2021 Peugeot 508 diesel: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2021 Peugeot 508 diesel?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2021 Peugeot 508 diesel than on all cars registered in 2021.

• Wipers3.1× usual
  Peugeot 508

  10.5% All 2021 cars

  3.4%

  Failed outright at MOT: 7.1%, 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.

• Brake pads2.1× usual
  Peugeot 508

  13% All 2021 cars

  6.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 2.9%, against 1.1% of all 2021 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £75–£175 (one axle) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Listen for squealing or grinding when braking, and look through the wheel at how much pad is left.

Common 2021 Peugeot 508 diesel MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2021 Peugeot 508 diesel MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  28% 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
  19% 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
  14% of testsRough price £15–£250

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

• 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.

• Exhaust and emissions
  2% of testsRough price £100–£1,200

  At the viewing: Look for black soot in the tailpipe, listen for blowing from the exhaust and check for engine or DPF warning lights.

• Suspension
  2% 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.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2021 Peugeot 508 diesel

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

1. Any recent work on the wipers? (Flagged at MOT 3.1× as often on the 2021 Peugeot 508 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the brake pads? (Flagged at MOT 2.1× as often on the 2021 Peugeot 508 diesel as on other cars the same age.)
3. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?