Peugeot 208 (2012)
2012 Peugeot 208
CarHunch analysed 16,291 real MOT records for the 2012 Peugeot 208. This breakdown of actual test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — isn't published anywhere else.
The 2012 Peugeot 208 passes its MOT at 77.8%, which sits slightly below the UK average of 80%, and this is genuinely concerning: 40.2% of these cars have recorded a dangerous defect at some point, well above what you'd consider acceptable. Both petrol and diesel variants perform identically at 77.8%, so fuel type won't help you pick a safer example.
At an average mileage of 56,166 for a 12-year-old car, these 208s are running reasonably typical miles, but the real issue emerges in the failure data—averaging 3.16 failures per MOT and 17.7 advisories suggests systematic wear issues rather than isolated problems. Before buying any 2012 208, get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically examines the suspension, steering, and brake components, since the high advisory count points to wear in those areas.
What to check before buying a 2012 Peugeot 208
Practical pre-purchase checks for this age and model.
- 📋 Check the full MOT history. Look for recurring advisories — slow-building issues like corrosion or brake wear patterns show up years before they become failures. Enter the reg below for a full AI analysis.
- 🔍 Inspect for corrosion in person. Brake pipes, sills, subframes, and chassis legs. Surface rust is normal at this age; structural rust is a serious problem that's expensive to fix and can fail an MOT.
- 🛞 Check tyres and brakes. The most common advisory items at this age. Budget for replacement if they're near the limit — factor this into your offer price.
- ⚠️ 40.2% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded. Enter the reg below — the full MOT history will show exactly what was flagged and whether it was resolved.
- 📄 Run an HPI check. The MOT history won't show outstanding finance, insurance write-offs, or stolen status — an HPI check will.
Before you buy a Peugeot 208
MOT history is one piece of the puzzle. These checks can reveal what CarHunch can't.
CarHunch may earn a small commission if you buy via these links — at no extra cost to you.
Pass Rate by Fuel Type
| Fuel type | Vehicles | Pass rate | Avg failures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol (64%) | 10,421 | 77.8% | 3.18 |
| Diesel (36%) | 5,869 | 77.9% | 3.13 |
| Other (0%) | 1 | 66.7% | 1 |
Mileage Distribution
Most 2012 Peugeot 208 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the car you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.
Half of all 2012 Peugeot 208 vehicles fall between 38,544 and 62,760 miles.
2012 Peugeot 208 — Still on the Road
Strong survival — 12,688 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 81% of the peak.
Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2015–2025.
MOT History Averages
Most Common MOT Issues — 2012 Peugeot 208
Based on actual MOT test records for this model. Percentage shows how often each item appears across all vehicles in this cohort.
-
59.6%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
52.1%
Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
42.7%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened
-
36.8%
Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
35.9%
Nearside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
-
32.9%
Nearside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing
-
31%
Oil leak, but not excessive
-
29.3%
Offside Rear Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge
Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2012. Counts include advisories and failures.
Found a specific Peugeot 208?
Enter the reg to see its individual MOT history, AI Hunches, and how it compares to this cohort.