2015 PEUGEOT 308

Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi

Symptoms: harsh shifting or delayed engagement, transmission slipping in 3rd or 4th gear, whining noise from transmission during acceleration, limp mode activation with P0730 or P0735 codes

Fix: The EAT6 transmission is notorious for valve body failures and worn clutch packs. Oil cooler blockage accelerates wear. Full rebuild requires 18-24 hours labor; many shops recommend remanufactured unit swap at 12-15 hours. Transmission mounts also fail frequently (2-3 hours labor), causing clunking during shifts—replace these preventively during major trans work.

Estimated cost: $3,500-6,500

Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi

Symptoms: rattling from engine on cold start, loss of power and excessive blue smoke, P0299 underboost or P0234 overboost codes, oil consumption exceeding 1 quart per 1,000 miles

Fix: The Prince/THP engine suffers timing chain stretch and turbo wastegate failure. Timing chain job requires 12-16 hours with proper tools—must replace tensioners, guides, and VVT solenoids simultaneously. Turbo replacement adds another 8-10 hours if done separately. Many techs do both together when symptoms overlap, given the engine-out labor overlap.

Estimated cost: $2,800-5,200

Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi

Symptoms: intermittent no-start condition, multiple warning lights illuminating randomly, power windows or central locking operating erratically, instrument cluster blackout or flickering

Fix: The Built-in Systems Interface (BSI) and engine bay fuse box corrode internally, especially in humid climates. Diagnosis takes 2-3 hours tracing circuits; BSI replacement requires coding (4-5 hours total). Fuse box replacement is simpler at 2-3 hours but often needs multiple attempts to isolate the fault. Clean/resolder terminals first—works 40% of the time for $300-500.

Estimated cost: $800-2,200

Symptoms: one or both headlights completely dark, flickering or dimming headlight, headlight error message on dash

Fix: The LED driver modules fail outright—moisture intrusion is common. Peugeot requires full headlight assembly replacement (parts alone $800-1,400 each) at 1.5-2 hours labor per side. Aftermarket modules exist but require coding. This isn't safety-critical immediately but affects MOT/inspection passage in many regions.

Estimated cost: $1,000-3,000

Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi

Symptoms: rough idle and misfires on cold start, hesitation during acceleration, P0087 fuel pressure too low code, excessive fuel consumption

Fix: Direct-injection THP engines carbon-load intake valves and injectors. Walnut blasting intake valves takes 4-6 hours; high-pressure fuel pump replacement adds 3-4 hours. Replace fuel filter every 30k miles (often neglected—it's buried under car, 1 hour job). Catch-can installation helps prevent recurrence but isn't OEM-supported.

Estimated cost: $1,200-2,400

Typical onset: 50,000-90,000 mi

Symptoms: pulling to one side during braking, excessive heat from one wheel, premature pad wear on one side, grinding noise even with pad material remaining

Fix: The 308 uses single-piston sliding calipers that corrode and seize frequently in salt-exposed areas. Rebuild kits work if caught early (2 hours per side), but most need full caliper replacement by the time owners notice. Loaded calipers speed the job to 1.5 hours per axle. Always replace both sides—if one seized, the other is close behind.

Estimated cost: $400-800