Peugeot 208: Common Problems and Solutions (2024)

AC Grinding

Problem:

A few seconds after turning on the aircon unit, you can hear a grinding noise.

Models affected:

Solution:

In some cases, this is down to a lack of oil. Try filling up your oil levels first. If that doesn't change the sound, then this is probably going to be a faulty aircon compressor. Buy a replacement from our parts list and swap it over.

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Part you need

Aircon Compressor

Part required

Aircon Compressor

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Bonnet latch problems

Problem:

On some of the 208's on the market, there has been a failure with the bonnet catch, which results in the bonnet not opening or closing properly. This is caused by the latch not being secured correctly.

Models affected:

Solution:

This problem was subject to a recall, so take the car to a Peugeot dealer, who will fix it free of charge.

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Touch screen failure

Problem:

Many other Peugeot 208 owners have come across problems with the touch screen not working, as it should on this car.

Models affected:

Solution:

The only way to resolve this issue, is to take it to a Peugeot dealer and have them update the software.

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Reduced braking performance

Problem:

If you have noticed that you are having a problem with the brakes, and are having to push harder on the brake pedal, this could be due to there being air in the braking system. There is a chance that the brakes were not bled properly at manufacture.

Models affected:

Solution:

This problem was subject to a recall, which means that you can take it to a Peugeot dealer, who will fix the issue free of charge.

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Display screen problem

Problem:

It has been known on the 208, for the display screen to show the Peugeot loading screen, which means you can't play music or see your speed (MPG). This is due to a software fault.

Models affected:

Solution:

You will need to take your car into a Peugeot garage, where they should do the software upgrade for free.

Gearbox problems

Problem:

You may have noticed that your car is having trouble engaging into reverse gear. This is a common problem on these cars. This is caused by a lack of synchromesh.

Models affected:

Solution:

This problem should ease off once the car has done a few more miles, but it won't go completely as it seems to be a Peugeot design's flaw. Lifting your foot off the clutch and re-engaging sometimes helps.

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Erratic Brake Efficiency

Problem:

The brake power on your 208 is erratic. Sometimes it works correctly, while at other times, the braking distance is much longer.

Models affected:

Solution:

There's a good chance that your brake vacuum pump is faulty. This was a common enough issue on 208s built between 2013 and 2017 that Peugeot announced a recall. In most cases where you have erratic brake efficiency, the material that attaches the brake vacuum pump to the timing belt has become detached. This will need to be replaced, and in some cases, you will also have to replace the vacuum pump itself and the timing belt, which you can have delivered if you order from us.

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Faulty Steering Alignment

Problem:

The steering wheel is not consistent with the direction being travelled in.

Models affected:

Solution:

In most cases, this will be a simple matter of the steering geometry being incorrectly calibrated. This was a factory error affecting 208s built between 2019 and 2020, so in most cases, Peugeot will repair it for free. However, if they don't, or you'd rather do the work yourself, then it's a relatively simple matter of adjusting the alignment. However, if the car has been driven a lot of miles, you may also find that the front tyres are more worn than they should, and you should order some today from us and then replace them when they get delivered.

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Part you need

Tyres

Part required

Tyres

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Rear Wheel Arch Vibrates

Problem:

When in motion, the front wheel arch vibrates excessively.

Models affected:

Solution:

This is a simple fix. It's caused by the front wheel arch trim not conforming to the right specifications. You can solve this problem yourself by simply adding an extra screw to the bottom of the arch. If you don't want to do this yourself, a Peugeot dealer may offer to do it for free.

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Reading these common Peugeot 208 problemsshould help you find out what is wrong with your Peugeot 208– or just what to look out for in the future. We’ll also give suggestionson what to do if your Peugeot 208 does have one of theseissues.

Peugeot 208: Common Problems and Solutions (2024)

AC Grinding

Problem:

Models affected:

Solution:

Bonnet latch problems

Problem:

Models affected:

Solution:

Touch screen failure

Problem:

Models affected:

Solution:

Reduced braking performance

Problem:

Models affected:

Solution:

Display screen problem

Problem:

Models affected:

Solution:

Gearbox problems

Problem:

Models affected:

Solution:

Erratic Brake Efficiency

Problem:

Models affected:

Solution:

Faulty Steering Alignment

Problem:

Models affected:

Solution:

Rear Wheel Arch Vibrates

Problem:

Models affected:

Solution:

Reading these common Peugeot 208 problemsshould help you find out what is wrong with your Peugeot 208– or just what to look out for in the future. We’ll also give suggestionson what to do if your Peugeot 208 does have one of theseissues.

References