Peugeot 208 Common Problems and Solutions
AC Grinding
Problem:
A few seconds after turning on the aircon unit, you can hear a grinding noise.
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.
Difficulty level
Aircon Compressor
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.
Solution:
This problem was subject to a recall, so take the car to a Peugeot dealer, who will fix it free of charge.
Difficulty level
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.
Solution:
The only way to resolve this issue, is to take it to a Peugeot dealer and have them update the software.
Difficulty level
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.
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.
Difficulty level
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.
Solution:
You will need to take your car into a Peugeot garage, where they should do the software upgrade for free.
Difficulty level
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.
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.
Difficulty level
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.
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.
Difficulty level
Faulty Steering Alignment
Problem:
The steering wheel is not consistent with the direction being travelled in.
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.
Difficulty level
Tyres
Rear Wheel Arch Vibrates
Problem:
When in motion, the front wheel arch vibrates excessively.
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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