The Peugeot 307 is a small family car that was in production between 2001 and 2008 when it was replaced by the Peugeot 308. The Peugeot “300” series of cars slots above the smaller “100” and “200” series of small hatchbacks. In this article, we are going to go through all the potential problems the Peugeot 307 can suffer from.
We are first going to mention all the engine-related issues which include problems with the belt squealing, or the relatively common “unblock diesel filter” warning light. Next are various electrical issues such as problems with the door locks or problems with the power window system. Suspension issues are also common with the 307 and are mostly associated with the anti-roll bar.
Further problems include a faulty steering column and various equipment-related issues such as excessive wear and tear of interior trim and the carpets coming off. All in all, the 307 is a decently reliable car if maintained properly. If not, problems such as these will keep adding up until it makes little to no sense to repair them.
If you are interested in buying one used, be sure to do a pre-purchase inspection as many owners neglect these cars after they reach a substantial number of miles. It isn’t particularly difficult to find good examples, but good examples do come with a premium.
Engine Problems
The diesel and gasoline engines available with the 307 tend to be fairly dependable, but you do need to maintain them for them to stay that way. The belt can sometimes start squealing which is likely due to alternator pulley wheel bearings which will need replacing. Be sure to inspect the belt whenever you can as this can cause terminal engine damage if not dealt with in due time.
We also need to mention the “unblock diesel filter” warning light which often pops up on used 307 examples. This means that your DPF is likely clogged and will need cleaning, otherwise, you will have to replace it which isn’t ideal as DPF filters can cost a lot of money.
Electrical Issues
Older French cars and electrical issues do have a thing for each other, sadly this is also apparent with the 307 which does suffer from various electrical issues when it reaches old age. These mostly include problems with the power window motors which can fail and will need replacing.
The door lock actuators are also prone to failure which will block you from locking and unlocking your car. Other potential electrical issues include problems with exterior and interior accessory lighting, problems with the A/C, and problems with the radio not getting any signal.
Suspension Issues
While driving the 307, if you hear any knocking sounds coming from the front, especially when going over bumps, chances are that your anti-roll bars are to blame. However, a few reports do state that these can also be due to suspension bushes, while many reported issues with both.
To resolve this issue, you will need to replace these faulty suspension components which should get rid of the annoying knocking sound. Before doing anything, it’s a good idea to check the components for any signs of rust as older Peugeot models can suffer from suspension components rusting away.
Steering Problems
The Peugeot 307 seems to have two particular issues happening to its steering system. The first one is related to the steering column stalks which can fail while turning the wheel. Fixing this is rather easy as it only requires you to replace the faulty stalk.
The second comparably more serious issue is related to a damaged driveshaft which can be noticed if the car starts emitting clunking/clicking noises while turning. If you do encounter these, replace the driveshaft and all should be well.
Equipment Issues
Lastly, we are also going to mention certain equipment issues, most of which are tied to excessive wear and tear. The dashboard can crack and discolor over time even without the car being exposed to the sun for extended periods of time. The gear lever leather can crack and come off which makes the shifter look less than ideal.
Lastly, the carpets are known to come off due to low-quality clips which can not only be annoying but also dangerous as these carpets can become lodged under the pedals which will affect the car’s stopping ability.
FAQ Section
Should I Buy A Peugeot 307?
The Peugeot 307 can be a really good used car if the price is right and if the car hasn’t been abused by its previous owners. It is a competent daily driver that may not have all the modern trinkets, but can easily act as an A to B transportation device.
On the other hand, if you are used to more plush cars with various gadgetry, you will not feel at home in the 307 as this is a car from a different era, an era when technology and convenience features were non-existent with affordable cars.
What Is The Difference Between The Peugeot 307 And The Peugeot 308?
The Peugeot 308 is the successor to the 307 which means that it is a comparably newer car, but the basis of the two isn’t too different. The 308 offers a slight increase in interior space, but the biggest difference can be felt in the interior.
These two generations are separated by less than 10 years, but the differences in finish, quality, equipment, and general feel of pleasantness are much more apparent with the 308.
How Safe Is The Peugeot 307?
The Peugeot 307 has gotten a 4 out of 5 safety rating for the 2001 model year which means that it may not be the safest car according to modern standards but is more than safe enough in general. Having a 5-star safety rating has become the standard in the 2020s, but having a 4-star safety rating at the turn of the century is a lot more impressive.
We also need to keep in mind that the 307 does not come with modern-day active safety features which means that the 4 out of 5 is mostly due to passive safety systems and good crash protection analysis.