2021 Peugeot 308 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Peugeot 308 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Peugeot 308 diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Brake discs1.8× usual
  Peugeot 308

  11% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.6%, 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.

• Headlights10.5× usual
  Peugeot 308

  4.2% All 2021 cars

  0.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.9%, against 0.4% of all 2021 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.

• Number plate lights5.7× usual
  Peugeot 308

  3.4% All 2021 cars

  0.6%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.9%, against 0.2% of all 2021 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.

• Headlight aim2.7× usual
  Peugeot 308

  4% All 2021 cars

  1.5%

  Failed outright at MOT: 4%, against 1.5% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £20–£60 our estimate

  At the viewing: Park facing a wall at night or in a garage and check both headlight beams sit level. Aim is a cheap adjustment.

Common 2021 Peugeot 308 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Peugeot 308 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  20% 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
  16% 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.

• Lights and electrics
  13% of testsRough price £10–£80

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

• Suspension
  5% 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.

• Wipers, windscreen and mirrors
  2% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• Seats and seatbelts
  1% of testsRough price £80–£250

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

Known faults on the 2021 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

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 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 brake discs? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2021 Peugeot 308 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the headlights? (Flagged at MOT 10.5× as often on the 2021 Peugeot 308 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
4. Any recent work on the number plate lights? (Flagged at MOT 5.7× as often on the 2021 Peugeot 308 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
5. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?