Peugeot 208 Common Faults in Ireland
Mk2 (2019–present) — B-segment supermini. One of the most popular small cars in Ireland, available with 1.2 PureTech petrol, 1.5 BlueHDi diesel, and fully electric e-208 (50kWh) variants.. Updated 2026-08-19.
The Peugeot 208 Mk2 is a stylish and well-specified supermini but the 1.2 PureTech 100 engine has a documented timing chain and oil consumption problem on early 2019–2020 production cars. Buyers should specifically check for the PureTech chain recall fix and verify the car does not consume oil between services. The e-208 electric variant avoids all petrol engine concerns and is an excellent choice for urban Irish drivers.
Live Peugeot 208 market on Autoza — 23 September 2026
Median asking price €13,450 · from €4,850. See the live Peugeot 208 listings →
Thinking of selling instead? Value your Peugeot 208 →
Set by CO₂ and by the date of first registration — NEDC table for July 2008–2020 registrations, WLTP table from January 2021. The two tables use the same band letters for different amounts, so an import is keyed to its first registration abroad. Check your exact rate →
Quick-stats values are indicative editorial estimates aggregated from owner-forum sentiment, recall portals, and reliability surveys. For Autoza-derived median asking prices per cohort with sample size and confidence tier, see the open dataset at huggingface.co/datasets/Autoza/irish-used-car-price-index.
Which Peugeot 208 years should you avoid?
Avoid 2019, 2020 Peugeot 208 models if you can. 2019–2020: Early 1.2 PureTech 100 production used the same timing chain specification that caused widespread failures on the Mk1 208 and other PSA/Stellantis models. Chain stretch, oil starvation, and oil burning are documented on cars that have not received the updated tensioner.
Best and worst years to buy
2021 onward: PSA issued revised chain tensioner fixes by late 2020; 2021+ production cars incorporated revised parts. Lower risk of the oil consumption and chain failure that affected early Mk2 cars.
2019–2020: Early 1.2 PureTech 100 production used the same timing chain specification that caused widespread failures on the Mk1 208 and other PSA/Stellantis models. Chain stretch, oil starvation, and oil burning are documented on cars that have not received the updated tensioner.
Known faults — Peugeot 208 Mk2 (2019–present)
Fault patterns are cross-checked against manufacturer technical bulletins, the RSA Ireland recall portal and Autoza dealer feedback. Repair costs are Irish ranges built from verified 2026 Irish labour rates, never converted from another market. Severity is colour-coded.
1.2 PureTech timing chain and oil consumption
Critical — engine-out potential- Symptoms
- Engine warning light; rattling noise on cold start; oil level dropping between services; engine stalling; in severe cases, timing chain failure
- Years affected
- Mk2 2019–2020 (1.2 PureTech 100 and 130) — From 30,000 km; higher risk above 60,000 km
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €350–€1,250 · Main dealer €600–€2,250The spread is genuine: some engines are a front-of-engine job, others need the engine out. Ask the garage how many hours they are quoting before comparing prices.
- What to check before buying
- This is the single most important check on any 2019–2020 208. Pull the dipstick — if the car has done 10,000 km since the last oil change and the level is near MIN, that is an oil consumption red flag. Ask for proof of the PSA timing chain tensioner update (dealer service record). Listen for a chain rattle on cold start. Ask specifically: "Has the timing chain ever been replaced or the tensioner updated?" Any hesitation from the seller is a warning sign.
iCockpit i-Toggles touchscreen and digital dashboard freeze
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- Centre touchscreen freezes mid-drive; digital instrument cluster goes blank; infotainment reboots spontaneously
- Years affected
- 2019–2022 across all variants — Can occur from low mileage — software-related
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Costs vary widely by garage — get one quote from a local independent and one from a main dealer before committing. Irish labour runs about €70–€110 an hour independent and €110–€160 at a franchised dealer, VAT included.
- What to check before buying
- Test the touchscreen and digital dashboard during the test drive — do they respond immediately? Ask if the car has had the latest Peugeot Connect infotainment software update applied. Most iCockpit freeze issues are resolved by software updates which are free at any authorised Peugeot dealer.
