Used Peugeot 208 2019-present reliability

Make sure to look out for dings, dents and scratches to paintwork. Check all alloys for any signs of kerbing. We’d advise test driving the 208 to make sure you can see the instrument panel comfortably over the small steering wheel. Be sure to check the car has a full service history, too.

At the time of writing, the Peugeot 208 has five recalls listed. To check whether they have been rectified on an affected car, you can contact your local Peugeot dealer. You will not need to pay for anything involving the recall.

Reason for recall

The routing of the rear brake pipes may not be correct and could cause them to fail.

How the manufacturer will repair: Check and replace affected pipes if necessary.

Number of affected vehicles: 1

Date of recall: 12/02/2020

Reason for recall

The fixing of the front wing wheel arch trim does not conform to specification.

How the manufacturer will repair: The repair consists of adding an additional fixing screw to the bottom of the front wheel arch trim.

Number of affected vehicles: 107

Date of recall: 07/05/2020

Reason for recall

The steering geometry could be incorrectly set because of an incorrectly calibrated setting rig in the manufacturing plant.

How the manufacturer will repair: Check the steering alignment and adjusting if set incorrectly. If the front tyres are worn these will also be replaced.

Number of affected vehicles: 10

Date of recall: 26/05/2020

Reason for recall

On affected vehicles the AC compressor stator wiring could develop a fault leading to current loss inside the AC compressor that could result in the vehicle powertrain shutdown when driving.

How the manufacturer will repair: Reprogram the powertrain diagnosis electronic control unit (ECU) with updated software.

Number of affected vehicles: 29,537

Date of recall: 09/05/2023

Reason for recall

Affected vehicles may exceed regulatory emission standards.

How the manufacturer will repair: Replace the canister purge valve (CPV) and or fuel line.

Number of affected vehicles: 3522

Date of recall: 24/07/2024

Peugeot as a manufacturer finished in a fairly disappointing 19th place out of 31 in the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey. Its score was 90.3%, which places it below BMW, Dacia and Skoda, but above Audi, Mercedes and Vauxhall.

There were too few examples of the 208 for accurate data so it didn't feature in the survey. Previous 208s have had a fairly middling reliability record.

However, the 208's SUV sibling, the Peugeot 2008, did feature in the reader responses section. That car does share some of its underpinnings with the 208, and some of its engines. Here, for reference, is what the readers said about that car.

Used Peugeot 2008: owners' reliability data

As part of our Reliability Survey, owners wrote in and the feedback proved mixed about the Peugeot 2008’s reliability.

Several owners reported recurring issues with the diesel models, particularly concerning warning lights and engine noise. Faulty sensors and electrical problems were common, with some mentioning expensive repairs needed shortly after purchase. One reader highlighted a persistent problem with the AdBlue system, resulting in frequent dealership visits. On the other hand, the petrol variants received fewer complaints, with most issues being minor and resolved quickly.

However, readers noted that the response from Peugeot dealerships varied significantly. Some praised their local dealers for prompt and efficient service, while others experienced long wait times and unsatisfactory repairs. A recurring theme was the high cost of out-of-warranty repairs, which left several owners frustrated.

If you would like to see the full reliability list, head to the What Car? Reliability Survey pages for more information.