Peugeot · 2007–2026
Common Peugeot 308 problems, and how to check them
These are the 5 faults owners and garages report most often on the Peugeot 308, from the most common down. For each one: what goes wrong, how to check it yourself, and the usual fix, so you know what you’re dealing with before you buy parts.
Fact-checked by a licensed car technician · last reviewed 27 September 2026
Problem 1
Peugeot 308: AdBlue fault with a no-restart countdown
What goes wrong
The pump and heater built into the AdBlue tank lose pressure or fail, or crystallised AdBlue blocks the injector and lines. The car counts down the kilometres until it won’t start again.
How to check it yourself
Read the codes: pressure codes like P20E8 point to the pump in the tank, injector codes to a blocked or failed AdBlue injector. Look for white crystals around the filler and the injector on the exhaust.
The usual fix
The pump is sealed into the tank, so the whole tank is usually replaced; a blocked injector is cleaned or replaced. Ask the dealer about Stellantis’ extended AdBlue coverage before paying, and act before the countdown reaches zero.
Signs: Check engine light
Fault codes: P20E8, P20EE, P21DD, P20BD, P207F
Problem 2
Peugeot 308: PureTech timing belt breaking up in the oil
What goes wrong
The timing belt runs in engine oil and slowly breaks up, especially with short trips and fuel-diluted oil. Belt debris blocks the oil pump strainer and the brake vacuum pump, which can cause an oil-pressure warning, a hard brake pedal, or a jumped belt and a ruined engine.
How to check it yourself
Treat an oil-pressure warning or a hard brake pedal as urgent: stop driving. A garage checks the belt width against the limit through the inspection opening (a special gauge) and looks for rubber debris in the oil and sump strainer.
The usual fix
Replace the timing belt, tensioner, and oil pump strainer, clean the sump, and replace the brake vacuum pump if it’s contaminated. Ask a dealer about Stellantis’ extended PureTech warranty and whether the engine has had the updated belt. Use the specified oil (PSA B71 2312) and change it on time or earlier.
Signs: Check engine light, Hard starting, Loss of power, High oil consumption
Fault codes: P0011, P0014, P0016, P0017, P0524
Problem 3
Peugeot 308: High oil consumption on the 1.2 PureTech turbo
What goes wrong
Carbon clogs the oil-control piston rings, so the engine burns oil; some owners report around a litre per 1,500 km. Oil on the spark plugs can then cause misfires.
How to check it yourself
Fill to max and measure top-ups over 1,000 km. Look at the spark plugs for oily deposits and check the dealer history for an oil-consumption test.
The usual fix
Ask a dealer for the official oil-consumption test: engines that fail it may get piston and ring work under Stellantis’ extended warranty. Keep the oil topped up in the meantime.
Signs: High oil consumption, Blue smoke, Misfire under load
Fault codes: P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303
Problem 4
Peugeot 308: Jerky or hesitant automatic gearbox
What goes wrong
Worn gearbox oil and outdated gearbox software cause jerky low-speed shifts and delayed engagement of drive or reverse.
How to check it yourself
Read the gearbox codes and ask a dealer for the software level. Check whether the gearbox oil has ever been changed.
The usual fix
Gearbox software update and adaptation reset, then a gearbox oil change with the correct fluid. Persistent slipping needs specialist inspection.
Signs: Harsh shifting, Transmission slipping
Problem 5
Peugeot 308: Turbo failure from oil starvation on the 1.6 HDi
What goes wrong
Carbon and sludge block the turbo oil feed line and its filter screen, starving the turbo bearings; injector copper washers leaking combustion gas add to the carbon.
How to check it yourself
Check for play in the turbo shaft and oil in the intake; look for black carbon around the injectors (a leaking injector washer).
The usual fix
Replace the turbo together with a new oil feed pipe and filter screen, change the oil, and renew leaking injector washers so the new turbo doesn’t fail too.
Signs: Loss of power, Blue smoke, Turbo whistle
Fault codes: P0299, P0234
General guidance, not a professional inspection. Confirm faults with measurements before buying parts, and use a qualified mechanic for brakes, steering, fuel leaks, airbags, and other safety-critical work. Terms and disclaimer