The 2016 Peugeot 108 shares its platform with the Toyota Aygo and Citroën C1, using proven Toyota-developed engines. The 1.0L VTi is generally bulletproof, but the 1.2L PureTech has notable timing chain and oil consumption issues that can lead to catastrophic failure if ignored.
1.2L PureTech Timing Chain Premature Wear
Common · high severityTypical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start that disappears after 5-10 seconds, Check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, Rough idle or hesitation, Metallic grinding from timing cover area
Fix: Timing chain, tensioners, guides, and often cam phasers need replacement. Requires front-end disassembly and careful alignment. 8-12 labor hours depending on additional damage. If chain jumped teeth, expect valve damage requiring head work.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,500
1.2L PureTech Excessive Oil Consumption
Common · medium severityTypical onset: 50,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning 1 quart per 1,000 miles or worse, Blue smoke on startup or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs, Low oil warning light between changes
Fix: Piston rings and valve stem seals are the usual culprits. Some engines have wet belt oil pump issues contributing to consumption. Full rebuild or replacement shortblock needed in severe cases. 15-20 hours for proper rebuild with head resurfacing.
Estimated cost: $3,000-5,500
Hydraulic Lifter Noise and Failure
Occasional · medium severityTypical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Persistent ticking or tapping from valve cover, Noise louder when engine hot, Loss of power or misfires in extreme cases, Noise doesn't quiet down after oil change
Fix: Lifters collapse due to oil sludge or contamination, more common if oil changes stretched. Requires camshaft removal to access all lifters. 6-8 hours labor. Always replace camshaft if lobes show wear. Flush oil system thoroughly.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,200
Transmission Mount Deterioration
Common · low severityTypical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking when shifting from Park to Drive, Excessive engine movement visible under hood during acceleration, Vibration at idle in gear, Shift linkage feels sloppy
Fix: Front and rear transmission mounts crack and separate. Common on manual and automated manual variants. Relatively easy access from underneath. 1.5-2.5 hours labor. Replace both mounts simultaneously.
Estimated cost: $300-550
Automated Manual Transmission Actuator Faults
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 80,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Gear selection errors or refusal to engage gears, Flashing gear indicator on dash, Jerky shifts or clutch slip, Transmission fault warning message
Fix: The ETG (Efficient Tronic Gearbox) actuator motors and position sensors fail. Can sometimes be repaired individually, but often requires complete actuator assembly replacement. 3-4 hours labor plus adaptation procedure. Clutch often needs replacement simultaneously due to wear.
Estimated cost: $1,500-2,800
Cylinder Head Gasket Failure (1.2L PureTech)
Occasional · high severityTypical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible leaks, White smoke from exhaust, Oil cap shows milky residue, Overheating or fluctuating temperature gauge, Rough running after timing chain issues
Fix: Often secondary to timing chain problems or overheating events. Head gasket alone is 6-8 hours, but head should be pressure tested and resurfaced, adding 2-3 hours. Check for head warpage. Budget for head bolts, timing components if not recently done.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
Buy the 1.0L VTi version with manual transmission and you'll have a reliable city car; the 1.2L PureTech is a $3,000 repair bill waiting to happen after 60K miles.
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.