At a Glance
The Peugeot 208 has 15 identified common problems across 2 generations, with the Mk1 (2012-2019) being the most affected generation and tyres & wheels the most common problem category. Based on 1.3M MOT tests from DVSA data.
Problems are patterns in the DVSA data that occur significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average — confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read our DVSA MOT data methodology →
Below: generation-by-generation comparison of Peugeot 208 common problems, MOT failure types, and pass-rate data drawn from DVSA records. Click any generation to see fuel- and engine-specific fault patterns, mileage-banded repair guidance, and the most common MOT failures testers record.
MOT Tests & Failures by Generation
Peugeot 208 generations by MOT tests, failures, and identified problems from DVSA data
Hover over each bar for a full breakdown. Tap any bar to view that generation's problems.
Showing total MOT tests, failures, and known problems per make. Hover over each bar for a full breakdown.
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Peugeot 208 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Tell Us About Your Problem
Help other Peugeot 208 owners — report a problem and we'll add it to the database
Looking for a garage to repair your Peugeot 208?
Search our directory of 12,000+ UK garages by service and postcode — every garage has verified Google reviews.
Browse Peugeot 208 Generations
Select a generation to see its specific problems, MOT failures and advisories
Most Common Peugeot 208 MOT Failures
Every reason Peugeot 208 vehicles fail their MOT, ranked by frequency. Select an individual year to see only that year’s failures, or stay on ‘All time’ for the combined picture across our 20 years of DVSA data. Scroll inside the table for the full list.
| # | Failure | % of failures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tyre condition | 11.12% |
| 2 | Tyre tread depth below limit | 8.26% |
| 3 | Number plate lamp not working | 7.65% |
| 4 | Driveshaft fault | 6.62% |
| 5 | Exhaust system fault | 6.48% |
| 6 | Suspension joint or bush worn | 6.18% |
| 7 | Windscreen washer not working | 4.79% |
| 8 | Brake pads or linings worn | 4.77% |
| 9 | Brake disc or drum worn | 4.74% |
| 10 | Headlamp fault | 4.16% |
| 11 | Stop lamp not working | 3.83% |
| 12 | Brake performance below minimum | 3.82% |
| 13 | Spark ignition emissions above threshold | 3.47% |
| 14 | Wiper blades deteriorated | 3.39% |
| 15 | Position lamp not working | 1.92% |
| 16 | Parking brake performance below minimum | 1.54% |
| 17 | Track rod end worn | 1.32% |
| 18 | Ball joint dust cover split | 1.24% |
| 19 | Wheel bearing worn | 1.16% |
| 20 | Indicator fault | 1.14% |
| 21 | Compression ignition emissions above threshold | 1.12% |
| 22 | Windscreen damage affecting view | 1.03% |
| 23 | Airbag warning light on | 0.91% |
| 24 | Coil spring broken or corroded | 0.66% |
| 25 | Battery loose or leaking | 0.65% |
| 26 | Headlamp aim defect | 0.53% |
| 27 | Horn not working | 0.46% |
| 28 | Shock absorber worn or leaking | 0.44% |
| 29 | Mirror damaged or missing | 0.43% |
| 30 | Rear fog lamp not working | 0.40% |
| 31 | Brake lever fault | 0.40% |
| 32 | Tyre pressure monitoring system fault | 0.37% |
| 33 | Seat belt condition | 0.33% |
| 34 | Rear lamp not working | 0.28% |
| 35 | Catalytic converter efficiency low | 0.27% |
| 36 | Handbrake lever fault | 0.25% |
| 37 | ABS fault | 0.21% |
| 38 | Tyre size or type not matched | 0.21% |
| 39 | Brake pedal fault | 0.20% |
| 40 | Engine oil leak | 0.19% |
| 41 | Headlamp levelling device fault | 0.19% |
| 42 | Electronic stability control fault | 0.18% |
