The 2017 Peugeot 108 shares its platform with the Toyota Aygo and Citroën C1, using a Toyota-derived 1.0L or PSA's 1.2L PureTech engine. The 1.0L is generally reliable, but the 1.2L PureTech has serious timing chain and oil consumption issues that plague many PSA small engines from this era.
1.2L PureTech Timing Chain Premature Wear/Failure
Common · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that may disappear when warm, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, Metallic chain slap from front of engine, Sudden loss of power or no-start if chain jumps or breaks
Fix: Requires timing chain kit, tensioner, guides, and often oil pump drive belt replacement. Wet belt design is fundamentally flawed. 8-12 hours labor depending on engine damage. If jumped timing caused valve contact, add cylinder head work.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500
1.2L PureTech Excessive Oil Consumption
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1 quart per 1,000-2,000 miles, Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Low oil warning light between services, Carbon buildup on intake valves causing rough idle
Fix: Piston ring design and cylinder bore finish issues. Proper fix requires engine rebuild with updated pistons/rings. 20-25 hours labor. Many owners just top off oil frequently as a bandaid.
Estimated cost: $3,500-5,500
Automatic Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Transmission fluid puddle under front of car, Low fluid level causing delayed shifts or slipping, Pink/red fluid visible near radiator area, Transmission overheating warning on dash
Fix: Cooler lines corrode where they connect to radiator or transmission. Replace lines and flush system, check for metal contamination. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Engine Mount Collapse (Transmission Mount)
Occasional · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from park to drive, Excessive engine movement visible when revving, Vibration through cabin at idle, Shifter feels notchy or catches
Fix: Upper transmission mount fails from oil degradation and stress. Jack engine slightly, replace mount. 1.5-2 hours labor. Often advisable to do all three mounts at once.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Camshaft Wear on 1.2L PureTech
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Loud ticking/tapping from valve cover area, Loss of power and poor fuel economy, Check engine light with camshaft position sensor codes, Metal shavings in oil during changes
Fix: Related to timing chain and oil starvation issues. Requires cylinder head removal, camshaft replacement, and often lifters. Check timing chain condition simultaneously. 12-16 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $2,800-4,200
Fuel Filter Clogging (Diesel models if applicable)
Occasional · medium severitySymptoms: Hard starting especially in cold weather, Loss of power under acceleration, Engine stuttering or cutting out, Limp mode activation
Fix: Service interval often too long for real-world fuel quality. Replace every 20,000 miles preventively. 0.5-1 hour labor for filter change.
Estimated cost: $120-220
Buy the 1.0L VTi model only; avoid any 1.2L PureTech like the plague unless timing chain has been replaced with receipts and you're prepared for oil consumption issues.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.