Peugeot 5008 Problems: 7-Seat SUV Faults SA Families Face

The Peugeot 5008 is the seven-seat SUV most SA families consider when they want something more characterful than a Tiguan Allspace but cheaper than a Volvo XC90. Mk1 was the T87 MPV from 2009-2017 (facelifted in 2013), Mk2 is the proper P87 SUV from 2017 onwards, and the facelifted P87 carried the line through 2024. They are good cars in their best moments — but they share an engine bay with the 3008, which means most 5008 faults are 3008 faults plus a panoramic roof and a third row of seats that does not always fold when you need it to. This is the SA owner's honest list — six recurring problems we quote for almost every week through our 5008 model parts pages, with rand pricing, recall details and the preventive moves that actually work.

1. 1.2 PureTech Wet Timing Belt

If your 5008 is a 1.2 PureTech (EB2DTS) — offered from the P87's 2017 launch right through to the end of the run in 2024 — the wet belt is the single fault you need to take seriously. A build date on its own will not clear your car; what matters is which engine is fitted. Stellantis fitted a rubber timing belt inside the sump on tens of thousands of European 5008s, the belt degrades in fuel-diluted oil, and the resulting debris clogs the oil pump pickup and starves the engine [1][2]. SA imports are in scope. Once oil pressure collapses, the turbo and camshafts come with it.

Symptoms

• Rattling or whirring noise from the cam-cover area
• Oil pressure warning light, intermittent at first
• Sudden loss of power or engine cuts out mid-drive
• Engine seizure if belt fragments block the oil pickup
• Mayonnaise on the dipstick from fuel dilution

Causes

The EB2DTS uses a rubber timing belt submerged in engine oil — Peugeot's answer to friction and noise. Long 20,000-plus km oil-change intervals stretch the belt's exposure to fuel-diluted oil, the rubber swells and sheds particles, and those particles are pulled into the oil pump strainer [3]. Short urban trips (typical SA city duty) make fuel dilution worse because the oil never gets hot enough to burn off. Unburnt fuel in the sump accelerates belt attack [4].

Solution

The minimum repair is a full wet-belt kit — belt, tensioner, idler, oil-pump pickup strainer and a fresh oil and filter. If the oil pressure light has already lit, the oil pump, camshafts and turbo are likely damaged and you are in engine-rebuild territory. Before anything else, drop the sump plug and cut the oil filter open — visible rubber specks confirm the belt is shedding. Cross-reference the full wet-belt picture in our Peugeot 1.2 PureTech wet belt guide.

DIY Difficulty & Cost in SA

Specialist work — the UK trade quotes around 8 hours [3], and SA independents typically bill 10-14 hours with the engine mount disconnected, sump off, and timing locking kit in place. Not realistic DIY. SA workshop totals R30,000 – R75,000 for a clean belt + oil-system clean if caught early; if the oil pump, camshafts or turbo are damaged you are looking at full engine replacement at R120,000-plus.

Sources & User Reports

1. peugeotforums.com '5008 2018 68 plate timing belt issue' thread — pre-recall owner reports [1].
2. MoneySavingExpert forum — 2020 5008 timing belt failure at 40k miles, out of warranty [2].
3. Wheelbase Garage specialist — wet-belt failure mechanism and oil-system damage cascade [3].
4. peugeotforums.com 'timing belt crumbles' thread — belt fragments clogging oil system [4].

2. 1.6 THP Timing Chain Stretch

The 1.6 THP "Prince" engine (shared with the BMW MINI Cooper S, 308, 3008 and Citroen DS5) was the volume SA-spec petrol 5008 — Allure and GT Line trims. The Mk1 T87 ran the EP6CDT THP 156/163; the Mk2 P87 ran the EP6FDT-family 1.6 e-THP 165 and PureTech 180. The chain stretches, the hydraulic tensioner loses pressure on shutdown, and the cold-start chain rattle is the canonical warning sign. Catch it early and you replace a chain kit; ignore it and the chain jumps a tooth, valves contact pistons, and the engine is finished [6].

