Peugeot 308 II (T9) (2013 – 2021)

Reliability score : 5.8/10

The second-generation Peugeot 308 (T9) marked a major turning point for the lion brand. Voted 'Car of the Year 2014', it introduced the modular EMP2 platform, offering significant weight savings (up to 140 kg) and benchmark road handling, combining dynamism and comfort. It also introduced the famous 'i-Cockpit' (small steering wheel, raised instrument cluster, central touchscreen for controls). Restyled in 2017 (phase 2) then slightly updated in 2020 (phase 3 with digital gauges), it achieved immense commercial success. However, while its dynamic qualities are undeniable, its career has been heavily marred by major reliability issues, particularly with petrol engines (PureTech) and diesel emissions control systems (BlueHDi).

✅ Strengths

Exceptional road handling (comfort/roadholding compromise)
Significantly improved finish and material quality (close to German standards)
Gigantic boot volume on the estate version (SW - 610 litres)
Ergonomics of the small steering wheel (i-Cockpit) highly appreciated by a majority of drivers
Remarkable fuel efficiency of diesel engines

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous reliability of 1.2 PureTech petrol engines (wet belt)
Reliability of the AdBlue emissions control system on all BlueHDi engines
Very average rear passenger space on the hatchback
Tedious all-touch ergonomics (air conditioning via the screen) and slow multimedia system (especially phase 1)
Frequent parasitic noises from the rear axle (crossmember)

🎯 Verdict

The Peugeot 308 II is a brilliant car on the road, but its reliability record is heavily weighed down by hazardous technical choices. If you are looking for a petrol engine, caution is advised: the 1.2 PureTech should be avoided unless the belt has been recently replaced, maintenance is impeccable, and you plan to change the oil every 10,000 km. The 1.6 THP also requires particular attention. Paradoxically, the best choices for this 308 are the older diesels (1.6 HDi 92/115) without AdBlue, or the robust 2.0 BlueHDi (while keeping a budget for the AdBlue tank). To be bought with full knowledge of the facts, with a clear service history being mandatory.

Common issues

Dégradation de la courroie de distribution humide (moteur 1.2 PureTech) High

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km ou 5-6 ans

💶 800 – 2 000 € (peut être plus si dommages moteur)

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien et l'état de la courroie (par un expert).

Encrassement des soupapes d'admission (moteurs à injection directe) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 300 – 700 € (décalaminage)

Privilégier des trajets longs et un carburant de qualité supérieure.

Consommation excessive d'huile (moteur 1.2 PureTech) Medium

🔧 Dès 50 000 km

💶 Variable, de 100 € (appoints) à 2 500 €+ (segmentation/remplacement moteur)

Vérifier le niveau d'huile très régulièrement et faire les appoints nécessaires.

Dysfonctionnement du système Stop&Start Low

🔧 Dès 40 000 km

💶 150 – 400 € (batterie auxiliaire, capteur)

Tester le système et vérifier la batterie auxiliaire lors de l'achat.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Timing belt	£700 – 1 300
Clutch	£750 – 1 400
Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£550 – 1 100

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.