Peugeot 5008: known problems and points to watch

The Peugeot 5008 is a popular 7-seater SUV that appeals to families with its space, comfort and modern powertrains. However, this model has known problems that can lead to expensive repairs. Teething troubles with the engines and electronic faults occur regularly. Knowledge of these weak points prevents unpleasant surprises. It allows you to make informed choices.

From MPV to SUV: the evolution of the 5008

Peugeot introduced the first-generation 5008 in 2009 as an MPV, a classic family car with sliding doors and a high roof. This model focused on practical use with flexible seating configurations. In 2017 a radical change of course followed. The second generation appeared as a rugged SUV with modern lines and the i-Cockpit dashboard. This transformation made the 5008 more attractive to buyers looking for style and space. At the same time, it also brought new technical challenges.

The current generation offers a choice of petrol, diesel, hybrid and fully electric powertrains. The 5008 measures 4.79 metres in length and offers a boot capacity of up to 916 litres. This positions the car between compact SUVs and large family cars. The focus on technology and efficiency makes the model modern. At the same time, this makes the car more sensitive to specific defects. As an owner or buyer, you need to be aware of these.

Engine problems: the Achilles heel of PureTech and THP

The PureTech petrol engine struggles with serious issues around the timing belt. Between 2014 and 2019 Peugeot used a wet belt that ran in engine oil. Under the influence of heat and wear this belt frays. Fibres end up in the oil. The result? Blocked oil passages, reduced lubrication and ultimately complete engine failure. Symptoms include engine warning lights. Strange ticking noises can also occur. Sudden loss of power is another symptom. Peugeot car problems appear regularly in complaints registers, with the PureTech often at the centre.

The THP engine also has well-known weaknesses. Carbon deposits build up on the inlet valves. These deposits reduce the airflow. Irregular idling or faults arise as a result. In addition, the timing chain stretches. This leads to rattling noises on start-up. In more serious cases the chain jumps a tooth. This results in severe engine damage with high repair costs. Turbo problems also occur. Leaking pipes or defective wastegates cause loss of power and black smoke from the exhaust.

Buying a used example? Always check the service history. Change the oil regularly using the correct specification. Driving a PureTech engine? Have the timing belt replaced with an updated dry version. If this has not yet been done, it is urgent.

Automatic gearbox: jerks and refusing gears

Peugeot used the EAT6 automatic gearbox in older 5008 models. This gearbox regularly shows faults. Owners report jerks when shifting up. Delayed responses to throttle input also occur. Sometimes the automatic gearbox sticks in one gear. Outdated transmission software causes this problem. Mechanical wear of clutches and valves inside the gearbox also plays a role.

The newer EAT8 gearbox performs better. However, this gearbox remains vulnerable to electronics-related issues. Sensors register the gear positions. These sensors sometimes fail. The automatic gearbox then goes into limp mode. You recognise this from a warning light on the dashboard and limited gears being available.

Change the transmission oil according to the schedule. Peugeot describes this as “filled for life”. In practice, fresh oil extends service life considerably. Do you experience jerks or strange behaviour? A software update often already provides a solution. When buying, check whether recall actions for the transmission have been carried out.

Electronic faults: infotainment and sensors

The touchscreen that controls the infotainment system suffers from software glitches. This system controls audio, navigation and climate control. The screen regularly freezes. It also sometimes refuses touch input. In some cases the system restarts randomly while driving. The connection with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is not always smooth. Frequent connection dropouts occur.

Parking sensors sometimes give false warnings or stop working altogether. Dirt and moisture are common causes. Damaged sensor heads also play a role. The reversing camera can also suddenly stop displaying an image or freeze on a static screen.

The lane-keeping assist keeps the car in its lane automatically. This system is sensitive to sensor faults. The adaptive cruise control adjusts your speed to the traffic in front. This system too regularly suffers from malfunctions. Radars and cameras behind the windscreen get dirty or lose their calibration. As a result, systems shut down. Error messages appear on the dashboard. Regular cleaning helps. Defective sensors need to be replaced.

