Peugeot 3008 II vs Volvo XC40: which is more reliable?
According to the MotorFiable Score, the Volvo XC40 (5.7/10) has fewer serious documented faults than the Peugeot 3008 II (5.1/10), mainly because of their engines.
| Item | Peugeot 3008 II | Volvo XC40 |
|---|---|---|
| Segment | Compact SUV | Compact SUV |
| Years | 2016–2023 | 2017–today |
| MotorFiable Score | 5.1 out of 10 | 5.7 out of 10 |
| Engine score | 4.4/10 | 5.5/10 |
| Most recommended engine | 2.0 HDi · With caution | Volvo-Polestar CMA eléctrico (Polestar 2, C40, XC40) · Buy |
| Score for the rest of the car | 5.9/10 | 6.0/10 |
| Suspension | 8.6 out of 101 faultMedium severity | 8.2 out of 100 faults |
| Brakes | 7.4 out of 100 faults | 7.0 out of 102 faultsCritical severity |
| Electrical system | 7.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity | 7.1 out of 101 faultCritical severity |
| Electronics and infotainment | 8.9 out of 101 faultLow severity | 9.3 out of 101 faultLow severity |
| Bodywork and interior | 7.6 out of 102 faultsHigh severity | 7.7 out of 100 faults |
Scores out of 10: the higher, the fewer serious documented faults. How we calculate them
Main faults of the Peugeot 3008 II
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonElectrical systemBattery overheating risk in Hybrid versionsThe manufacturer has called in around 43,000 Peugeot 3008 II Hybrid and Hybrid4 cars built between 2019 and 2022 to be checked at the dealer for a risk of the high-voltage battery overheating.
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBodywork and interiorCampaigns for towbar breakage (2016-2020 production)Safety Gate records at least four alerts for the 3008 II between 2020 and 2021 over the towbar: fixing bolts that could break (built from September 2019 to February 2020), a faulty weld (December 2016 to December 2020) and a faulty part (December 2020); in every case the trailer could come loose.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalSuspensionPremature wear of the front shock absorbersThe front shock absorbers on the 3008 II can show signs of weakness earlier than expected. It is worth listening for knocking and checking for leaks; the pair has been published at around €700 (in Spain).Repair (garage): €700
In their engines
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechOil-bath timing belt degradationThe oil-bath belt on the 1.2 PureTech (2012-2025) can swell and shed debris that blocks the oil pump pick-up; without lubrication, the engine can be destroyed. Stellantis covers it up to 10 years or 180,000 km and asks for it to be changed every 100,000 km or 6 years.Repair (garage): €400–€800
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechLoss of braking assistance from vacuum pump damageOn 1.2 PureTech turbos built between 2013 and 2018, belt debris can damage the vacuum pump that feeds the brake servo and reduce braking assistance. There were two free recalls (2020 and 2022); it is worth confirming they were done.
- Critical severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiWear and breakage of the 7 mm chain between the camshaftsIn 1.5 BlueHDi engines built between October 2017 and January 2023, the 7 mm chain linking the camshafts can stretch and break, causing serious engine damage. Stellantis has recalled them and covers the fault for 10 years or 240,000 km.Repair (garage): €730–€820
Main faults of the Volvo XC40
Outside the engine
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesLoss of electronic brake assistance due to a software faultYes: in January 2023 Volvo recalled more than 100,000 cars built in 2023, including the XC40, because a software fault in the brake module could, in rare cases, cause the electronic brake assistance functions to be lost while driving. The brake pedal continued to work manually and the update is free.Repair: €0
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalElectrical systemAccelerator sensor cable corrosion on the Recharge, with risk of unintended accelerationIn XC40 Recharge units built between September 2020 and August 2021, moisture can corrode the accelerator pedal sensor cable and cause erroneous signals, with a risk of unintended acceleration. Volvo recalled the affected cars to inspect or replace the wiring, free of charge.Repair: €0
- High severityFrequency: OccasionalBrakesThe brake pedal can move out of position due to faulty assemblyIn 2018 XC40 units, faulty assembly can cause the brake pedal to move out of position and affect the operation of the braking system. Germany's Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) registered a recall to correct it free of charge at the official network.Repair: €0
In their engines
- High severityFrequency: CommonD4/D5High oil consumption from 90,000-150,000 km that harms the turbo (VEA)On the 190 hp VEA D4, several owners document oil consumption that soars from 90,000-150,000 km (up to 1 litre per 1,000 km in one case), and Fiches-auto.fr warns that this lack of lubrication can end up damaging the turbo. It describes it as "the most sensitive engine" on the Volvo V60 page.
- High severityFrequency: CommonDrive-E gasolinaHigh oil consumption that can damage the turboYes: on the more powerful versions (T5, T6, B5), a German used-car analysis documents oil consumption of up to 1 litre per 1,000 km, and on one Volvo XC60 that lack of lubrication ended up damaging the turbo at 150,000 km. Volvo does not acknowledge it with a campaign of its own.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalVolvo-Polestar CMA eléctrico (Polestar 2, C40, XC40)Fire risk from overheating of the high-voltage battery in the XC40 Recharge (2020–2022)Safety Gate (EU) published alert SR/01964/26 on 10 July 2026: the high-voltage battery of Volvo XC40s built between 2020 and 2022 can overheat and cause a fire (code R10388). The notice does not distinguish between the plug-in hybrid and the fully electric version.