The 1.2 PureTech petrol engine in the Peugeot 2008 regularly suffers from increased oil consumption, a known issue that can occur from 75,000 kilometres. Consumption can rise to between 0.5 and 3 litres per 1,000 kilometres, which is not only expensive but also carries a risk of engine damage. For many owners of a Peugeot 2008, this is the start of what they call the PureTech misery. What causes this problem and how can you prevent more serious damage?
What causes the increased oil consumption?
The oil consumption of the 1.2 PureTech engine has several interconnected causes. The most common is contamination in the intake ports and intake valves. This occurs mainly in cars that mostly do short trips at low revs.
This contamination causes deposits that clog the piston oil control rings. These scraper rings are meant to remove excess oil from the cylinder wall. When they are stuck due to contamination, oil leaks into the combustion chamber where it burns. This explains the heavy oil consumption some owners report.
In addition, wear of the timing chain plays a role. From around 60,000 kilometres, rattling may occur when starting from cold, which indirectly contributes to further engine problems. A weakened chain causes incorrect valve timing, which affects the pressure in the cylinders and worsens the problem.
‘ This shows that even careful maintenance does not always prevent the problem. ’
What experiences do owners report?
Real-world experience shows that the problem is widespread. The owner of a 2015 Peugeot 2008 Allure 1.2 reports consumption of 0.5 litre per 1,000 kilometres from 80,000 kilometres. The garage called this normal, although Peugeot officially considers up to 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres acceptable.
Another owner with a 2017 2008 GT 1.2 PureTech saw the warning light come on after 100,000 kilometres, despite following dealer servicing. This shows that even careful maintenance does not always prevent the problem. Some owners are advised to trade the car in quickly before the costs rise further.
With related models such as the Peugeot 208 with the same engine, consumption of 1.75 litres per 1,000 kilometres is sometimes reported. Owners are then offered options: flushing the engine system for around 350 euros, an overhaul for 2,000 euros or a completely new engine for 5,000 euros. After an overhaul, consumption often drops to around 1 litre per 8,000 kilometres.
Why does my Peugeot 2008 use so much oil?
The increased oil consumption is linked to how the engine is used. Short journeys and low revs do not give the engine the chance to get hot enough. As a result, fuel and oil do not burn completely, leading to carbon deposits in the intake system.
These deposits build up over time and restrict the operation of components such as the piston oil control rings. When these rings no longer work properly, too much oil ends up in the combustion chamber. The result is not only high oil consumption, but also frequent warnings about low oil levels.
The problem does not affect the Peugeot 2008 alone. Citroën, DS and Opel also use the same PureTech engines and show similar complaints. This points to an engine design that is sensitive to this type of contamination, especially in city use with few motorway kilometres.
Is this problem known with diesel versions?
The increased oil consumption is specifically a problem of the 1.2 PureTech petrol engine. The diesel engines in the Peugeot 2008 do not show this problem to the same extent. Diesel engines have a different combustion process and a different construction, meaning the specific causes that affect the PureTech do not apply.
However, diesel engines can have other problems, such as clogged particulate filters or EGR valves, but these do not lead to the extreme oil consumption seen with the PureTech versions. It is therefore important to distinguish between the different engine types.
How can you prevent engine damage from oil consumption?
Prevention starts with adjusting your driving style. Regularly do longer journeys where you let the engine run above 2,500 revolutions per minute. This helps reduce contamination because the engine gets hot enough to burn off deposits.
Avoid only driving short distances. The engine needs time to reach operating temperature. If you mainly do short trips, the PureTech engine may not be the best choice for your usage profile.
In terms of maintenance, there are some concrete actions you can take:
- Fill up with premium petrol with higher quality and cleaning additives
- Change the oil every 15,000 kilometres instead of using the maximum service intervals
- Use high-quality oil with specification 0W-20 or 5W-40
- Have the timing chain checked every 30,000 kilometres
- At the first signs of rattling or juddering, have it inspected immediately
When the oil level warning light comes on, top up immediately. Never continue driving with too little oil, as this accelerates wear and increases the risk of permanent engine damage.
What solutions are available?
When high oil consumption has been confirmed, there are several treatment options. The least invasive intervention is flushing the intake ports and valves. This costs around 350 euros and can help if the contamination is still limited.
In more serious cases of contamination, an engine overhaul is necessary. This means that the engine is partially dismantled so that components can be cleaned and damaged parts replaced. The costs are around 2,000 euros, but you will often get a warranty on the work.
In the most severe cases, when the engine has already suffered too much damage, a new or reconditioned engine may be required. This quickly costs 5,000 euros or more. This makes the choice between repairing and replacing the car an important decision.
What does the factory warranty mean?
Peugeot has extended the warranty on certain PureTech engines to 10 years or 175,000 kilometres, provided that maintenance has been carried out strictly in line with the factory intervals. This does not apply to all production series, but it does cover a large proportion of the affected engines.
Always check whether your car falls under this extended warranty. You will need your VIN number and possibly the service book to show that all services have been carried out according to schedule. Contact an official Peugeot dealer for verification.
Bear in mind that the factory intervals are a maximum of 6 years or 100,000 kilometres. For the best protection against problems, it is wise to change the oil and filter more often than this maximum.
‘ If consumption is above 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres, action is needed. ’
What can you do now?
If you have a Peugeot 2008 with the 1.2 PureTech, check the oil level regularly. Do this at least once a month and always before longer journeys. A falling oil level is an early warning sign.
Write down how much oil you top up and after how many kilometres. This gives you insight into the consumption pattern. If consumption is above 1 litre per 1,000 kilometres, action is needed. Have the engine checked before the damage gets worse.
Adjust your driving style by regularly doing longer journeys and letting the engine run at higher revs. This is the most effective way to prevent further contamination. Combine this with frequent oil maintenance for the best result.
On the Carnews website you will find much more information about common problems with different car brands and practical maintenance tips. Discover more articles that help you keep your car in top condition.
Frequently asked questions
The high oil consumption in the Peugeot 2008 PureTech engine is mainly caused by contamination in the intake ports and valves, which clogs the piston oil control rings and allows oil to pass the pistons into the combustion chamber. This problem arises particularly with lots of short trips and driving at low revs. In addition, wear and issues around the timing chain can contribute to accelerated wear and thus indirectly to higher oil consumption.
You can recognise excessive oil consumption by a frequently recurring oil level warning light, a noticeable drop in oil level between services (having to top up regularly) and sometimes by rough running or rattling of the engine when starting from cold. First check the oil level yourself with the dipstick (on level ground, cold engine) and note how much oil you have to top up per 1,000 km. If the car consumes around or more than 1 litre per 1,000 km, have the engine and especially the 1.2 PureTech checked by the dealer or a specialist for known issues (piston rings, intake contamination, timing chain). Then discuss options such as engine cleaning/flushing, (partial) overhaul, or goodwill/warranty possibilities with Peugeot.
Possible solutions are: simply topping up and accepting the oil consumption (low cost, just the oil), having an engine flush carried out (around €300–€400), an engine overhaul (around €2,000) or fitting an exchange or new engine (around €5,000).
Yes, the high oil consumption of the 1.2 PureTech engine is a known and recognised problem at Peugeot. In practice, Peugeot applies a standard of up to around 1 litre per 1,000 km as “acceptable”, which means that not every increased consumption is regarded as a defect. In cases of demonstrable problems, Peugeot often offers (partial) goodwill in the form of repair, overhaul or engine replacement, especially if servicing has been carried out strictly according to schedule. In some cases there is an extended warranty/goodwill scheme of up to around 10 years/175,000 km, depending on service history and dealer/importer.