Symptoms

• Diesel-like rattle on cold start that fades after a few seconds
• Rhythmic metallic knock from the timing-cover (driver's) side
• Chain whine under load
• Check-engine light with P0016 / P0017 cam-crank correlation codes
• Worst case — chain jumps a tooth, bent valves, catastrophic engine damage

Causes

The Prince engine's chain tensioner is a known weak point — owners report a cold-start rattle that fades once oil pressure builds, the classic signature of a tensioner that bleeds down on shutdown. Combined with the engine's known oil consumption problem (failed PCV, worn turbo seals) the chain runs in oil-starved conditions and stretches. Extended 20,000 km Peugeot service intervals make it worse — old, sludge-laden oil starves the tensioner faster [7]. Short-trip SA city use compounds the failure path.

Solution

Diagnose with cold-start audio first — the characteristic chain rattle is unmistakable. Scan for P0016 / P0017. Full chain kit replacement covers the chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets and VVT solenoids, plus a new oil pump pickup screen (which clogs with sludge). Switch to ACEA C2/C3 5W-30 oil on a 10,000 km interval — not the 20,000 km Peugeot prescribes. Our full breakdown sits in our 1.6 THP Prince timing chain guide.

DIY Difficulty & Cost in SA

Advanced specialist work, 12-16 hours. Not DIY. Parts R4,500 – R9,000 for the OEM kit, workshop fitted R18,000 – R35,000 at an independent Peugeot specialist; R60,000-plus if valves bent.

Sources & User Reports

1. peugeotforums.com timing chain tag — owner threads on Prince timing-chain failures across the PSA range (the archived index carried no 5008 threads) [5].
2. Honest John forum — "5008 1.6 THP 156 petrol engine 2012 - engine sounds like a diesel" [6].
3. Automotive Faults — 5008 1.6 THP 163 2012-2017 common faults catalog [7].
4. peugeotforums.com '5008 1.6 thp 165' thread — P87 GT-Line owner reporting 2-3 litres of oil consumed every 5-6 months, the oil-starvation precursor to chain wear [8].

3. AdBlue / SCR Failure

Mk2 P87 5008s with the 2.0 BlueHDi (DW10F) or 1.5 BlueHDi diesel use an AdBlue SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system to clean NOx out of the exhaust. When the AdBlue pump, injector or level sensor fails, the dash counts down to "no-restart" and refuses to crank the engine when the counter hits zero [9][10]. Local AdBlue availability is patchier here than in Europe and non-compliant urea is easier to end up with, both of which make injector and pump problems more likely — though we have no SA failure-rate data to put a number on it.

Symptoms

• "AdBlue tank empty" warning with countdown to no-restart
• "Anti-pollution / Engine Fault: Repair Needed" message
• Reduced power / limp mode after a refill
• Vehicle refuses to restart once countdown reaches zero
• P208E, P20EE, P20F6 fault codes

Causes

AdBlue pump or injector seizure from urea crystallisation, tank-integrated level sensor failure, debris in non-OEM AdBlue clogging the filter, and software not registering top-ups all play a part [11]. Wrong-grade urea (the bargain stuff at random forecourts) accelerates injector clogging faster than anything else. Once the AdBlue counter is at zero the ECU prevents start as a regulatory measure.

Solution

First step is a scan to confirm whether it is the pump, injector, level sensor or just an unregistered top-up. A genuine AdBlue (ISO 22241 spec) top-up plus DiagBox forced top-up registration often clears the counter without parts. Failed injectors are replaced fitted at R3,500 – R7,000; AdBlue pump rebuild or replacement is R8,000 – R22,000; full tank assembly replacement reaches R45,000. Cross-reference our Peugeot BlueHDi AdBlue / SCR failures guide for the full diagnosis flow.

DIY Difficulty & Cost in SA

Topping up is DIY (1L bottles at major fuel stations); injector replacement is specialist (3-5 hours). Costs R8,000 – R22,000 for pump or sensor, up to R45,000 for full tank.

Sources & User Reports

1. peugeotforums.com 'AdBlue Issues' thread — owner-reported counter and limp mode pattern [9].
2. peugeotforums.com 'AdBlue Emissions fault' — Engine Fault: Repair Needed cascade [10].
3. AdBlue Services specialist — Peugeot Citroen AdBlue / SCR / DPF / BlueHDi technical write-up [11].
4. JustAnswer UK — won't restart after AdBlue top-up scenario [12].

