About this model
The first-generation Peugeot 2008 (A94) appeared in 2013 as a compact crossover built on the 208 platform. It is extremely popular in BiH because it offers a raised seating position and enough room for a four-member family while remaining more affordable than a proper SUV. Most examples in BiH come with the 1.6 HDi or BlueHDi diesel engine from PSA's broad DV6 family - the same unit found in the 208, 308, C4 and Berlingo. With an average age of 8-11 years on our roads and mileage between 150,000 and 250,000 km, this is a model we see more and more often on workshop lifts. The typical owner is a driver who wanted something more than an ordinary hatchback but less than a full-size SUV. As a workshop specialising in Peugeot, we know the 2008 inside out.
Engines and variants
This model is most commonly found in BiH with the following engines.
1.6 e-HDi 92 HP (DV6DTED/9HP): The most common engine in BiH examples, available from 2013 to 2016. It is an eight-valve unit producing 92 HP with Bosch common rail injection and Euro 5 compliance. It has a DPF filter but no AdBlue system, which makes it simpler to maintain. The main weakness is DPF clogging and coked-up turbo oil return lines in predominantly city driving. Parts are readily available and relatively affordable because the same engine is used across the entire PSA range.
1.6 BlueHDi 100 HP (DV6FD/BHY): The Euro 6 variant producing 100 HP, available from 2014 to 2019. It adds an AdBlue/SCR system on top of the existing DPF setup to reduce NOx emissions. It is increasingly common on the market as newer examples have started entering the affordable used-car price bracket. On top of all the e-HDi issues, it brings an extra layer of complexity: NOx sensors, a urea pump, and a countdown to ignition lockout make the service cycle more demanding.
1.6 BlueHDi 120 HP (DV6FC/BHZ): The more powerful Euro 6 variant producing 120 HP - same block and head as the BHY, with different mapping and a larger turbo. Available from 2014 to 2019. More power means more stress on the turbocharger, so turbo failures are statistically more common than on the 100 HP version. This is especially pronounced on motorway runs with a trailer or roof rack.
Reliability and reputation in BiH
The Peugeot 2008 Mk1 has aged fairly well on BiH roads. Most examples that come into our workshop have 150,000-220,000 km and usually show signs of city driving with short trips. The 1.6 HDi from the DV6 family is PSA's bread and butter - the same unit goes into the 208, 308, C4, Berlingo and Partner - so parts are readily available and relatively affordable compared to German rivals. In the compact crossover segment, the 2008 holds up better than the Renault Captur in terms of electrical reliability but falls behind the Hyundai ix35 in drivetrain longevity. The typical buyer is a young family or a driver upgrading from a 207 or 208 to something roomier. In the workshop we most often see examples with a neglected DPF and skipped service intervals, because owners underestimate how much short city trips strain the emissions system.
Common faults we see
From our hands-on experience, here is what comes in for repair most often on this model.
1. Turbocharger (Mitsubishi TD02H2)
Symptom: Loss of power at higher speeds, whistling or whining from the engine bay, exhaust smoke, activation of limp mode.
The Mitsubishi TD02H2 turbo with wastegate valve is sensitive to lubrication quality. The oil return pipe to the crankcase gets coked with carbon deposits, especially if oil changes are stretched beyond 20,000 km. A coked oil feed leads to overheating of the turbo bearings. The problem is more pronounced with intensive city driving without periodic load on the open road. Read more about protecting your turbo in our guide on extending turbocharger life on a diesel.
Advice: We recommend oil changes at no more than 12,000 km and preventive replacement of the turbo oil return pipe every 60,000-80,000 km, depending on driving conditions. After sustained load, let the engine idle for about 30 seconds before switching off.
2. DPF filter (particulate filter)
Symptom: DPF warning light on the dashboard, loss of power, engine enters limp mode, increased fuel consumption, burning smell.
On the 1.6 e-HDi variant, DPF regeneration triggers automatically every 400-500 km, but only at a sufficient exhaust temperature, which requires a longer drive at a steady speed. Drivers who exclusively do short city trips never reach that temperature, so the filter gradually clogs. On BlueHDi variants the problem is more complex because the DPF is integrated with the SCR catalytic converter. We have a detailed look at this topic in our article about what a DPF filter is and why it clogs.
Advice: At least once a week, drive 30+ minutes on the open road above 2,500 rpm. If the warning light is already on, come in for diagnostics - a forced regeneration in the workshop can save the filter and spare you the cost of a replacement.
