The Peugeot 508 is a mid-size/large that was first introduced for the 2010 model year and has since spawned two different generations with the latest one being introduced in 2018. The 508 is either a 4-door sedan or a 5-door estate and it fits into the mid/large affordable premium segment that also consists of the VW Passat, and the Skoda Superb.
As far as reliability is concerned, the 508 seems to be doing fine as long as you take proper care of it. If you neglect it and don’t maintain it as intended, it is going to experience all sorts of issues, some of which are extremely costly and difficult to fix. The most common problems with Peugeot 508 include problems with the electronics which are indeed numerous.
Other problems include water getting inside the trunk of the car and causing all sorts of additional issues. Furthermore, the 508 is known to suffer from problems with the handbrake, problems with the suspension system, and problems with the heater.
All in all, the 508 is a relatively modern car that has lots to offer on the used car market. It undercuts its rivals when it comes to the price which makes it a potential bargain. However, stay away from high-mileage examples with poor service records as these can be a pain to own even if they are really cheap.
Electrical Problems
Electrical problems are the most complained about problems with the 508 because they are numerous and tend to happen with many model years. These include problems with the sat nav which can either turn itself off or go haywire. Thankfully, these can be resolved by software updates in most cases, but sometimes you will have to replace the entire unit to solve the issue.
Other electrical issues include problems with the window wipers hitting the bodywork which can be resolved either via a software update or a new wiper. The power locks can fail, some interior accessories can fail, and the rearview camera on newer models is known to go blank at times.
Water In The Trunk
In the intro we mentioned that maintaining the 508 is extremely important as lack of maintenance tends to cause immensely serious issues. One equivalent issue is excessive water getting into the trunk, so much so that it can cause large puddles to settle in your car’s trunk. This can mess with your electricals, cause interior corrosion, and leave a smell that is really difficult to remove.
All of this means high repair costs and a huge dump in the car’s resale value. The reason why this happens is mostly due to rear window black trunk stopper seal problems which need inspecting from time to time. If you manage to catch a leak early, you can replace the seal easily and without any explosive bills.
Handbrake Problems
There have been numerous reports about the parking brake on the 508 failing to engage, especially during winter time. This can cause your car to roll which is extremely dangerous. Due to the severity of the issue, Peugeot did issue a recall, but it is likely that some 508 owners didn’t fix their cars. As such, be sure to inquire about Peugeot dealerships about the VIN of the 508 you are looking at for further information.
The solution to this problem is fairly simple as it was caused by weather-related software problems which can be fixed via a simple update.
Suspension Problems
The most complained about suspension problem with the 508 is one where the rear suspension fixing bolts are experiencing issues. Peugeot also recalled various models due to incorrect rear suspension fixing bolts, including the 508.
So, if you notice the 508 drifting to one side or the other while the steering wheel is dead center, chances are that the rear suspension fixing bolts are to blame.
Heater Problems
Last, but not least, we also need to talk about Peugeot 508 heater problems which are known to suffer from system leaks, particularly in the driver’s foot area. So, if you sense a breeze coming from the pedal area, your heating system is leaking and will need replacing.
Moreover, we are also going to mention a problem that isn’t necessarily related to the heater, but is worth mentioning since it is a really serious problem. The 508 can sometimes suffer from what is called “thermal runaway” which can cause interior temperatures to rise exponentially and can even be lethal. This problem is caused by electrode alignment problems which let in toxic fumes in the interior. Replacing the traction/drive battery usually resolves the issue.
FAQ Section
Is the Peugeot 508 a luxury sedan?
Peugeot likes to position the 508 against the likes of the Audi A6, the BMW 5-Series, the Volvo S90, and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but this is a bit of a stretch in most regards. These cars for once cost a lot more money. They are better equipped, have stronger engine options, and are widely regarded to belong to the executive premium segment.
The 508 has lots to offer in its respective price bracket/market segment, one that certainly isn’t the executive premium segment, but rather a bridge between an economy/affordable car and a true premium product.
Is the Peugeot 508 better than the VW Passat?
The Volkswagen Passat is pretty much a head-on competitor to the Peugeot 508 because these two can trade punches for days. The Passat sedan was recently discontinued which means that the 508 now rules the segment with the Skoda Superb.
All in all, the 508 isn’t as popular as the Passat, but the coming years will see newer iterations of the 508 sedan which are going to be miles ahead of the current B8 Passat.
Is the Peugeot 508 expensive to maintain?
Another area where the 508 really offers good value is the maintenance segment in which it undercuts most of its rivals by quite some margin. The Skoda and the Passat use typical VAG engines which are shared across with more premium models such as Audi and Porsche.
Therefore, these can get pricey for their segment while the 508 has a reasonable maintenance plan and the costs are more than acceptable for what the car is.