| 43 | MacPherson strut worn | 0.16% |
| 44 | Propshaft fault | 0.15% |
| 45 | Flexible brake hose damaged | 0.14% |
| 46 | Steering rack fault | 0.14% |
| 47 | Bonnet catch or hinge fault | 0.13% |
| 48 | Suspension mounting corroded | 0.11% |
| 49 | Tyre valve stem damaged | 0.10% |
| 50 | Bumper damaged or insecure | 0.10% |
| 51 | Front lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 52 | Fog lamp not working | 0.09% |
| 53 | Undertray damaged or missing | 0.07% |
| 54 | Passenger seat fault | 0.07% |
| 55 | Brake fluid level low or contaminated | 0.06% |
| 56 | Suspension arm worn or corroded | 0.06% |
| 57 | Suspension linkage fault | 0.05% |
| 58 | Reversing lamp not working | 0.05% |
| 59 | Steering lock fault | 0.05% |
| 60 | Engine mounting worn or broken | 0.05% |
| 61 | Rigid brake pipe corroded or damaged | 0.04% |
| 62 | Body corrosion or damage | 0.04% |
| 63 | Anti-roll bar worn or corroded | 0.04% |
| 64 | Brake fluid reservoir fault | 0.04% |
| 65 | Driver seat fault | 0.04% |
| 66 | Transmission oil leak | 0.04% |
| 67 | Brake cable, rod, lever or linkage fault | 0.04% |
| 68 | Driver door fault | 0.03% |
| 69 | Driver airbag fault | 0.03% |
| 70 | Daytime running lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 71 | Brake hydraulic component worn | 0.03% |
| 72 | Parking brake condition | 0.03% |
| 73 | Front fog lamp not working | 0.03% |
| 74 | Front suspension joint worn | 0.03% |
| 75 | Front suspension fault | 0.03% |
| 76 | Electrical wiring fault | 0.03% |
| 77 | Transmission drive belt fault | 0.02% |
| 78 | Fuel pipe corroded or damaged | 0.02% |
| 79 | Brake caliper fault | 0.02% |
| 80 | Rear suspension fault | 0.02% |
| 81 | Electric power steering fault | 0.02% |
| 82 | Front passenger door fault | 0.02% |
| 83 | Vehicle structure corrosion | 0.02% |
| 84 | Chassis condition | 0.02% |
| 85 | Hydraulic brake cylinder fault | 0.02% |
| 86 | Exhaust leak | 0.02% |
| 87 | Brake pedal movement restricted | 0.02% |
| 88 | Rear reflector damaged or missing | 0.02% |
| 89 | Fuel tank corroded or leaking | 0.01% |
| 90 | Electrical switch fault | 0.01% |
| 91 | Dip switch fault | 0.01% |
| 92 | King pin or swivel pin worn | 0.01% |
| 93 | Mirror or camera fault | 0.01% |
| 94 | Fuel cap damaged or missing | 0.01% |
| 95 | Passenger airbag fault | 0.01% |
| 96 | Exhaust heat shield or sound insulation damaged | <0.01% |
| 97 | Seat belt or padding damaged | <0.01% |
| 98 | Window damaged or won't operate | <0.01% |
| 99 | Rear fog lamp warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 100 | Seat belt anchorage fault | <0.01% |
| 101 | Brake servo fault | <0.01% |
| 102 | Drag link end worn | <0.01% |
| 103 | Boot lid damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 104 | Electronic braking system fault | <0.01% |
| 105 | Steering arm worn | <0.01% |
| 106 | Subframe corrosion or damage | <0.01% |
| 107 | Steering operation fault | <0.01% |
| 108 | Steering wheel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 109 | Brake master cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 110 | Seat belt pre-tensioner fault | <0.01% |
| 111 | Fuel hose damaged or leaking | <0.01% |
| 112 | Hydraulic fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 113 | Steering column fault | <0.01% |
| 114 | Brake fluid leak | <0.01% |
| 115 | Main beam warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 116 | Outline marker lamp not working | <0.01% |
| 117 | Electronic parking brake fault | <0.01% |
| 118 | Body security fault | <0.01% |
| 119 | Reversing lamp switch fault | <0.01% |
| 120 | Body strengthening plate corroded | <0.01% |
| 121 | Suspension rod worn or corroded | <0.01% |
