Peugeot

Peugeot 208 (2015)

28,502 real MOT outcomes analysed • 83.3% first-time pass rate

2015 Peugeot 208

CarHunch analysed 28,502 real MOT records for the 2015 Peugeot 208. Real test outcomes — pass rates, defect profiles, mileage data — from verified DVLA records. Updated as new MOTs are recorded.
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AI Analysis Reliability Overview Common Issues Check a Specific Reg Petrol vs Diesel Buyer's Checklist Pass Rate by Fuel Mileage Distribution Still on the Road MOT Averages Colour Breakdown Compare Models

The 2015 Peugeot 208 passes its MOT slightly above the UK average at 83.3%, with petrol versions performing notably better at 84% versus diesels at 80.6%—but the real concern is that nearly a third (31.7%) have recorded dangerous defects, which is significantly higher than typical and suggests serious structural or safety issues can develop in these cars. At a median mileage of 40,225 miles for a nine-year-old vehicle, these examples are relatively well-used, yet they average 1.77 failures and 11.3 advisories per test, indicating persistent small issues rather than catastrophic problems.

If you're considering a used 208 from this generation, prioritise a pre-purchase inspection focused on suspension, steering, and braking components—the high dangerous defect rate warrants extra caution. Request the full MOT history to see whether failure patterns repeat, as this will tell you whether you're buying a one-off problem or stepping into a car with endemic weaknesses.

The 2015 Peugeot 208 has a decent first-time pass rate (83.3%), but a higher-than-average share of vehicles have had serious defects recorded — the individual vehicle's history matters a lot here.

⚠️ Over 1 in 5 of these vehicles have had a dangerous MOT failure at some point — usually tyres or brakes, and often a one-off issue rather than a persistent problem. The group stats won't tell you which one you're looking at.
First-time pass
83.3%
UK average ~80%
Around average
Dangerous (ever)
31.7%
At least once in MOT history
Check this vehicle
Avg failures / car
1.77
Over 9.5 tests on record
High
Typical mileage
40k
Middle half: 29k–52k
For context
🔧 Average reliability. Passes at roughly the UK rate — not a standout, not a problem vehicle. Individual history makes all the difference.
🔧 Expect consumable spend. An average of 11.3 advisories per vehicle tells you wear items (tyres, brakes) get flagged regularly. Budget for them — they're not surprises.
🔍 The dangerous defect figure is real. Most are one-off tyre failures or brake issues — not structural problems. But it's exactly why checking the individual vehicle's history is essential, not optional.

These stats describe 28,502 vehicles as a group. The specific vehicle you're looking at could be the one good example or the one outlier. Run its registration to find out.

Watch for defects — worth knowing

What tends to go wrong

Across 28,502 vehicles — figures show how many had each issue flagged at least once in their MOT history.

Tyre wear 56.9%
Nearside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Front Tyre worn close to legal limit/worn on edge · Offside Rear Tyre slightly damaged/cracking or perishing · …
Budget for a full set — on a vehicle this age, tyres are expected consumables. An inspection will confirm how much is left.
Brake wear 37.2%
Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · Front Brake pad(s) wearing thin · Offside Front Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened · …
Ask the seller when brakes were last serviced. If they don't know, factor in the cost.
Exhaust & emissions 33.6%
Rear Exhaust mounting defective · Exhaust Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits
Other issues 23.2%
Oil leak, but not excessive · Nearside Rear Child Seat fitted not allowing full inspection of adult belt
Suspension & steering 16.9%
Nearside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement · Offside Front Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement
Harder to spot without a ramp — this is a good reason to book a pre-purchase inspection.

Data covers a 3-year window centred on 2015.

See this vehicle's full MOT history & AI hunches

Spot recurring advisories, hidden issues, and how it compares to 28,502 Peugeot 208 cars.

UK

Petrol vs Diesel

Pass rate difference of 3.4 percentage points — worth knowing if you're choosing between the two.

84%
Petrol
22,470 vehicles
80.6%
Diesel
6,029 vehicles

Before you buy a 2015 Peugeot 208

Based on MOT data from 28,502 vehicles — here's what to check.

  • 📋 Check the full MOT history. 31.7% of these vehicles have had a dangerous defect recorded - recurring advisories often signal problems years before they become failures.
    Search the reg on CarHunch for the full MOT history, reliability stats and a free AI-powered analysis of that exact vehicle.
  • 🔍 Brake pipes, sills and subframes are the key areas on a vehicle this age — structural rust is hard to spot without getting underneath. A mechanic will check all of this before you commit, and give you a concrete basis to negotiate on price. Inspection ClickMechanic
  • 📄 Outstanding finance, insurance write-offs and clocking won't appear in the MOT records — a dedicated history check covers all of this. Our link gets you 20% off automatically. History carVertical Get 20% off via CarHunch

Pass Rate by Fuel Type

Fuel type Vehicles Pass rate Avg failures
Petrol (79%) 22,470 84% 1.68
Diesel (21%) 6,029 80.6% 2.07

Colour Breakdown

Based on 189,356 Peugeot 208 vehicles registered in the UK — across all years. From DVLA registration records.

Grey 21%
39,768
White 20.6%
39,002
Black 19.8%
37,504
Blue 15%
28,395
Silver 11.7%
22,120
Red 6.6%
12,535
Pink 2.6%
5,012
Orange 2.2%
4,084
Purple 0.4%
739
Brown 0%
82
Bronze 0%
60
Gold 0%
55

Mileage Distribution

Most 2015 Peugeot 208 vehicles sit in the blue band. If the vehicle you're looking at is outside it, it's either unusually low or high mileage for its age.

40,225
typical
29,493
low mileage
51,988
high mileage

Half of all 2015 Peugeot 208 vehicles fall between 29,493 and 51,988 miles.

Is the mileage you're seeing normal?
Under 29,493 miles — lower than most. Could be great, or could be a vehicle that rarely moved. Check test frequency and mileage progression in the MOT history.
29,493–51,988 miles — normal for age. This is where most 2015 Peugeot 208s sit.
Over 70,183 miles — higher than typical. Not necessarily a problem, but check service history and look out for advisory build-up on tyres and brakes.

2015 Peugeot 208 — Still on the Road

Almost all 2015 Peugeot 208s are still on the road.

Strong survival — 25,617 vehicles still getting MOTs in 2025, 93% of the peak.

27,437 25,617 2018 2025

Based on vehicles from this manufacture year that had at least one MOT test in each calendar year. Data from 2018–2025.
* The 2020 dip reflects the government's COVID-19 MOT exemption, which allowed certificates to be extended by six months — fewer tests were conducted that year.

MOT History Averages

9.5
Avg MOT tests per vehicle
1.77
Avg failures per vehicle
11.3
Avg advisories per vehicle
Other model years — Peugeot 208: All 208 years → Which year to buy? →
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Compare with another model

See how the 2015 Peugeot 208 stacks up against a rival.

Watch for defects — worth knowing