2021 Peugeot 208 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Peugeot 208 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Peugeot 208 diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake discs2.2× usual
  Peugeot 208

  13.5% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.4%, against 0.3% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £150–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look through the wheel at the brake disc: a deep lip at the edge or heavy scoring means they're worn. Feel for judder when braking.

Common 2021 Peugeot 208 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Peugeot 208 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  23% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Brakes
  17% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  9% of testsRough price £15–£250

  At the viewing: Check for chips in the driver's view, and test the wipers and washers.

• Suspension
  7% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Lights and electrics
  3% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  2% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2021 Peugeot 208 diesel

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Blocked DPF (1.5 BlueHDi)

  1.5 diesel

  Town driving can block the diesel particulate filter.

  At the viewing: Look for DPF warnings and smoke.

  If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

  Source: RAC: Peugeot 208 2019-2023 review

• Power steering faults

  All engines

  The electric power steering can play up.

  At the viewing: Check the steering is light and even, with no noises.

  Source: RAC: Peugeot 208 2019-2023 review

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Peugeot 208 diesel

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has it done longer runs?
2. Has the steering had any work?
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 2.2× as often on the 2021 Peugeot 208 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?