Peugeot has been one of the longest-standing and most trusted brands in the UK for decades. Holding awards for European Car of the Year and a staple on British roads, Peugeot has well and truly earned its place as a household name. However, despite their impressive catalogue and longstanding reputation, they aren’t immune to faults. Peugeot, like any brand, faces a number of owner complaints and faults that plague some models more than others. If you own a Peugeot or are considering becoming an owner in the near future, we’ve put together some of the most common problems to watch out for in your vehicle.
In short:
the most common Peugeot problems are gearbox faults (jerky shifts and limp mode on EAT6 and EAT8 automatics, and actuator faults on ETG/EGS single-clutch gearboxes), infotainment screens that freeze, turbo and boost faults on some 207, 307 and 308 engines, and electric handbrake faults on the 308 and 508. Many gearbox faults can be repaired without a replacement if caught early. If your Peugeot is jerking, slipping or in limp mode, stop driving and have the gearbox diagnosed.
Peugeot gearbox jerking, shuddering or not changing gear properly? Service4Service is a gearbox repair specialist with 18 years’ experience on Peugeot automatics, robotised manuals and manuals. We will tell you what is likely wrong and what to do next.
Call 0808 164 0418 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm) or make an enquiry online.
Common Peugeot problems at a glance
| Problem | Typical signs | Often seen on | How urgent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic gearbox faults (EAT6, EAT8) | Harsh or delayed shifts, shudder, slipping, limp mode | 208, 308, 508, 2008, 3008 | Urgent if slipping or in limp mode |
| Robotised manual faults (ETG, EGS) | Jerky or slow changes, stuck gear, warning light, will not select a gear | 107, 108, 207, 208 and some others | Urgent if it will not select a gear |
| Manual gearbox and clutch faults | Stiff gear changes, clutch slipping, noise | Many models | Book a check soon |
| Infotainment freezing | Screen crashes, black screen, needs a reset | 208 and others | Low, but it can affect controls |
| Turbo and boost faults | Hesitation, loss of power, engine warning light | 207, 307, 308 | Book a check soon |
| Electric handbrake failure | Flickering warning light, handbrake will not hold | 308 and 508 | Urgent, a safety issue |
| Noisy sunroof | Rattling or knocking when opening, closing or driving | 206 | Low |
Peugeot gearbox problems
Peugeot has used several types of gearbox over the years, so the problem you see depends on the model and year. Whatever the type, the pattern is the same: a change in how the car shifts, a new noise or a warning light. Early diagnosis is the difference between a repair and a replacement.
Peugeot EAT6 and EAT8 automatic gearbox problems
The EAT6 (6-speed) and EAT8 (8-speed) are conventional torque-converter automatics used across the 208, 308, 508, 2008, 3008 and 5008. Typical complaints are harsh or delayed changes, shudder when pulling away, hesitation, and limp mode with a gearbox or engine warning light. Common causes include old or degraded fluid, valve body and solenoid wear, torque converter wear, software faults and leaks. Peugeot does not always specify a fluid change interval, but many specialists recommend changing automatic fluid periodically, as old fluid contributes to wear and overheating.
Peugeot ETG and EGS gearbox problems
The ETG (also called EGS or SensoDrive on earlier cars) is a robotised manual, where a computer and actuator change the gears and operate the clutch for you. Typical problems include jerky or slow changes, a gear that will not select, a warning light and sometimes a car that will not move. The actuator, clutch and sensors are the usual suspects, and a targeted repair is often possible instead of replacing the whole gearbox.
Peugeot manual gearbox and clutch problems
On a manual Peugeot, the usual issues are a worn clutch, a failing release bearing or hydraulics, worn dual-mass flywheels on some engines, and worn synchromesh. Grinding when changing gear or a clutch that is slipping should be checked early. See our guide to gearbox noises and what they mean.
Warning signs to watch for
- Harsh, delayed or jerky gear changes
- Slipping, where the revs rise but the car does not accelerate
- Juddering when pulling away, or a gear that will not select
- A gearbox warning light, or limp mode
- Whining, grinding or clunking
- Fluid leaks or a burning smell. See burning smell from a gearbox
Our Peugeot gearbox repair page covers the models and gearbox types we repair, from the 107 to the 5008, plus the Partner, Expert and Boxer.
Not sure whether it is the gearbox, the clutch or the engine? Warning lights and limp mode can come from any of them. We read the fault codes, check the fluid and road test the car, so you know what is wrong before you spend anything.
