2008 Peugeot 307 petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2008 Peugeot 307 petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2008 Peugeot 307 petrol than on all cars registered in 2008.

• Steering rack inner joints6.4× usual
  Peugeot 307

  17.4% All 2008 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Peugeot 307

  26% All 2008 cars

  14.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2%, against 1.2% of all 2008 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.

• Headlights2.1× usual
  Peugeot 307

  19.1% All 2008 cars

  9%

  Failed outright at MOT: 9.1%, against 4.1% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Track rod ends2.5× usual
  Peugeot 307

  12.5% All 2008 cars

  5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 5.2%, against 2.4% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £50–£150 (one end, plus about £30–£50 if it needs a wheel alignment) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints1.9× usual
  Peugeot 307

  12.8% All 2008 cars

  6.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 8.1%, against 3% of all 2008 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £60–£350 our estimate

  At the viewing: Drive slowly on full steering lock in both directions and listen for clicking. Look for split rubber boots behind the front wheels.

Common 2008 Peugeot 307 petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2008 Peugeot 307 petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Suspension
  47% 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
  42% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Brakes
  39% 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.

• Tyres
  37% 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.

• Steering
  21% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Driveshafts and joints
  13% of testsRough price £60–£350

  At the viewing: On full steering lock, drive slowly and listen for clicking from the front wheels.

Known faults on the 2008 Peugeot 307 petrol

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.

• Over 15 recalls

  All engines

  The 307 has been recalled more than 15 times, including for the ignition, seatbelt anchorages and fuel leaks.

  At the viewing: Run the free DVSA recall check on the reg.

  Source: What Car?: Peugeot 307 (2001-2009) reliability

• Head gasket failure (early 1.4 petrol)

  Early 1.4 petrol

  Some early 1.4 petrols have had head gasket failures.

  At the viewing: Check the coolant level and look for white exhaust smoke or creamy sludge under the oil cap.

  Source: What Car?: Peugeot 307 (2001-2009) reliability

• Suspension faults and indicator stalks

  All engines

  Suspension faults are common, even on later cars, and the indicator stalks can fail.

  At the viewing: Avoid a car that's noisy or lurches over bumps, and test every stalk function.

  Source: What Car?: Peugeot 307 (2001-2009) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2008 Peugeot 307 petrol

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

1. Has all the recall work been done?
2. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 6.4× as often on the 2008 Peugeot 307 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2008 Peugeot 307 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2008 Peugeot 307 petrol as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?