Why Does the Peugeot 1.2 Puretech Fail So Often?

The PSA Puretech

The puretech was first introduced to the market in 2012 inside of the early Peugeot 208. In 2014, two new engines joined the puretech family, 1.2l e-THP 110 and 1.2l e-THP 130 turbocharged versions. This was intended to be the new core engine going forward for Peugeot ranges in segments B, C and D, and can still be seen in applications today. This upgrade would boast reduced fuel consumption and reduced CO2 emissions.

PSA 1.2l Puretech Engine
The PSA 1.2l Puretech Engine

The original naturally aspirated 3-cylinder engine is capable of reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 25% compared to a 4-cylinder engine with the same power. The turbocharged variant would reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 21% compared to a 4-cylinder engine with the same power.

What Vehicles Feature the 1.2 Puretech?

The 1.2 Puretech can be found in the following:

Peugeot

108, 208, 2008, 301, 308 II, 408 II, 3008, 5008, Rifter

Citroen

Berlingo III, C1 II, C3 III, C3/C4/C5 Aircross, C3-XR, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso

Toyota

ProAce City, Aygo

DS

3, 3 Crossback, 4S, 7 Crossback

Vauxhall

Combo E, Corsa F, Crossland (formerly Crossland X), Grandland (formerly Grandland X), Mokka

Wet Belt

Unfortunately, despite the improvements to the engines it does run a wet belt, which has a tendency to fail. One of the main causes for a timing belt to snap on its own is contamination of any fluid such as oil. Regardless of this fact, the wet belt still came to fruition. A timing belt that operates while submerged in oil.

While there are benefits to this, including a quieter running engine and slightly reduced emmissions, these only benefit the manufacturer. While there are many developments which could lead to these improvements, installing a wet belt into the engine is the cheapest option. In reality most vehicles with belt in oil systems will see premature failure and increased maintenance costs when the time comes to have it changed.

In addition, as the belt starts to break down the materials will make their way into the oil sump filter and will block it. This leads to oil starvation, ultimately meaning the engine will lack the necessary lubrication.

You can read more about wet belts here >

High Oil Consumption

Much like the H5F, the Puretech also suffers from oil overconsumption. While PSA are suggesting that the oil needs changing every 10-12,000 miles, engine specialists are recommending this to be done a lot earlier as many people report their engines using 1 litre of oil every 1000 miles. With PSA stating that the acceptable maximum consumption of oil is 1 litre per 4000 miles it shows that there is a clear issue.

One cause could be a faulty PCV valve, which can be easily replaced, however the most common fault is with the Piston Rings. The oil control ring is responsible for allowing oil to pass through and lubricate the cylinder walls for smooth piston operation. There is a consistent fault with these rings allowing an excess of oil to pass through and burn up at a rapid rate.

Engines Recalled

In response to the overwhelming negativity caused by the 1.2 Puretech, in 2021 PSA actually issued a recall on the engine. After some digging it seems this was a reaction to the poor quality of the wet belt and not the problematic rings. Through my research it seems this is still a present issue.

While the faulty Rings have not been addressed yet, PSA have explained the issue behind the crumbling belt. The premature failure is supposedly caused by droplets of unburned fuel sliding down the cylinder walls and mixing into the oil pan. This contamination creates an abrasive mixture causing accelerated degradation of the belt.

Unfortunately, this does not mean a whole lot in terms of reliability of the engine as this just highlights the negatives behind using a wet belt in the first place. The only way to guarantee a longer lifespan of the belt is to ensure the oil is changed regularly during the vehicle’s annual service and that the correct oil is used. Meanwhile, we would highly recommend having the OE Piston Rings exchanged for a higher quality alternative.

GT Automotive Parts

At GT Automotive we stock the parts relevant to the 1.2 Puretech, including Piston Rings exceeding OE quality. We are partnered with Riken, the world leading manufacturer of Piston Rings with a focus on advanced technology and innovative engineering.

To enquire more on our parts contact us today.

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