When we talk about the Peugeot 308 years to avoid, we’re not trying to scare you off the car. Quite the opposite. The 308, built by Peugeot, has been one of Europe’s most stylish and practical hatchbacks since its debut in 2007. It competes confidently with icons like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus.

But every model has its weak spots. And if we’re spending our hard-earned money, we deserve to know which production years bring headaches… and which ones quietly deliver peace of mind.

So let’s roll up our sleeves and dig into it properly.

Why “Years to Avoid” Even Matter

Buying used is like dating someone’s ex. You’re not getting the shiny brochure version — you’re inheriting history. Maintenance habits. Engineering quirks. Design experiments.

Some model years:

• Introduced new engines with teething issues
• Suffered early electronic glitches
• Had problematic transmissions
• Used components later redesigned or recalled

Knowing this helps us buy smart — not just cheap.

Peugeot 308 Generations at a Glance

Before we single out the risky years, we need context.

First Generation (T7) – 2007 to 2013

• Replaced the Peugeot 307
• Petrol and diesel range including 1.4, 1.6 VTi, 1.6 THP, 1.6 HDi
• Known for electrical quirks and engine concerns

Second Generation (T9) – 2013 to 2021

• Lighter EMP2 platform
• Improved interior quality
• More refined engines
• Better reliability overall

Third Generation – 2021 onwards

• Modern styling
• Plug-in hybrid options
• Still too new for long-term reliability verdicts

Now let’s get specific.

Peugeot 308 Years to Avoid

1. 2008 Peugeot 308

The early T7 years were experimental. And 2008? That’s where we saw recurring issues.

Common Problems

• 1.6 THP timing chain stretch
• Turbo failures
• Electrical gremlins
• Power steering faults

The timing chain problem in particular became infamous. Rattling noise on cold start? That was often the warning sign.

If poorly maintained, this could snowball into expensive engine damage.

2. 2009 Peugeot 308

Not dramatically worse than 2008 — but not significantly better either.

Why It’s Risky

• Continued THP engine carbon buildup
• Oil consumption issues
• Automatic gearbox hesitation
• Sensor failures

Direct injection engines were still evolving. Carbon buildup clogged intake valves like cholesterol in arteries.

3. 2010 Peugeot 308 (1.6 THP Models)

Let’s be clear: not every 2010 308 is bad. Diesel variants can be solid if maintained.

But petrol 1.6 THP versions? Approach with caution.

Recurring Issues

• Timing chain tensioner failure
• High-pressure fuel pump problems
• Cooling system leaks

Repair bills often shocked unsuspecting buyers.

4. 2014 Early Second-Gen Models

The second generation launched in 2013–2014. It was a big leap forward — but early production units sometimes struggled.

What Went Wrong

• Infotainment freezing
• Touchscreen lag
• AdBlue system faults (diesel)
• Early PureTech belt wear reports

The 1.2 PureTech wet belt issue — where the belt runs in oil — later became widely discussed. Poor oil maintenance accelerated belt degradation.

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Engines That Trigger Red Flags

Not every year is bad — sometimes it’s the engine variant.

1. 1.6 THP (Turbo Petrol)

Jointly developed with BMW, this engine had performance flair but reliability fragility in early years.

Common faults:

• Timing chain stretch
• Oil leaks
• Carbon buildup
• Turbo actuator problems

Later revisions improved things, but early examples are the gamble.

2. Early 1.2 PureTech (Pre-2017)

Brilliant fuel economy. Smooth drive. But…

• Wet timing belt deterioration
• Oil contamination
• Belt debris blocking oil pickup

If oil changes were delayed? Risk increases dramatically.

Diesel Models: Safer or Not?

The 1.6 HDi diesel is generally more robust. But:

• EGR valve clogging
• DPF issues on short urban drives
• Turbo wear with poor servicing

Diesels reward motorway use and strict maintenance schedules.

Years Generally Considered Safer

Now let’s flip the coin.

2016–2019 Peugeot 308

These years benefit from:

• Refined PureTech engines
• Improved electronics
• Better gearbox calibration
• Resolved early touchscreen glitches

Facelift updates improved reliability perception.

2018–2020 Diesel Models

Updated emissions systems. Better software integration. Fewer widespread complaints.

Automatic vs Manual: Which Is Riskier?

Automatic transmissions in early models sometimes showed:

• Hesitation
• Rough shifting
• Software glitches

Manual gearboxes tend to be simpler and more durable — especially in earlier T7 models.

Warning Signs When Buying Used

If we’re inspecting a used Peugeot 308, here’s what we look for:

Engine Check

• Rattling on cold start
• Blue smoke from exhaust
• Oil level unusually low

Service History

• Regular oil changes?
• Timing belt replaced on PureTech?
• AdBlue repairs documented?

Electronics

• Touchscreen responsiveness
• Dashboard warning lights
• Central locking function

Cost of Ignoring Problem Years

Let’s talk numbers.

• Timing chain replacement: expensive
• Turbo replacement: very expensive
• Wet belt failure: potentially catastrophic
• AdBlue system repair: not cheap

A “cheap” 308 can become expensive overnight.

Should You Avoid These Years Completely?

Not necessarily.

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If:

• Full service history exists
• Known faults were repaired
• Price reflects risk
• Independent inspection checks out

Then even a “problem year” can be safe.

Maintenance matters more than model year.

Ownership Experience: The Bigger Picture

The Peugeot 308 offers:

• Sharp European handling
• Elegant interior design
• Comfortable ride
• Competitive fuel economy

When properly maintained, it’s a genuinely enjoyable hatchback.

But neglect turns small issues into major ones.

The Smart Buyer Strategy

Here’s our approach:

1. Avoid early 2008–2010 THP petrol unless documented repairs done
2. Be cautious with early PureTech (pre-2017)
3. Favor 2016+ facelift models
4. Choose manual over early automatics
5. Prioritize service history over low mileage

Mileage without maintenance is meaningless.

Final Verdict: Peugeot 308 Years to Avoid

If we’re being precise, the Peugeot 308 years to avoid primarily include:

• 2008
• 2009
• 2010 (THP models)
• Early 2014 production units
• Pre-2017 PureTech variants without belt updates

But this isn’t black and white. It’s about risk management.

Buy with knowledge. Inspect carefully. Budget wisely.

The 308 can be a gem — but only if we choose the right year.

Conclusion

The Peugeot 308 isn’t unreliable across the board. In fact, later models are impressively sorted. The key is understanding which years introduced mechanical experiments that didn’t age gracefully.

Think of it like buying a house. Some builds had plumbing issues. Later revisions fixed them. You just don’t want to inherit the cracked pipes.

Armed with this guide, we don’t guess. We decide.

FAQs

1. Is the Peugeot 308 unreliable overall?

No. Later second-generation models (2016+) show much improved reliability.

2. What engine should I avoid in a used Peugeot 308?

Early 1.6 THP petrol engines and early 1.2 PureTech (pre-2017) models without belt updates.

3. Are diesel Peugeot 308 models more reliable?

Generally yes, especially 1.6 HDi models, but DPF issues can occur with short urban driving.

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4. Is the automatic gearbox problematic?

Early automatics had hesitation issues. Later models improved significantly.

5. What is the safest used Peugeot 308 to buy?

2016–2019 facelift models with full service history are typically the safest bet.

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