Gearbox judder — EAT8 automatic
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Shuddering or hesitation when moving off from standstill; harshness in low-speed traffic; jerky low-speed gear changes
- Years affected
- 2019–2021 (EAT8 8-speed automatic) — Above 40,000 km in urban use
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €900–€1,800 · Main dealer €1,400–€2,800This is the clearest case for going independent: a specialist rebuild of the existing unit typically costs well under a dealer’s replacement unit. Diagnosis alone is usually €80–€180 — pay for that first and decide afterwards.
- What to check before buying
- Test the EAT8 auto specifically in slow-moving traffic and from a complete standstill. Any shudder or hesitation when pulling away is the known EAT8 low-speed judder symptom. A software calibration update (free at dealer under warranty) often resolves it — check whether the update has been applied on older cars. Avoid high-mileage EAT8 automatics without documented gearbox service.
Front brake judder — warped discs
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Steering wheel shaking under braking from motorway speeds; pulsing through brake pedal
- Years affected
- All years above 40,000 km — 40,000+ km
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Independent garage €180–€320 · Main dealer €280–€450Per axle, discs and pads together. Fronts usually wear roughly twice as fast as rears.
- What to check before buying
- Brake firmly from 80 km/h on a quiet road. Any vibration through the pedal or steering wheel indicates warped discs — common on 208s used in urban stop-start traffic. Front disc and pad replacement is straightforward and relatively inexpensive on the 208.
Plastic interior trim fitment and rattles
Minor — wear-and-tear- Symptoms
- Dashboard rattles; A-pillar or door card buzzing; boot trim vibrations over bumpy roads
- Years affected
- All years — cosmetic issue — Often present from 30,000+ km
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Costs vary widely by garage — get one quote from a local independent and one from a main dealer before committing. Irish labour runs about €70–€110 an hour independent and €110–€160 at a franchised dealer, VAT included.
- What to check before buying
- Drive over a speed bump with the radio off. Listen for rattles from the dashboard, door cards, or A-pillar. Interior trim fit and finish is the most common owner complaint on the Mk2 208 — not a safety issue, but can be irritating. Not a reason to reject a car but worth noting for negotiation.
e-208 12V auxiliary battery failure
Moderate — service-level fix- Symptoms
- Car fails to wake from standby; warning lights at startup; EV system faults
- Years affected
- e-208 2019–2022 — From 3–4 years old regardless of mileage
- Repair cost in Ireland
- Costs vary widely by garage — get one quote from a local independent and one from a main dealer before committing. Irish labour runs about €70–€110 an hour independent and €110–€160 at a franchised dealer, VAT included.
- What to check before buying
- For e-208 specifically: check the car has been driven recently (not left standing for weeks). A weak 12V auxiliary battery causes a range of EV system faults and is common on e-208 cars approaching 4 years old. Proactive replacement is cheap insurance.
Who this car suits — and who should look elsewhere
Urban and suburban commuters who want a stylish small car. Buyers who can verify the PureTech timing chain fix has been done. e-208 buyers doing short-to-medium daily distances under 200km.
Buyers who cannot verify the 2019–2020 PureTech timing chain tensioner update has been completed — the risk is too high. High-mileage EAT8 automatic buyers without documented gearbox service. Buyers wanting a simple, low-maintenance petrol supermini should consider the Toyota Yaris Hybrid instead.
Frequently asked questions about the Peugeot 208
What are the most common faults on a used Peugeot 208 in Ireland?+
The Peugeot 208 Mk2 is a stylish and well-specified supermini but the 1.2 PureTech 100 engine has a documented timing chain and oil consumption problem on early 2019–2020 production cars. Buyers should specifically check for the PureTech chain recall fix and verify the car does not consume oil between services. The e-208 electric variant avoids all petrol engine concerns and is an excellent choice for urban Irish drivers.
What is the best year to buy a used Peugeot 208 in Ireland?+
Best-buy years: 2021, 2022, 2023. 2021 onward: PSA issued revised chain tensioner fixes by late 2020; 2021+ production cars incorporated revised parts. Lower risk of the oil consumption and chain failure that affected early Mk2 cars.
