminated badges
  • •1.2 Hybrid 145 mild hybrid replaces the PureTech 130
  • •1.6 Plug-in Hybrid 195 and the fully electric E-408 join the UK range
  • •Revised trim structure and new alloy wheel designs

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !First MOTs from 2029: tyre and brake wear on heavy PHEV and EV versions
  • !Water ingress in the illuminated badge and LED light modules
  • !ADAS calibration faults after windscreen or bumper work
2
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

PHEV On-Board Charger and Traction Battery Faults

SeriousElectrics & Electronics

Plug-in hybrid 408 models can experience on-board charger (OBC) and traction battery faults, with documented failure codes such as P12F03. The charging system may stop working entirely, leaving the car driveable only on its petrol engine. Spare parts lead times can be extended, and traction battery replacement costs are very high. PHEV buyers should verify that any charging cable recall has been completed and that the HV battery has no fault history.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,500–£5,000
Warning Signs:

Charging session fails or aborts unexpectedly, Fault code P12F03 or charging system warning, Car runs on petrol engine only despite charged battery, Drivetrain warning light illuminated

What to Inspect:
  • Plug into a Type 2 AC charger and verify continuous charging without interruption
  • Ask for evidence of completed charging cable recall work
  • Check for any stored high-voltage or charging system fault codes
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

e-EAT Automatic Gearbox Hesitation

ModerateGearbox & Transmission

The eight-speed e-EAT automatic gearbox fitted to plug-in hybrid models can be a weak link, with hesitant or unsmooth transitions between electric and petrol power. The gearbox may drop two or three ratios when extra acceleration is requested, sending revs and noise levels soaring without a proportional pick-up in pace. The issue is most noticeable during brisk acceleration or when the hybrid system switches between power sources.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£1,500
Warning Signs:

Hesitation when switching between electric and petrol power, Gearbox drops multiple ratios under acceleration, Rev levels rise without proportional acceleration

What to Inspect:
  • Test firm acceleration from low speed to check for gearbox hesitation
  • Drive in hybrid mode to feel transitions between electric and petrol
  • Ask whether any gearbox software calibration updates have been applied
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2026 Peugeot 408

  • Check the E-408 charge port and confirm it accepts rapid DC charging
  • Test the hybrid's move from electric to petrol power at low speed
  • Look for paint defects around the new grille and illuminated badge
2025
Check a 2026 Peugeot 408 by Registration