Verdict
A turbo petrol four-cylinder with direct injection and a timing chain, developed with BMW (the Prince family) and launched in 2006 as the 1.6 THP, then renamed the 1.6 PureTech (180 to 225 hp). It also serves as the combustion engine of the plug-in hybrids Hybrid 180, Hybrid 225 and Hybrid4 300. The first THP engines (2006-2010) are the most exposed to timing chain stretching, and the family also suffers from high-pressure pumps, carbon build-up, oil consumption and coolant leaks. On the PureTech 180/225, the documented fault is the throttle body of engines built up to September 2019. Insist on regular servicing and monitor the oil level.
Years to favour or avoid
- To favour
- No year particularly to favour
- To avoid
- 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Known faults
Timing chain stretching (faulty tensioner)
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe main weak point of the 1.6 THP is the hydraulic timing chain tensioner, which loses its effectiveness and lets the chain stretch or shift, causing loss of power and an engine warning light; a breakage can destroy the engine. A rattle on cold start is the early warning sign. L'argus cites the 1.6 THP 150, 156, 175 and 200 hp: PSA introduced a new tensioner on 16 July 2009 and covered 100% of the cost for vehicles built up to 30 September 2010 (within 5 years or 100,000 km). Engines from 2006 to 2010 are the most affected, though cases continue to be reported later. As the tensioner depends on oil pressure, a correct oil level and regular oil changes are essential.
- Versions
- thp-1-6-ep6
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Sources
Faulty high-pressure fuel pump (1.6 THP)
Severity 2/3 · CostlyOn the 1.6 THP with direct injection, the high-pressure pump can fail: fuel pressure fault, switch to limp mode and loss of power. Owners of a 207 THP 150, a 308 THP 156 and a 3008 1.6 THP report replacements, sometimes repeated.
- Versions
- thp-1-6-ep6
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Excessive oil consumption
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe 1.6 THP can consume oil abnormally (rings, valve stem seals or turbo suspected), including on 165 hp cars from 2015 to 2017. Low oil levels increase the risk to the timing chain and the turbo: check the level regularly.
- Versions
- thp-1-6-ep6
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Cooling circuit leaks (thermostat housing, water pump)
Severity 2/3 · CostlyThe water pump, the plastic thermostat housing and the expansion tank are fragile on the 1.6 THP: coolant leaks, and a risk of head gasket failure if overheating goes unnoticed.
- Versions
- thp-1-6-ep6
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Carbon build-up (calamine) on intake valves
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingDirect injection does not wash the intake valves, on which carbon deposits form, especially in urban use: jerking, unstable idling and loss of power. Cleaning requires dismantling the intake. Owners find the THP 200 less affected than the 150-165 hp versions.
- Versions
- thp-1-6-ep6
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Faulty motorised throttle body (1.6 PureTech 180 and 225)
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingOn the 1.6 PureTech EP6FADTXD (180 hp) and EP6FADTX (225 hp) built up to September 2019, the motorised throttle body can malfunction: diagnostic warning light and loss of power. Its body was later changed from plastic to aluminium, and Citroën, DS, Opel and Peugeot agreed to cover the repair outside warranty.
- Versions
- thp-1-6-ep6
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Models fitted
Extra cautionPhoto: KGC626, CC BY-SA 4.0
Citroën C4 Picasso
2013–2022 · Petrol, Diesel
- Estimated monthly cost
- €292/month
Extra cautionPhoto: AIMHO'S REBELLION 8490s, CC BY-SA 4.0
Citroën C5 Aircross
2018–2025 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €417/month
Extra cautionPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
DS DS 7 Crossback / DS 7
since 2017 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €558/month
Buy with carePhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy with carePhoto: M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Peugeot 3008
2016–2023 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €369/month
Buy with carePhoto: MoCars, CC0
Peugeot 308
since 2021 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid, Electric
- Estimated monthly cost
- €414/month
Extra cautionPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Extra cautionPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Peugeot 508
since 2018 · Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
- Estimated monthly cost
- €485/month
Maintain and diagnose this engine
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.