Which Peugeot 208 years should you avoid?+
Avoid 2019, 2020 Peugeot 208 models if you can. 2019–2020: Early 1.2 PureTech 100 production used the same timing chain specification that caused widespread failures on the Mk1 208 and other PSA/Stellantis models. Chain stretch, oil starvation, and oil burning are documented on cars that have not received the updated tensioner.
How much does a used Peugeot 208 cost in Ireland in 2026?+
Typical asking prices on Autoza.ie: Mk2 2019–2021: €15,000–€22,000 | Mk2 e-208 (2020–2022): €22,000–€30,000. Prices vary by mileage, county, and trim. Compare at least five listings of the same year and mileage band before negotiating.
What is the motor tax on a Peugeot 208 in Ireland?+
Annual motor tax: €170–€200/year (1.2 PureTech); €170/year (1.5 BlueHDi); €120/year (e-208 EV). Irish motor tax is set by CO2 and by the date the car was FIRST REGISTERED, not by model generation: cars first registered between July 2008 and December 2020 are taxed on the NEDC CO2 table, and cars first registered from 1 January 2021 on the WLTP table. The two tables use the same band letters for different amounts, so the same car can pay a different rate depending on its registration date. An import is keyed to its first registration in its country of origin. Check the CO2 figure on your VRC against the tables on https://autoza.ie/motor-tax-calculator-ireland for the exact rate.
What real-world fuel economy does a Peugeot 208 achieve on Irish roads?+
Typical real-world consumption: 5.5–6.5 L/100km (1.2 PureTech real-world Irish mixed); 4.0–4.8 L/100km (1.5 BlueHDi); 15–18 kWh/100km (e-208 real-world). Irish driving (mix of motorway and single-carriageway, often wet) tends to land 10–15% above WLTP.
How does a Peugeot 208 compare to its rivals?+
Strong alternatives in Ireland: Toyota Yaris, Renault Clio, Opel Corsa, SEAT Ibiza, VW Polo. Choose based on dealer network in your county, parts availability, and your priorities (running cost vs. cabin quality vs. badge).
Who is the Peugeot 208 most suitable for?+
Urban and suburban commuters who want a stylish small car. Buyers who can verify the PureTech timing chain fix has been done. e-208 buyers doing short-to-medium daily distances under 200km.
Who should NOT buy a Peugeot 208?+
Buyers who cannot verify the 2019–2020 PureTech timing chain tensioner update has been completed — the risk is too high. High-mileage EAT8 automatic buyers without documented gearbox service. Buyers wanting a simple, low-maintenance petrol supermini should consider the Toyota Yaris Hybrid instead.
Is the 1.2 PureTech timing chain and oil consumption on the Peugeot 208 a serious problem?+
1.2 PureTech timing chain and oil consumption is a known issue on the Peugeot 208. Symptoms: Engine warning light; rattling noise on cold start; oil level dropping between services; engine stalling; in severe cases, timing chain failure. Years affected: Mk2 2019–2020 (1.2 PureTech 100 and 130). Mileage: From 30,000 km; higher risk above 60,000 km. Repair cost in Ireland: Independent garage €350–€1,250 · Main dealer €600–€2,250 What to check before buying: This is the single most important check on any 2019–2020 208. Pull the dipstick — if the car has done 10,000 km since the last oil change and the level is near MIN, that is an oil consumption red flag. Ask for proof of the PSA timing chain tensioner update (dealer service record). Listen for a chain rattle on cold start. Ask specifically: "Has the timing chain ever been replaced or the tensioner updated?" Any hesitation from the seller is a warning sign.
Alternatives to consider
If the Peugeot 208 doesn't suit, these comparable models are worth a look in the Irish market:
Still deciding? Compare by budget
- Best used diesel cars for commuting in Ireland — if you are buying diesel for the mileage, see which models hold up.
Before you buy or sell a Peugeot 208
Two quick checks pay for themselves on any used 208. First, check the car's NCT history before you buy — a missed or repeat-fail NCT often signals a chronic fault the seller is hoping you'll miss. Second, if you're weighing the 208 against rival models, you can compare the 208 against its rivals side-by-side on price, running costs and spec.
Selling instead? See what your Peugeot 208 is worth with our free Irish valuation — it reads live comparable listings and returns a resale and trade-in figure in seconds, no signup.
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