The Peugeot 308 is a product of a time when the company was focused less on making cars stylish and more on making them practical. Witness the Peugeot 3008 that came out at around the same time.
So, the 308 is the sort of car that should easily deal with the rough and tumble of everyday life, and shrug off all of your indiscretions, right. Well, sort of.
The 308 is known to suffer a few annoying gremlins and glitches, and has not been unfamiliar with the inside of Peugeot dealerships. However, it’ is also now of an age that makes parts cheap to come by, and makes fixing it yourself a much more attractive option because you don’t have to shell out for all those expensive labour charges, especially when a car isn’t worth particularly much.
Step forward Haynes. With our Haynes 308 Autofix product we can guide you through how to fix numerous common issues that afflict the 308, as well as detail the service schedule and offer a detailed complement of technical drawings.
What recalls has the Peugeot 308 been subject to?
Well, the Peugeot 308 has been subject to rather more recalls than might be considered ideal. These range from a towing eye thread that was too small, to an issue that could cause the front-seat passenger to apply the brakes in error.
Peugeot recalled 12,833 cars because the fuel filter heater could overheat and allow air into the fuel circuit. Out-of-spec front suspension wishbone bolts forced another recall of 1051 cars, then a fuel leak affected a small number of cars.
A software update was then required because some engines might not comply with NOx limits.
A faulty vacuum pump valve could reduce braking power, so 24,220 cars were recalled to have it replaced, and then 2903 cars were recalled for a software update to prevent the exterior lights from suddenly switching off.
A dodgy wiring loom affected 13 cars, and 7360 cars were recalled because the main engine fusebox was not the correct specification.
The tailgate window was found to detach without warning due to faulty bonding, so 206 cars were recalled to have the entire tailgate replaced. And 1176 cars were recalled because a faulty door lock could allow the door to unlock and open unexpectedly.
The starter motor was found to be faulty on 6768 cars, then a tiny number of cars were recalled because of a potential oil leak at the turbocharger lubrication union.
Then a further software update had to be applied to 683 cars to prevent potential engine overheating, on top of which 7165 cars were recalled because the bonnet could open unexpectedly.
What common problems does the Peugeot 308 Mk2 have?
The Peugeot 308 suffers a problem that can cause the cruise control system to fail, and for the brake lights to remain permanently on. A further symptom is that the stop/start system warning light illuminates.
Several owners have also reported a rattling noise from the front suspension.
Vibration is also a problem for the Peugeot 308, with a number of drivers reporting a vibration from the back end at speed.
And overheating – the 308 Mk2 is prone to that as well. Although it’s usually just a duff sensor.
Finally, it isn’t unknown for the 308 to die at the side of the road with a fuelling problem.
Is the Peugeot 308 cruise control a bit flaky?
Yes, and, well, no. You see, the Peugeot 308 can suffer a problem that means its cruise control system won’t engage. But the problem isn’t the cruise system. The issue is usually accompanied by a warning light on the dashboard indicating an issue with the engine stop-start system, and you might also notice that the brake lights are permanently on.
This is the main clue, because the issue is a faulty brake light switch, which fools all the other systems into thinking that the brakes are on.
It’s an easy enough fix, and entails getting into the driver’s side footwell, removing the driver’s side kick panel from underneath the dashboard, then twisting and removing the switch from the back of the brake pedal. After that, it’s a case of unplugging the wiring connection.
It’s simply a reversal of this procedure to fit the new switch.
Why is your Peugeot 308 Mk2 suspension rattling?
A number of owners of the Peugeot 308 have mentioned a problem in which there’s a pronounced rattling noise from the front end of their cars, especially when driving along rougher roads (and there are plenty of those around).
The issue lies with the front anti-roll bar connecting links. Check these carefully for play, and if there is any, then you’ll need to replace the connecting rod, and fit new nuts to the correct torque in the process.
The Haynes 308 Autofix can give you accurate technical drawings of what to looks for, plus the correct tightening torque figures. So, don’t hesitate – get them swapped and the rattles will be gone.
What’s that vibration in your Peugeot 308?
On most occasions the Peugeot 308 is pretty quiet and smooth. But on other occasions it isn’t, because there can be a noticeable vibration from the rear end of the car on the motorway or dual carriageway.
What can it be? Tyre losing pressure? Wheel out of balance? Maybe bent suspension? Nope, it’s none of those. Often, it can be a loose exhaust heat shield, which can become corroded and damaged over time, and then oscillates with the force of the wind underneath the car at speed.
So, you’ll need to raise the car and set it safely on axle stands, then get underneath and unbolt the old heat shield, then replace it with a new one. One some models, you may need to unhook the exhaust system from its mountings to gain access to the shield.
Once done, you’ll have a smooth ride once more.
Is your Peugeot 308 Mk2 overheating?
An engine temperature warning light is always going to cause a few palpitations. That’s because an overheating engine can very quickly self-destruct if you don’t pull over and let it cool down again.
And that’s what several Peugeot 308 owners have done. Only they haven’t been accompanied by the usual cloud of steam. Strange.
You might also notice that the heater isn’t working as it should. Yet there’s no obvious sign of leaks outside. Odd.
At this point you’ll be able to see if there’s any coolant in the expansion tank, and if there is, the problem lies with a coolant temperature sensor.
So, once you’ve invested in a new sensor, you’ll need to let everything cool down, then unplug the old sensor’s wiring connector, and unbolt the sensor, then it’s a case of fitting the new one and plugging it back in.
Have you had Peugeot 308 fuel pressure problems?
Driving along quite the thing, only for your Peugeot 308’s engine to suddenly conk out, casts quite a shadow over your day. There’s a good chance it won’t restart either.
First things first, plug in a fault code reader (see here for our test of the best fault code readers you can buy), which will give you a good idea of where the fault lies. If the code reader generates the codes P0192, P0193 or P11AD, then you can have a good idea that the issue lies with the fuel pressure system.
So, check all the wiring connectors to ensure everything is plugged in as it should be. If all the wires and connections are fin, then the fuel rail pressure sensor is the cause of your issue, so you’ll need to unplug and unbolt the old one, then replace it with a fully functioning replacement. Your Haynes 308 Autofix will give you a good idea of what to look for.