3. EGR valve
Symptom: Unstable idle, jerking on acceleration, exhaust smoke, error message "Emission system fault", loss of power.
The EGR valve on the DV6 engine is pneumatically controlled and prone to soot and oil deposits, especially on vehicles doing short trips. A fouled valve sticks partially open or closed, disrupting the balance of fresh air and recirculated gases. The result is rough running and accelerated DPF clogging.
Advice: We recommend cleaning the EGR valve every 60,000-80,000 km, depending on driving habits. If the valve is already mechanically damaged, replacement is the only lasting solution.
4. AdBlue system (BlueHDi variants)
Symptom: Message "Emission fault - service required", countdown of kilometres or ignition cycles on the display, inability to start the engine after the countdown expires.
BlueHDi variants (2014 onwards) use AdBlue (urea) to reduce NOx emissions via the SCR catalytic converter. The AdBlue pump integrated into the tank crystallises from urea, the NOx sensors (two of them) fail, and the ECU starts a countdown - typically 2,400 km before the ignition is blocked entirely. Repair requires replacing the entire module inside the tank, which is a serious job. Read more about how this system works in our guide on AdBlue and the SCR system on a diesel.
Advice: Use only quality AdBlue (ISO 22241). Do not ignore the first warning message - the sooner you come in, the greater the chance that only the NOx sensor needs replacing rather than the complete module.
5. Common rail injectors
Symptom: Hard cold starts, uneven idle, knocking from the engine, black smoke, increased fuel consumption.
The Bosch electromagnetic injectors on the DV6 engine are sensitive to fuel quality. Poor diesel containing water or contaminants damages the injector tip and causes imprecise spray patterns. The problem usually appears after 150,000-200,000 km, or sooner if the fuel filter is not changed regularly.
Advice: Replace the fuel filter every 20,000-30,000 km - do not wait for the factory interval of 60,000 km. On winter fuel, use an anti-freeze additive as recommended by the manufacturer.
6. Thermostat and water pump
Symptom: Engine warms up slowly or overheats, temperature fluctuates, cabin heating weak or non-existent, coolant leak.
The thermostat on the DV6 engine has a plastic housing that cracks or leaks over time. The belt-driven water pump also has a limited lifespan and is typically replaced together with the timing belt. The problem is more common on vehicles older than 7-8 years or with over 120,000 km.
Advice: Always replace the water pump when changing the timing belt. Saving on the pump today means overheating tomorrow.
7. Multimedia and electronics (BSI module)
Symptom: Touchscreen unresponsive, Bluetooth connection drops, instruments switch off intermittently, sporadic error messages on the display, central locking issues.
The Peugeot 2008 uses a BSI (Built-in Systems Interface) module that controls most electronic functions. Over the years, connector corrosion or software faults develop. The touchscreen display is sensitive to temperature and moisture. The multimedia system sometimes needs a software update that resolves most sporadic glitches.
Advice: Before replacing the display or BSI module, always run diagnostics and check the software version. A software update is often enough, and it is a much cheaper fix.
8. Underbody corrosion and subframe
Symptom: Visible rust on the underbody, subframe and mountings, knocking from underneath the vehicle, uneven tyre wear.
Peugeot issued a recall for the 2008 Mk1 due to insufficient anti-corrosion protection on the subframe. The mountings and supports are susceptible to corrosion, particularly in climates with road salt during BiH winters. Uneven tyre wear can be a consequence of weakened attachment points.
Advice: Check the underbody condition every time the car is on a lift. Preventive treatment with wax or an anti-corrosion coating significantly extends its life. If you are buying a used example, make sure the recall was carried out at an authorised Peugeot dealer.
Peugeot 2008 1.6 HDi DPF problems
DPF problems on the Peugeot 2008 with the 1.6 HDi engine are by far the most common reason for a workshop visit. What sets this model apart from the smaller 208 is that 2008 owners often buy a crossover thinking it is tougher for city driving, yet city driving is exactly what kills the DPF. Regeneration requires an exhaust temperature of around 600 degrees, which is only reached after 15-20 minutes of open-road driving at a steady 2,500-3,000 rpm. On BlueHDi variants the situation is further complicated because the DPF is physically joined with the SCR catalytic converter, so replacing one element often means replacing the other. If you notice the first warning light, do not delay coming in.