Do you have electronic issues? Disconnect the battery temporarily to reset the system. This sometimes helps. Persistent faults require a visit to the dealer. Have the software updated. Replace modules if necessary.

AdBlue system: faults on diesel models

Diesel versions of the 5008 use AdBlue to reduce nitrogen oxides. The system injects this fluid into the exhaust, where chemical reactions convert harmful substances. The AdBlue pump or heating element sometimes fails. When this happens, problems arise. In freezing temperatures AdBlue crystallises. This causes the pump to seize.

A common complaint is the warning “AdBlue system faulty, engine will not start in X kilometres”. Sensor faults trigger this message. Empty tanks or problems with the injector also cause it. In some cases the car wrongly registers an empty AdBlue tank, even though the tank is actually full.

Always top up with high-quality AdBlue. Choose reputable brands. Cheap variants contain crystals or contaminants. These damage the system. Do you get warning messages? First have the sensors and pipes checked. Only then move on to replacing expensive components such as the pump. Make sure the AdBlue tank never runs completely empty. Air in the system causes additional problems.

Suspension and chassis: wear and noise complaints

The front suspension of the 5008 is prone to wear of bushes and mounts. Bushes are flexible components that absorb vibrations. They sit between metal parts and ensure smooth movement. Anti-roll bar links wear out faster than expected. This leads to knocking noises when going over speed bumps or taking tight corners. Control arm bushes also lose their elasticity. This results in irregular tyre wear.

At the rear, shock absorbers lose their damping after about 80,000 kilometres. This happens especially on models that are often fully loaded. A wobbling feeling on long undulating roads occurs. Comfort is also reduced. Creaking noises from the rear axle point to worn bushes. These are located in the rear wheel suspension.

Have the suspension checked during the annual service. Check for play. Also look for damaged bushes. Early detection prevents more serious damage. Imagine, for example, that a worn anti-roll bar link comes loose while driving. Other components such as the wheel suspension will then be subjected to extra stress. Buying a used 5008? Then take a test drive on poor road surfaces. Listen for unusual noises. Pay attention to how the car responds to bumps.

Interior and finish: minor irritations

The build quality of the interior gets mixed reactions. Owners report plastic trim panels working loose around the centre console. Rattling clips in the doors also occur. These noises get worse as the car gets older and can be annoying on long journeys.

The seat upholstery is prone to pilling and wear, especially on the driver’s seat. Leather versions hold up better, but synthetic leather can show cracks after a few years. Buttons on the steering wheel and centre console wear visibly, with fading symbols or shiny patches.

The panoramic roof, a popular option, can start to make noises over time due to worn guide rails. Leaks around the seals also occur, causing water damage to the headlining. In wet weather, check for visible damp patches and test the roof several times during a test drive.

These problems hardly affect functionality, but they do reduce driving pleasure. Some of the weaknesses have been improved on newer models. Used examples require extra inspection of the interior. Look for play, loose parts and cracks.

Preventive maintenance: how to avoid problems

Regular maintenance is the best protection against expensive repairs. Think of a worn timing belt that is not replaced in time. This leads to complete engine failure with costs of up to €5,000. Follow the maintenance schedule prescribed by Peugeot. Use only specifications that match your engine’s requirements. Do you drive a PureTech engine? Then change the oil every year or every 10,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.

Check electronic systems at every service. Ask about available software updates. Manufacturers regularly release improvements. These fix known faults. Keep sensors and cameras clean and free from dirt. Pay particular attention in winter. Road salt attacks the glass surfaces.

Keep an eye on the condition of the transmission oil. Peugeot markets its automatic gearboxes as “maintenance-free”. Change this oil every 60,000 kilometres. This extends their service life. Have the suspension inspected annually. Look for cracks. Check for play and wear in bushes. Replace worn parts early. This prevents damage to other components. For example: leaving a worn control arm bush in place puts extra strain on the wheel suspension.

