Motoring Today

Peugeot 208 MOT reliability

Reliability from 12 Peugeot 208 cars with real DVSA MOT history — how often they pass first time, the most common failure reasons, and how much MOT life is left.

Reviewed by the Motoring Today Editorial team · methodology in our editorial standards.

How reliable is the Peugeot 208 at MOT?

Across 4 Peugeot 208 cars on Motoring Today, the average first-time MOT pass rate is 40%. 50% of stock currently holds a valid MOT, with a median of 7 months left on the certificate. The most common reasons these cars fail an MOT are tyres, visibility (windscreen & wipers) and suspension, from real DVSA test history.

Avg pass rate
40%
Valid MOT
2 / 4
Median MOT left
7 mo
Top failure
Tyres

The Peugeot 208 has a national DVSA MOT pass rate of 79.06% based on over 181,000 real UK tests. This figure reflects cars presented for testing, not their lifetime reliability, and it's important to remember that failures often cluster with a vehicle's age and how well it has been maintained, rather than being an inherent flaw of the model itself. As with any used car, diligent checks are always advised before purchase. The most common failure category for the Peugeot 208 is 'Lighting & electrical', accounting for 32% of all MOT failures. This is followed by 'Emissions & exhaust' at 19%, 'Tyres' at 16%, and 'Brakes' at 13%. For a used car buyer, these statistics highlight specific areas to scrutinise: ensure all lights (headlights, indicators, brake lights) are working correctly, and check for any warning lights related to emissions. Always inspect tyre tread depth and condition, and pay attention to how the brakes feel during a test drive. There are currently 3 Peugeot 208 models available on Motoring Today, with prices starting from £10,480, or a representative monthly payment of £236. While the MOT pass rate provides a useful snapshot, it's crucial to review the full MOT history for any specific vehicle you're considering, which is readily available on each Motoring Today listing. Finance is subject to status.

40First-time MOT pass
Average pass rate
Stock with valid MOT
2 / 4
50% road-ready
Median MOT left
7 mo
Expiring < 2 mo
0
Plan for an MOT soon after purchase

Most common MOT failures on the Peugeot 208

Grouped reasons for MOT rejection across 12 Peugeot 208 cars with DVSA test history in our stock (12 recorded failure items, 5 of them dangerous).

Failure areaRecorded failuresShare of failures
Tyres542%
Visibility (windscreen & wipers)325%
Suspension217%
Other18%
Lighting & electrical18%

Based on real DVSA MOT test records for cars currently listed. Individual condition varies — always check the specific car's MOT history and advisories on its listing.

MOT pass rate is the percentage of Peugeot 208 cars in our stock that passed their most recent MOT on the first attempt, based on DVSA history. A pass rate above 80% is generally strong for a car of this age.

If a car you're viewing is approaching its MOT expiry, factor in the cost of any advisories — these are listed on each vehicle detail page.

Frequently asked questions

What is the MOT pass rate for a used Peugeot 208?
Based on 181,885 national DVSA MOT tests, the Peugeot 208 has a pass rate of 79.06%. This figure represents the percentage of Peugeot 208s that passed their MOT test on the first attempt.
What are the most common MOT failures on a Peugeot 208?
The most frequent MOT failure categories for the Peugeot 208 are Lighting & electrical at 32%, Emissions & exhaust at 19%, Tyres at 16%, Brakes at 13%, and Suspension at 10%.
Is the Peugeot 208 a reliable car?
An MOT pass rate primarily reflects the condition of vehicles presented for testing, not overall lifetime reliability. Failures tend to increase with a car's age and can be influenced by maintenance and neglect. While the pass rate is a useful indicator, it doesn't encompass all aspects of long-term reliability.
What should I check before buying a used Peugeot 208?
Before purchasing a used Peugeot 208, pay close attention to the lighting and electrical systems, the condition of the tyres, and the functionality of the brakes. Also, check for any exhaust issues and listen for suspension noises, as these are common MOT failure areas.
How many Peugeot 208s are currently for sale and what is the cheapest price?
There are currently 3 Peugeot 208s available for sale. The cheapest price for a Peugeot 208 is £10,480, or from £236 per month based on a representative finance example, which is subject to status.
What are the most common MOT failures on the Peugeot 208?
Across 12 Peugeot 208 cars on Motoring Today with DVSA MOT history, the most common reasons for MOT failure are tyres, visibility (windscreen & wipers) and suspension (tyres account for 42% of recorded failures).

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