4. Panoramic Roof Leaks

The panoramic glass roof option on T87 and P87 5008s is famous for water drips from the headliner — sometimes bucket quantities after a Highveld thundershower. The factory sealant bead between the roof frame and the glass is too thin and discontinuous, and drainage channels block with debris over time. Owners report water dripping from the headliner and overhead console, in some cases within the first years of ownership [13][14].

Symptoms

• Water dripping from behind the rear-view mirror or overhead console
• Soaked headliner after rain, mildew smell
• Wet front seats, water on the dashboard
• Bucket-quantity ingress reported by owners in heavy rain

Causes

Two failure paths combined. First, the factory sealant bead between roof frame and glass perishes or was discontinuous on assembly [15]. Second, the four drainage channels around the panoramic glass block with leaf debris, garden litter and pollen — water then overflows the frame instead of draining. SA summer storms (especially on the Highveld) expose the defect inside the first year of ownership.

Solution

First step is to clear all four drain channels with compressed air or a length of fishing line — in our experience a large share of SA cases are nothing more than blocked drains. If water still ingresses after a hose test, re-bed the glass-to-roof seal with black RTV silicone adhesive — the fix one owner reports as successful after the sealant bead failed [15]. Worst case — full panoramic glass + frame replacement at a Peugeot dealer.

DIY Difficulty & Cost in SA

Easy for drain clean (15 minutes with compressed air), moderate to advanced for re-seal (4-6 hours with the headliner partially dropped). R3,500 – R15,000 fitted at an independent for re-seal plus drain clean; R25,000 – R55,000 if the full panoramic assembly is replaced at a dealer.

Sources & User Reports

1. peugeotforums.com 'panoramic roof — water drips from headliner' thread — symptom pattern [13].
2. peugeotforums.com '5008 roof leaking' thread — owner repair journey [14].
3. peugeotforums.com 'panoramic roof leak FIXED' write-up — TSB application and re-seal procedure [15].
4. JustAnswer UK — water ingress into passenger cabin from roof Q&A [16].

5. EAT6 / EAT8 Jerky Shifts

Most P87 5008s sold in SA from 2017 are EAT6 autos; later and higher-torque derivatives got the eight-speed EAT8. Both are Aisin units (the AWF6F25 and the AWF8 family respectively) and both are mechanically sound — but Peugeot calls the fluid "sealed for life" — the handbook tells owners no gearbox servicing is needed [18] — and the valve body solenoids pay the price [19]. Owners experience a brief slip on hard acceleration, a hard 1-2 upshift cold, a clunk into reverse, or full limp mode in 3rd gear.

Symptoms

• Brief slip / 3-second hesitation under hard acceleration
• Hard 1-2 upshift, especially when cold
• Jerky low-speed creep, clunk into reverse
• Random behaviour — fine one drive, awful the next
• "Gearbox Fault" warning, reduced-power limp mode

Causes

The AWF6F25/AWF8 is internally tough. The fault is sticky valve body solenoids and old ATF degrading faster than Peugeot's "sealed for life" marketing claims [19]. The TCU then protects the gearbox by dropping into limp mode. Outdated TCU software is another factor — ask the dealer whether a newer calibration exists for your VIN.

Solution

Scan with DiagBox or iCarsoft CR Pro and pull TCU codes — often clearing them and applying the latest TCU software update resolves early-onset cases. If symptoms persist, do a pressurised ATF flush plus new Aisin filter (non-negotiable at 60-80k km regardless of service book). Valve body rebuild or reman swap is the next step if the harsh shifts persist after a flush and software update.

DIY Difficulty & Cost in SA

Not DIY — needs an ATF flush machine and Aisin-spec fluid. Software update is free under warranty (R0 – R1,500 out-of-warranty); ATF + filter service R3,500 – R6,500; valve body rebuild R15,000 – R30,000; reman gearbox R55,000-plus.

Sources & User Reports

1. peugeotforums.com 'EAT6 — is this normal behaviour' thread — 308 EAT6 owner reporting a ~3-second slip under full throttle [17].
2. ASR Gearbox Repairs specialist — EAT6/EAT8 Aisin failure mechanism and limp-mode trigger [19].
3. frenchcarforum.co.uk 'EAT6 great in manual bad in auto' — 3008 owner told the handbook says no gearbox servicing is needed; the thread's own conclusion was a boost leak, not a gearbox fault [18].
4. peugeotforums.com 'automatic transmission problem' thread — cross-platform corroboration [20].

