2016 Peugeot 308 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2016 Peugeot 308 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2016 Peugeot 308 diesel than on all cars registered in 2016.

• Number plate lights4.9× usual
  Peugeot 308

  13.1% All 2016 cars

  2.7%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.8% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £5–£40 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the number plate lights work and the plates are clean and legal.

• Anti-roll bar link joints9.8× usual
  Peugeot 308

  7.8% All 2016 cars

  0.8%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.6%, against 0.3% of all 2016 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.

• Drive shaft (CV) joints4.7× usual
  Peugeot 308

  7.1% All 2016 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4.1%, against 0.9% of all 2016 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.

• Engine oil leaks2.1× usual
  Peugeot 308

  4.2% All 2016 cars

  2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.1%, against 0.1% of all 2016 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Track rod ends1.8× usual
  Peugeot 308

  4.2% All 2016 cars

  2.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.7%, against 1.1% of all 2016 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.

Common 2016 Peugeot 308 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2016 Peugeot 308 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  33% 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
  26% 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
  24% 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
  19% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Driveshafts and joints
  7% of testsRough price £60–£350

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

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  6% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

Known faults on the 2016 Peugeot 308 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.

• Many recalls (23)

  All engines

  Recalls covered fuel leaks that could cause a fire, front subframe corrosion (2020), door latches, turbo and engine oil leaks, starter motors, overheating, airbags, particulate filters and emissions software.

  At the viewing: Ask a Peugeot dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Auto Express: used Peugeot 308 (Mk2, 2013-2021) buyer's guide

• Knocking rear axle (built to end of 2015)

  Built to 2015

  Cars built up to the end of 2015 could have a damaged rear axle that knocks.

  At the viewing: Listen for metallic knocking from the back over bumps.

  Source: Auto Express: used Peugeot 308 (Mk2, 2013-2021) buyer's guide

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2016 Peugeot 308 diesel

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

1. Have all the recalls been done? Can a Peugeot dealer confirm from the VIN?
2. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 4.9× as often on the 2016 Peugeot 308 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the anti-roll bar link joints? (Flagged at MOT 9.8× as often on the 2016 Peugeot 308 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the drive shaft (cv) joints? (Flagged at MOT 4.7× as often on the 2016 Peugeot 308 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?