Driving a hybrid or electric version? In warm weather, park in the shade where possible. This eases the load on the battery. Charge plug-in hybrids regularly, even if you mainly do short trips. Otherwise the battery will degrade more quickly. Keep AdBlue tanks sufficiently filled at all times. This is especially important for longer journeys. Top up in good time to avoid the risk of an empty tank while driving.

Checklist for buying used

Buying a used 5008? Then a thorough check is essential. This means checking the service history, testing all systems and having the car inspected. Start by going through the service history. Check whether all services were carried out at an approved garage. Are stamps or invoices missing? Then be extra cautious. For PureTech engines it must be clear whether the timing belt has been replaced.

During the test drive, test the infotainment screen. Check that it responds smoothly. See whether the parking sensors work. Check whether the driver assistance systems give any fault messages. Switch on the air conditioning. Listen for unusual noises. These point to a defective compressor.

While driving, pay attention to how the automatic gearbox behaves. A properly functioning gearbox shifts smoothly without jerks or delays. Does the gearbox change gear smoothly, or do you feel shocks and hesitation? Drive on different types of roads. Test on the motorway, in town and on poor surfaces. Also vary your speed several times. In this way you uncover suspension faults and engine problems. These remain hidden if you only drive gently.

Inspect the engine bay for oil leaks. Pay particular attention to the timing cover. Also look around the turbo. Check the condition of the drive belts. Inspect the hoses individually. Do you have a diesel model? Then the operation of the AdBlue system is crucial. See whether there are any warning messages on the dashboard. Also pay attention to other warnings.

Ask the seller about known problems. Also ask which repairs have been carried out. An honest seller is transparent about previous faults. In doubt? Then have an independent inspection carried out by a specialist. Such an inspection includes a thorough check of the engine, chassis, electronics and bodywork. A specialist tests all systems and takes a test drive. The cost of an inspection (around €150–€250) is nothing compared to the potential repair costs of a bad purchase. Think, for example, of engine damage caused by a frayed timing belt, costing €3,000 to €5,000.

Recall actions you should know about

Peugeot has carried out several recalls for the 5008. One important recall concerned the PureTech engines with the wet timing belt. Owners were called in to have it replaced with an improved dry belt. The action only followed after considerable pressure.

For certain model years there was a recall for the automatic gearbox. Software errors led to unexpected reactions. The braking system was also the subject of a recall. On specific models the brake booster failed. A defective vacuum pump caused this problem.

Airbags were another reason for recalls, particularly on examples built between 2017 and 2019. A production error meant the airbags did not deploy correctly in a collision. Before buying, check whether all recalls have been carried out for the specific chassis number. The chassis number is a unique identification number for every car. Consult the RDW website (the Dutch vehicle authority). You can also ask a Peugeot dealer to check this using the registration number.

Outstanding recalls are not necessarily a reason to walk away from a purchase. They are, however, a point for negotiation. The dealer will carry out recall work free of charge. This also applies to used cars. Contact Peugeot Netherlands to verify the status. Make an appointment for the necessary work.

Weighing it up: is the 5008 reliable?

The Peugeot 5008 offers space for seven people. The design is modern. The powertrains are varied. You therefore get a lot of car for your money. However, the known problems can bring significant costs. The engine weaknesses are the biggest concern, especially on PureTech and THP engines. Electronic faults and transmission problems occur regularly. Updates or targeted maintenance often resolve these.

Buyers of a new example benefit from factory warranties that offer protection. Buying used? Then care is required. Prefer models from 2019 onwards. Timing belt problems have been solved on these examples. Check the service history thoroughly. A well-maintained 5008 will give you many years of faithful service. Neglect, however, quickly leads to costly repairs.

Weigh up the advantages against the risks. For families looking for space and flexibility, the 5008 is a logical choice. Take the known weak points into account. Set aside a budget for maintenance and possible repairs. Acting preventively and intervening in time makes the difference between driving pleasure and frustration.