2021 Peugeot 208 electric: common problems and MOT failures

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

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

• Wipers2.5× usual
  Peugeot 208

  8.9% All 2021 cars

  3.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 6.4%, against 2.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £15–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Test the wipers and washers on every speed.

• Link ball joint covers25× usual
  Peugeot 208

  2.5% All 2021 cars

  0.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 1.9%, against 0.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£150 (one joint) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for knocking over bumps and check the rubber boots behind the wheels aren't split.

• Wheels3.8× usual
  Peugeot 208

  2.3% All 2021 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

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

• Braking performance2.9× usual
  Peugeot 208

  2% All 2021 cars

  0.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.5%, against 0.2% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a quiet road, brake firmly from about 30mph. The car should stop straight without pulling.

Common 2021 Peugeot 208 electric MOT failures and advisories

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

• Tyres
  31% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  10% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Brakes
  7% 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.

• 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
  4% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  2% of testsRough price £80–£250

  At the viewing: Pull each seatbelt sharply. It should lock, and retract cleanly.

Known faults on the 2021 Peugeot 208 electric

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.

• 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 electric

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

1. Has the steering had any work?
2. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 2.5× as often on the 2021 Peugeot 208 electric as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the link ball joint covers? (Flagged at MOT 25× as often on the 2021 Peugeot 208 electric as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the wheels? (Flagged at MOT 3.8× as often on the 2021 Peugeot 208 electric as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?