IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2011 Peugeot 508 (Gen 1)

The W23 508 replaced both the 407 and 607 in 2011, giving Peugeot a credible Mondeo rival with a 545-litre boot and a quiet, long-legged ride. UK engines ran from a 1.6 VTi petrol to a 2.2 HDi 200 GT.

What changed for 2011

  • •1.6 VTi 120 and 1.6 THP 156 petrols, plus 1.6, 2.0 and 2.2 HDi diesels
  • •Five- and six-speed manuals, six-speed EGC automated manual and AM6 automatic
  • •508 SW estate added in 2011 with a 1,581-litre maximum load area
  • •508 RXH diesel-hybrid crossover estate launched in 2012

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Electric power steering warning lamps and heavy steering from EPAS faults
  • !Worn rear suspension bushes causing inner-shoulder rear tyre wear
  • !Diesel smoke-test failures from clogged DPFs on urban 1.6 e-HDi cars
3
Known Issues
1
Serious
2
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Electric Power Steering (EPAS) Failure

SeriousSteering

The electrically-assisted steering can develop heavy or unassisted feel at low speed. The EPAS column is a known PSA weak point on this generation.

Est. Repair Cost: £400–£900
Warning Signs:

Heavy steering at low speed, Power steering warning light, Intermittent loss of assistance

What to Inspect:
  • Test steering at low speed and during parking
  • Check for power steering warning light
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

1.6 HDi/BlueHDi turbo and DPF issues

ModerateEngine

Needs strict oil changes to protect the turbo.

Est. Repair Cost: £300–£1,200
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Rear Suspension Bush Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The rear suspension trailing arm bushes wear prematurely on UK roads, causing a knocking noise from the rear over bumps and vague handling at speed. This is a common MOT advisory item.

Est. Repair Cost: £150–£400
Warning Signs:

Knocking from the rear over bumps, Vague rear-end feel at motorway speed, Uneven rear tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect rear bushes for play or cracking
  • Check MOT history for rear suspension advisories
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research Team

Buying Tips for 2011 Peugeot 508 (Gen 1)

  • Check the rear tyres' inner shoulders for scalloping or exposed cords
  • Turn the wheel lock to lock with the engine running and listen for EPAS noise
  • On the EGC automated manual, test creep and hill starts for clutch slip
2012–2014
Check a 2011 Peugeot 508 (Gen 1) by Registration