Make an enquiry or call 0808 164 0418.
Infotainment system problems
Freezing and failing touchscreens have been reported on the 208 and other Peugeots, sometimes with a black screen that needs a system reset or, in some cases, a replacement unit. The cause varies, and software updates fix many cases. It is rarely a mechanical issue, but if the screen controls functions you need, such as climate control, it is worth getting looked at.
Turbo and boost faults
Turbo and boost problems have been reported on engines in the 207, 307 and 308. The symptoms are hesitation, a jerky drive, loss of power and an engine warning light. The cause can be as simple as a software update, or a solenoid, sensor or timing chain issue, so a diagnostic scan is the right first step. A loss of power can also trigger limp mode, which can look like a gearbox fault.
PureTech wet timing belt wear
Some Peugeot petrol engines use a timing belt that runs in oil. There have been reports of the belt breaking down early on some PureTech engines, which can send debris into the oil system and cause serious engine damage. Check the service schedule for your engine and ask a specialist about inspection and replacement intervals.
Electric handbrake failure
The electric handbrake on some 308 and 508 models has been reported to show a flickering warning light and, in some cases, fail to hold the car. Some of these models have been subject to recalls. You can check whether yours is affected using the GOV.UK vehicle recall checker. If the warning light flickers, do not rely on the handbrake until it has been checked.
Noisy sunroof
The sunroof on the 206 has been reported to rattle or knock when opening, closing or driving. Lubricating the rails often cures it, but it can return. If the noise persists, tell the technician so the guides and mechanism can be inspected.
Is it safe to drive a Peugeot with a gearbox fault?
Stop driving if the car is slipping, will not select a gear, is stuck in limp mode with a warning light, is grinding, leaking fluid or smells of burning. Continuing can turn a repairable fault into a damaged gearbox. A mild, occasional harsh shift is less urgent, but it is a warning that should be checked soon. If a repair looks significant, see when to repair or replace a gearbox.
How to look after your Peugeot
- Service the engine and gearbox on schedule, and ask a specialist about gearbox fluid even if no interval is given.
- Use the correct fluid specification. See what to do if you use the wrong gearbox oil.
- Check recalls for your vehicle on GOV.UK.
- Do not ignore warning lights, however briefly they appear.
- Get unusual noises and shifts checked early.
Peugeot problems FAQs
What are the most common problems with Peugeots?
Gearbox faults, infotainment freezing, turbo and boost faults, electric handbrake faults on the 308 and 508, and wet timing belt wear on some PureTech petrol engines. Which one affects you depends on the model, engine and age.
What are the most common Peugeot gearbox problems?
On EAT6 and EAT8 automatics, harsh or delayed shifts, shudder and limp mode. On ETG/EGS robotised manuals, jerky changes, gears that will not select and actuator faults. On manuals, clutch and flywheel wear.
What is a Peugeot EGS or ETG gearbox?
It is a robotised manual: a manual gearbox where a computer and actuator change the gears and operate the clutch for you. It is cheaper and lighter than a conventional automatic, but the actuator, clutch and sensors can wear and cause jerky changes or a gear that will not select.
Can a Peugeot gearbox be repaired instead of replaced?
Often, yes. Faults such as solenoids, valve body wear, ETG actuators, sensors, leaks and software issues can often be repaired if caught early. Widespread internal damage may point to a rebuild or replacement.
Do Peugeot automatic gearboxes need servicing?
Peugeot does not always specify a fluid change interval, but many specialists recommend changing automatic gearbox fluid periodically, as it degrades with heat and use. Ask a gearbox specialist for advice based on your model and mileage.
Why is my Peugeot in limp mode?
Limp mode is a protection mode triggered when the car detects a fault. It can come from the gearbox, engine, turbo, sensors or electronics, so the fault codes need reading to find the cause.
Is the Peugeot electric handbrake problem a recall?
Some 308 and 508 models have been subject to recalls for handbrake faults. Check your vehicle using the GOV.UK vehicle recall checker, and have a flickering warning light inspected promptly.
Talk to a Peugeot gearbox specialist
Service4Service has 18 years’ experience diagnosing and repairing gearboxes, using OEM-approved parts and backed by a 12-month guarantee on qualifying repairs. We give honest advice, a fixed-price quote after diagnosis and no work until you approve it. See our Peugeot gearbox repair page or our automatic gearbox repair services.
Call 0808 164 0418 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5.30pm) or make an enquiry online.
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