6. Electronic Parking Brake Recall

Peugeot 5008s built between 3 April 2017 and 11 December 2020 were included in a braking-software recall announced in France in December 2023, covering roughly 140,000 vehicles across the 208, 2008, 308 and 5008 [21]. This is a recall of the brake-assistance software, not of the electronic parking brake: the fault is a software bug under specific repeated-brake sequences that reduces brake assistance under heavy braking. Failed caliper motors and brake-switch failures are a separate, non-recall problem affecting a wider production window [22][23]. We have not been able to confirm whether the same campaign was applied to South African-market cars — recall coverage is decided per VIN, so check yours with Peugeot SA rather than assuming the build date settles it.

Symptoms

• Parking-brake fault warning, brake won't release or won't engage
• Loss or reduction of brake assistance under repeated heavy braking
• Brake pedal goes hard, dash drops into economy mode
• Caliper motor whirrs but no clamp force
• "Won't start - parking brake fault" warning on the dash

Causes

The original recall covers a braking-software bug under specific repeated-brake sequences [21]. Compounding faults — separate to the recall, and seen across both 5008 generations including Mk1 cars outside the recall window — include failed caliper motor or actuator inside the rear caliper, brake-switch failures on the centre console, and low system voltage from a tired 12V battery causing phantom EPB faults [22][24].

Solution

First step is a VIN check at peugeot.co.za/owners/maintain-your-car/recall.html or by phoning Peugeot SA on 0860 738 472. If in scope, the dealer applies the software update free of charge. Out-of-recall caliper-motor failures are R7,500 – R14,000 per side fitted. If symptoms appeared but the recall is closed already, suspect the rear caliper actuator. Always load-test the 12V battery first — anything under 11.8V at rest will throw EPB faults on a perfectly healthy system.

DIY Difficulty & Cost in SA

VIN-check is DIY. Recall fix is free at a dealer. Out-of-recall caliper motor swap is moderate (4-6 hours) at R7,500 – R14,000 per side. Battery load-test is a R0 walk-in at most parts stores — always start there.

Sources & User Reports

1. Connexion France — 140,000-vehicle braking-software recall in France, reported December 2023 [21].
2. peugeotforums.com 'parking brake fault' thread — 2013 5008 Allure (Mk1), EPB fault outside the recall window [22].
3. peugeotforums.com 'electric parking brake fault' thread — 2010 5008 (Mk1), EPB fault triggered by a flat battery [23].
4. frenchcarforum.co.uk — 2018 5008 (non-hybrid) won't start / parking brake fault / hard brake pedal [24].

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Peugeot 5008 reliable in South Africa?

Mixed. The Mk1 T87 MPV (2009-2017) is dated but mechanically simple; Mk2 P87 (2017-onwards) is much better packaged but bites on the 1.2 PureTech wet belt, 1.6 THP timing chain, AdBlue, panoramic roof and the braking-software recall. A clean Mk2 BlueHDi 180 with the recall applied and a documented ATF flush is a genuinely solid family SUV; a 1.2 PureTech with no service paperwork is a roll of the dice.

Does the Peugeot 5008 have a wet belt?

Yes, on the 1.2 PureTech (EB2DTS) — fitted to P87 5008s from the 2017 launch onwards. Not on the 1.6 THP petrol, which is chain-driven, and not on the 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5), which is also chain-driven; the 2.0 BlueHDi (DW10) runs a conventional dry cam belt, so it needs a scheduled belt change but is not a wet-belt engine. Stellantis revised the wet-belt service interval down to 100,000 km or 6 years — down from the roughly 175,000–180,000 km / 10 years originally quoted. On SA short-trip duty 80,000 km is safer.

How much does a Peugeot 5008 timing chain cost in SA?

For the 1.6 THP Prince engine: parts R4,500 – R9,000 (OEM kit including chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets, VVT solenoids), workshop fitted R18,000 – R35,000 at an independent Peugeot specialist. R60,000-plus if the chain has already jumped and valves have bent. Catch the cold-start rattle early.

What does the AdBlue countdown mean on a Peugeot 5008?