| 122 | Access panel damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 123 | Suspension linkage attachment bracket or mounting corroded | <0.01% |
| 124 | Universal joint worn | <0.01% |
| 125 | Brake fluid warning light on | <0.01% |
| 126 | Headlamp washer not working | <0.01% |
| 127 | Brake valve fault | <0.01% |
| 128 | Indicator warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 129 | Spare wheel fault | <0.01% |
| 130 | Speedometer fault | <0.01% |
| 131 | Suspension unit fault | <0.01% |
| 132 | Wheel hub fault | <0.01% |
| 133 | Bonded suspension condition | <0.01% |
| 134 | Axle corroded or damaged | <0.01% |
| 135 | Brake wheel cylinder fault | <0.01% |
| 136 | Tailgate damaged or insecure | <0.01% |
| 137 | Air brake cylinder or actuator fault | <0.01% |
| 138 | Brake air or vacuum system fault | <0.01% |
| 139 | Dashboard warning lamp fault | <0.01% |
| 140 | Stub axle worn | <0.01% |
| 141 | Suspension retaining or locking device fault | <0.01% |
| 142 | Steering coupling worn | <0.01% |
| 143 | Additional braking device fault | <0.01% |
| 144 | Brake pressure or vacuum buildup insufficient | <0.01% |
| 145 | Brake slack adjuster fault | <0.01% |
| 146 | Chain drive fault | <0.01% |
| 147 | Halfshaft fault | <0.01% |
| 148 | Hazard warning light fault | <0.01% |
| 149 | Hydraulic suspension accumulator fault | <0.01% |
| 150 | Leaf spring broken or corroded | <0.01% |
| 151 | Power steering pipe or hose leaking | <0.01% |
| 152 | Seat belt load limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 153 | Semaphore indicator fault | <0.01% |
| 154 | Steering drive system fault | <0.01% |
| 155 | Steering free play excessive | <0.01% |
| 156 | Vehicle floor corroded | <0.01% |
| 157 | Speed limiter fault | <0.01% |
| 158 | Towbar fault | <0.01% |
Showing all 158 reasons — scroll inside the table for the full list.
Peugeot 208 MOT Failures by Category
Total MOT failure occurrences for the Peugeot 208, grouped by category. Same data as the failures table above — just sliced by category instead of fault title. Hover a slice for the top failures in each category.
Join as a car owner — free
Get MOT reminders, a pre-MOT checklist, and tools to compare garages near you.
MOT Reminders
Free email alerts 28 and 7 days before your MOT expires.
44-Point MOT Checklist
Printable checklist to inspect your car before the test.
Save Favourite Garages
Save garages you trust and compare their ratings side by side.
Already a member? Sign in
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Peugeot 208 problems?
Based on analysis of 1.3M Peugeot 208 MOT tests from DVSA data, we have 15 identified common problems across 2 generations. The most frequently flagged issue is "Spark ignition emissions above threshold". Tyres & Wheels is the most common problem category.
Which Peugeot 208 generation has the most problems?
The Peugeot 208 Mk1 (2012-2019) (2012–2019) has the highest number of identified common problems (18). Click the generation card above for the full breakdown.
How is this data calculated?
We analyse anonymised DVSA MOT test records under the Open Government Licence. An issue is classified as a "Common Problem" when it occurs significantly more often on a specific model than the UK average, confirmed at 99% statistical confidence. Read the full methodology page for details.
Can I report a problem with my Peugeot 208?
Yes — use the "Tell Us About Your Problem" form on this page. Your report helps other Peugeot 208 owners spot problems early. All submissions are reviewed before being added to the public database.
Search Vehicles With Common Problems
Find common car problems, MOT failures, and advisories for any make and model
