Peugeot 2008 Ireland Buyer Guide: PureTech Belt, BlueHDi Chain Recall and the E-2008
Peugeot 2008 Ireland buyer guide: which engine to choose, the PureTech vacuum pump, BlueHDi camshaft chain and 48-volt recalls, E-2008 range and a used checklist.
The Peugeot 2008 is one of the most common small SUVs on Irish roads, and the used market now holds three distinct versions: the original 2008, the second generation launched at the end of 2019, and the facelifted car with its three-claw lights. This Peugeot 2008 Ireland buyer guide focuses on what matters most when buying used: which engine you are getting, the Irish recalls that apply to it, and how to check that the work has been done.
Quick Summary
- The 1.2 PureTech petrol uses a timing belt that runs in engine oil. A June 2023 Irish recall covers 1,705 Peugeots built 2017 to 2020 where belt debris could block the brake vacuum pump.
- The 1.5 BlueHDi diesel (DV5R engine) is part of a November 2025 recall covering 14,612 Peugeots built 2017 to 2023 for the camshaft chain.
- Newer 48-volt mild hybrid 208 and 2008 models built June 2023 to January 2026 have their own recall: 1,347 cars in Ireland.
- The current electric E-2008 has 115 kW (156 hp) and up to 406 km of WLTP range, according to Peugeot Ireland.
- Always ask a Peugeot dealer to check the VIN for open recalls, and insist on a full oil-change history on any PureTech.
If you are already searching, browse used Peugeot cars on EcoSteer and use the checks below on every 2008 you view. Because the wet belt is the biggest single issue on petrol cars, we also recommend reading our full PureTech timing belt guide before you buy.
Peugeot 2008 generations in Ireland
- First generation (2013 to 2019). A taller, more practical relative of the 208 hatchback, sold with petrol and diesel engines. These cars are now older and cheaper, and condition matters most.
- Second generation (late 2019 onwards). Larger, with the i-Cockpit layout of a small steering wheel and a high-mounted digital instrument panel. Recall notices refer to it as the 2008 II. It was the first 2008 offered as an all-electric e-2008.
- Facelifted second generation (from 2023). Peugeot Ireland describes it as the new 2008, with new front and rear light signatures, new alloy wheels and a wider grille. It also brought the newer E-2008 electric version, and recall notices show 48-volt mild hybrid petrol versions built from June 2023.
Peugeot Ireland quotes a length of 4,304 mm and a boot of 434 litres, rising to 1,467 litres with the rear seats folded, depending on version. That makes it a sensible size for Irish families who want a higher seating position without moving up to a 3008.
Engines: which 2008 should you buy?
1.2 PureTech petrol
The PureTech three-cylinder is the most common engine in used 2008s. Peugeot Ireland lists the current PureTech 130 with the EAT8 eight-speed automatic at 96 kW, with WLTP fuel use of 5.9 l/100 km and CO2 of 133 g/km. For a car first registered from 2021, 133 g/km falls in motor tax band B3. Always confirm the exact rate on motortax.ie, because older cars registered before 2021 are taxed on a different basis.
The PureTech's timing belt runs inside the engine oil. In June 2023, Peugeot Ireland registered a recall with the Road Safety Authority for certain 2008, 208, 3008, 308, 5008 and Partner vehicles. The notice says that, as the oil degrades, material from the timing belt can block the oil inlet of the brake vacuum pump. Oil ageing depends on mileage and on frequent stop-start use when the engine is below its best temperature. In the worst case, the vacuum pump can break, reducing or removing braking assistance. The recall covers 1,705 vehicles in Ireland produced between 3 April 2017 and 11 December 2020.
The lesson for buyers is simple: on a PureTech 2008, the service history is the car. Look for oil changes on time with the oil grade Peugeot specifies, ask whether the belt has been inspected or replaced, and walk away from a car with gaps in its history.
48-volt mild hybrid petrol
Later 2008s are available with a 48-volt belt-driven starter alternator. In March 2026, Peugeot Ireland registered a recall for certain 208 and 2008 models where the petrol particulate filter pipe may touch, or sit too close to, the terminal cap of the 48-volt starter alternator. In wet conditions, water can get in and cause an electric arc that may lead to overheating and, in the worst case, a fire risk in the engine bay. It covers 1,347 vehicles in Ireland produced between 7 June 2023 and 21 January 2026.
1.5 BlueHDi diesel
Diesel 2008s are less common now but still good for high-mileage drivers. In November 2025, Peugeot Ireland registered a recall covering certain 2008, 208, 3008, 308, 5008, 508, Rifter and Partner vehicles fitted with the DV5R engine. The notice says the 7 mm camshaft chain may lose strength because of oil carbonisation and high contact pressure, which could cause the chain to break and, in the worst case, engine failure. It covers 14,612 vehicles in Ireland produced between 2017 and 2023.