Service and maintenance
The timing belt is replaced at 100,000-120,000 km or 10 years (whichever comes first), depending on the production year and manufacturer recommendation. Always replace the water pump and tensioner together with the belt. We recommend 5W-30 oil to specification PSA B71 2290 (for BlueHDi) or B71 2312 (for e-HDi), with a change interval of no more than 12,000 km regardless of the factory-recommended 20,000 km. BiH driving conditions (short trips, fuel quality) do not tolerate long intervals. Fuel filter every 20,000-25,000 km. On BlueHDi variants, be sure to check the AdBlue fluid level and NOx sensor condition at every major service.
Which oil for the Peugeot 2008 1.6 HDi
For e-HDi variants (without AdBlue) you need oil to specification PSA B71 2312, viscosity 5W-30. For BlueHDi variants (with AdBlue/SCR system) the required specification is PSA B71 2290, also 5W-30. This is a crucial distinction because the wrong specification can accelerate DPF clogging. In both cases, use only synthetic oil from reputable manufacturers. A 12,000 km change interval is the maximum we recommend for BiH conditions, and for vehicles that predominantly do city driving it makes sense to shorten it to 10,000 km.
Owner tips
- Use 5W-30 oil to specification PSA B71 2290 (BlueHDi) or B71 2312 (e-HDi) and change it every 10,000-12,000 km at most, depending on driving habits.
- Check the history before putting down a deposit: use the chassis number to pull the full vehicle history via carVertical. From international registries you get actual odometer readings by date, recorded accidents, the number of previous owners, and theft or total-loss indicators. We consider this essential before buying any used car, especially with French imports where the service history is often incomplete. You can use the code GAGA at checkout for a 20% discount.
- At least once a week, drive 30+ minutes on the open road above 2,500 rpm so the DPF can regenerate.
- Replace the fuel filter every 20,000-25,000 km. Poor diesel is the most common cause of injector faults in BiH.
- On BlueHDi variants, check the AdBlue fluid level every 5,000 km. Never wait for the system to warn you, because by then the countdown has already started.
- When replacing the timing belt, always replace the water pump too. Saving a few dozen KM today can result in overheating a few months down the line.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Peugeot 2008 1.6 HDi reliable up to 200,000 km?
The DV6 engine can last 250,000+ km with regular maintenance. The key is to shorten the oil change interval to 10,000-12,000 km and not neglect the DPF. The most expensive faults (turbo, injectors) tend to appear on vehicles where maintenance was neglected.
Is it worth converting a Peugeot 2008 to LPG?
The Peugeot 2008 also comes with petrol engines (1.2 PureTech, 1.2 VTi) that are suitable for LPG conversion. The 1.6 HDi diesel variant is not suitable for LPG. If you are considering the switch, get in touch for a free assessment of your petrol variant.
Which engine is the best choice in the Peugeot 2008 Mk1?
For BiH conditions we recommend the 1.6 e-HDi 92 HP. It has no AdBlue system (fewer complications), enough power for daily driving, and is the cheapest to maintain. BlueHDi variants are newer but come with the added expense of AdBlue maintenance.
How much does a turbo replacement cost on the Peugeot 2008 1.6 HDi?
The price depends on the specific condition, the type of turbo (new, reconditioned or used) and the state of the oil feed. Come in for diagnostics, because sometimes it is enough to replace only the oil return pipe rather than the entire turbo. Get in touch for an estimate.
Is the Peugeot 2008 good for city driving?
Its compact dimensions and raised seating position make it excellent for the city. However, if you exclusively do short city trips, the DPF will clog faster. At least once a week, take a longer drive on the open road to let the filter regenerate.
What does the countdown on the Peugeot 2008 BlueHDi display mean?
A countdown of kilometres or ignition cycles means the AdBlue system has detected a fault - most commonly a NOx sensor or urea pump. You have a limited number of starts or kilometres before the engine refuses to start. Do not wait for it to expire - come in for diagnostics straight away.
How often should you change the oil on the Peugeot 2008 1.6 HDi?
The factory interval is 20,000 km, but for BiH driving conditions we recommend no more than 10,000-12,000 km. Quality 5W-30 synthetic oil to the PSA specification is essential. Shorter intervals are especially important for protecting the turbocharger from coked oil passages.
If you notice any of these symptoms, drop by the workshop - it is better to check early than to pay for an expensive repair.