The dash showing "AdBlue: X km remaining" is the SCR system telling you the AdBlue tank is low. Top up with ISO 22241-grade AdBlue (Peugeot SA or major fuel retailer — not random forecourt urea) and drive — the level should refresh. If the countdown does not clear after a top-up, scan for P208E or P20EE codes — the injector or pump may have failed. Out of fluid at zero, the engine will not restart.

Is my Peugeot 5008 on the braking-software recall?

The recall was announced in France in December 2023 and covers cars built between 3 April 2017 and 11 December 2020. We cannot confirm whether it was applied to South African-market cars, and coverage is decided per VIN in any case — so VIN-check at peugeot.co.za/owners/maintain-your-car/recall.html or phone Peugeot SA customer care on 0860 738 472. If your car is in scope the fix is a free software update at any authorised dealer. Note this is the brake-assistance software, not the electronic parking brake — EPB caliper-motor and switch failures are a separate, non-recall problem.

Why does my Peugeot 5008 panoramic roof leak?

Two reasons combined. The factory sealant bead between roof frame and glass perished or was discontinuous on assembly, and the four drainage channels around the glass blocked with leaf debris and pollen. Start with a drain clean (R0 DIY with compressed air or fishing line). If water still ingresses after a hose test, re-bed the seal with black RTV silicone adhesive — R3,500 – R15,000 fitted at an independent.

Are Peugeot 5008 parts easy to find in South Africa?

Yes for mechanical and electrical service items — wet-belt kits, chain kits, AdBlue injectors, EAT6 valve bodies, EPB caliper motors and 12V batteries are all 24-72 hour delivery through our breaker network because they share parts with the 3008, 308, 508 and Citroen / DS siblings. Panoramic roof seals and full glass assemblies are slower because Peugeot SA volume is lower than European fleet. Head units need VIN-matching and dealer-level coding.

Sources

1. 5008 (2018, 68 plate) timing belt issue thread — peugeotforums.com
2. 2020 Peugeot 5008 timing belt failure at 40k miles thread — MoneySavingExpert
3. 1.2 PureTech wet timing belt — everything you need to know — Wheelbase Garage
4. Timing belt crumbles causing clogged oil system thread — peugeotforums.com
5. Timing chain — forum tag index — peugeotforums.com
6. 5008 1.6 THP 156 — engine sounds like a diesel — Honest John Forum
7. Peugeot 5008 1.6 THP 163 2012-2017 common faults — Automotive Faults
8. 5008 1.6 THP 165 owner thread — peugeotforums.com
9. AdBlue Issues thread — peugeotforums.com
10. AdBlue Emissions fault — Engine Fault Repair Needed — peugeotforums.com
11. Peugeot Citroen AdBlue problems — SCR DPF BlueHDi — AdBlue Services
12. Peugeot 5008 won't restart after adding AdBlue — JustAnswer UK
13. Panoramic roof — water drips from headliner — peugeotforums.com
14. 5008 roof leaking thread — peugeotforums.com
15. Panoramic roof leak FIXED — TSB write-up — peugeotforums.com
16. Water ingress into passenger cabin from roof — JustAnswer UK
17. EAT6 — is this normal behaviour — peugeotforums.com
18. EAT6 great in manual bad in auto — frenchcarforum.co.uk
19. Common problems with the EAT6 / EAT8 (Aisin, PSA Group) — ASR Gearbox Repairs
20. Automatic transmission problem thread — peugeotforums.com
21. 140,000 Peugeot cars recalled in France over brake issue — Connexion France
22. Parking brake fault thread — peugeotforums.com
23. Electric parking brake fault thread — peugeotforums.com
24. Peugeot 5008 won't start — parking brake fault, hard brake pedal — frenchcarforum.co.uk

Important Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general information based on aggregated owner-forum reports, independent specialist write-ups and trade publications. Every Peugeot 5008 has its own service history and condition — diagnostic figures, fault codes and repair costs vary by workshop, region and parts source. Always have faults professionally diagnosed before buying parts, and confirm any recall status with Peugeot SA customer care on 0860 738 472 or peugeot.co.za/owners/maintain-your-car/recall.html. Pro Peugeot Spares is not affiliated with Stellantis or Peugeot SA.