Several diesel emissions software recalls also apply. One, registered in August 2023, concerned the warning light not coming on if the AdBlue injector stopped working, and covered 2008s built between 7 February 2020 and 14 October 2022 as part of 6,355 Peugeots in Ireland. These are fixed with a software update at a dealer.
Electric e-2008 and E-2008
Peugeot Ireland lists the current E-2008 at 115 kW (156 hp), with a WLTP combined range of up to 406 km and up to 568 km in the urban cycle. It quotes energy use of 15.3 kWh per 100 km, and says 100 km of range can be added in about 12 minutes on a 100 kW public charger. Earlier e-2008s from 2020 to 2023 have a smaller motor and shorter range, so check the exact version on the logbook.
In April 2025, Peugeot Ireland registered a recall for certain 208 II, 2008 II and other electric models with a high-voltage battery. The notice says an error in the battery monitoring software could mean the car does not enter Ready mode, or in the worst case loses power while driving. It covers 282 vehicles in Ireland produced between 17 May 2022 and 31 March 2023. Electric cars are in the lowest motor tax band, but confirm the rate on motortax.ie.
Other Irish recalls to know about
- Fuel tank (August 2025): on certain 208 and 2008 models, the fuel tank may not be leakproof, with a fire risk if fuel reaches hot components. 26 vehicles in Ireland produced between 26 June 2023 and 8 April 2025.
- Brake valve block (June 2025): a casting fault on certain 208 II and 2008 II models built between 26 May and 6 June 2024. Only one vehicle in Ireland was affected, but it shows why a VIN check is worth doing.
Peugeot Ireland says it writes directly to the owners of affected vehicles. As a second owner you may not have that letter, so give the VIN to a Peugeot dealer or to Peugeot customer care on (01) 529 5500 and ask whether anything is outstanding. Recall work is free.
What to check on a used Peugeot 2008 in Ireland
- Recall status by VIN: especially the PureTech vacuum pump, the BlueHDi camshaft chain and the 48-volt starter alternator recalls.
- Oil history on PureTech cars: on-time changes with the correct oil. A missing service is a serious red flag on this engine.
- Warning lights: after a test drive of at least 20 minutes, check for engine, brake or AdBlue warnings on the dash.
- Brake feel: the pedal should feel firm and assisted from the first press. A hard pedal on a PureTech car needs investigating before you buy.
- EAT8 automatic: smooth shifts when cold and in slow traffic.
- Electric versions: check the charging cable, test a charge, and ask the dealer for a battery health report if one is available.
- i-Cockpit fit: sit in the car and check you can see the instruments over the small steering wheel. Some drivers love it, some do not.
- NCT and history: check the NCT date and advisory notes, and for an imported car make sure VRT has been paid.
Is the Peugeot 2008 right for you?
The 2008 suits buyers who want a stylish, well-equipped small SUV with a good-sized boot. The electric E-2008 is a strong choice for mostly local driving with home charging. A PureTech petrol can be a good buy, but only with a complete and on-time oil-change history and confirmed recall work. A BlueHDi diesel makes sense for long motorway mileage, as long as the camshaft chain recall has been completed.
When you are ready to compare cars, browse used Peugeot cars on EcoSteer. If you are also considering the smaller hatchback, read our Peugeot 208 Ireland buyer's guide, which shares many of the same engines.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Peugeot 2008 a good used car in Ireland?
Yes, if you choose carefully. The 2008 is practical and well equipped, but PureTech petrol cars need a full oil-change history, and every 2008 should have a VIN recall check at a Peugeot dealer before you buy.
Has the Peugeot 2008 been recalled in Ireland?
Yes. Irish recalls include a vacuum pump issue linked to timing belt debris on 1,705 Peugeots built 2017 to 2020, a camshaft chain recall on 14,612 Peugeots with the DV5R diesel built 2017 to 2023, and a 48-volt starter alternator recall on 1,347 208 and 2008 models built 2023 to 2026.
Does the Peugeot 2008 have a wet timing belt?
The 1.2 PureTech petrol engine uses a timing belt that runs in engine oil. Regular oil changes with the correct oil are essential, and a June 2023 Irish recall dealt with belt debris affecting the brake vacuum pump on certain cars built 2017 to 2020.
What is the range of the electric Peugeot E-2008?
Peugeot Ireland quotes up to 406 km on the WLTP combined cycle and up to 568 km in the urban cycle for the current E-2008 with 115 kW (156 hp). Earlier e-2008s have a shorter range.
How much is motor tax on a Peugeot 2008?
It depends on CO2 and the date of first registration. The current PureTech 130 automatic is rated at 133 g/km, which is band B3 for cars registered from 2021. Electric versions are in the lowest band. Check the exact rate on motortax.ie.
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