Since its launch in 2008, the Peugeot Bipper fast became one of the more popular vehicles for those that wanted a small workhorse of a van. Sitting on the cusp between a car and a van, the Peugeot Bipper is by no means a large vehicle. However, for those that are looking for a van that can cover short distances, perhaps the haul stock or tools around, then it is perfect. But is it reliable? Is this a vehicle that will fall apart after a few thousand miles?
Is The Peugeot Bipper Reliable?
While the Peugeot Bipper has been built to a budget, it is a very reliable vehicle. As with most vans, it has been designed to be used day-in, day-out. While it can run into issues, a full 3-year-warranty / 100,000 miles (whichever comes first) from Peugeot should give owners peace of mind.
Peugeot Bipper Common Problems
The Peugeot Bipper is a workhouse van, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t going to run into a few problems. Most of these issues can easily be fixed, assuming they have been caught early.
Peugeot Bipper Timing Chain Problems
The Peugeot Bipper has always risked the timing chain being stretched. However, the problem is most notorious in any Peugeot Bipper that runs the THP 155HP 1.6 Prince Engine. This is due to how the engine has been constructed. That whole engine has a series of problems. It has intakes that clog much faster too.
The timing chain on the Peugeot Bipper should be inspected every 50,000 miles or so.
Peugeot Bipper Turbo Problems
The Peugeot Bipper doesn’t tend to have that many issues with the Turbo. In most cases, when the Turbo does fail, it is down to poor maintenance. This is likely due to carbon build-up or lack of proper oil changes.
Still, the Turbo problems can present an issue on the Bipper, again with the Prince Engines. The carbon can build up in these engines pretty fast, which can stop the oil from flowing into the turbo. Over time, this may result in the turbo lacking sufficient lubrication. Lack of lubrication means that the parts warm-up and, eventually, die. The problem can be spotted well in advance, though. If a turbo lacks the same oomph as it did before, then there may be an overheating issue.
Peugeot Bipper 1.3 HDi Engine Problems
As the Peugeot Bipper has changed engines over the years, the problems can differ slightly.
As mentioned, the main problem for this vehicle is intakes get clogged up with carbon. This can stop vehicle fluids from traveling around, resulting in the other parts of the car quickly failing. Thankfully, this is an easy problem to rectify.
At around the 40,000-mile mark for the vehicle, the risk of the water pump failing will increase. It is easy to spot when the water pump is on its last legs. The radiator on the engine will start to develop a pink fur, coolant will start to drain quickly, and the engine will begin to run exceedingly hot.
While other issues could occur with this engine, these will be the main ones. Other issues are more general vehicle engine issues, and regular vehicle inspection will deal with that.
Peugeot Bipper Gearbox Problems
The gearbox on the Peugeot Bipper is a real star component. It doesn’t have a huge number of issues related to it. Gearbox wear tends to be a problem, as with most vehicles. However, the Peugeot Bipper tends to last longer than average on the gearbox front.
The Peugeot Bipper that does run into issues tends to be those with automatic gearboxes, which tend to be much less common in the UK. Problems here include grinding and slipped gears. They aren’t common problems, but they do occur.
Peugeot Bipper Clutch Problems
The biggest Peugeot Bipper clutch issue will be a frayed clutch cable. The first sign of this is that the clutch will become harder to push down. In most cases, replacing the cable is all that is required.
In some cases, the Peugeot Bipper’s clutch can let out a slight wailing sound when engaged and disengaged. This is likely to be a case of a failing clutch bearing rather than anything serious. Again, this is an issue that can easily be dealt with.
Beyond this, the clutch problems may be linked to the gearbox issues, e.g., gears failing to engage, slipped gears, etc.
Central Locking Problems
Remote Unlock Failure
The central locking system in the Peugeot Bipper commonly experiences issues with unlocking the doors remotely. This means that when you press the unlock button on your key fob, the doors may not respond as expected. As a result, you might need to manually insert the key into the door lock to gain access to your vehicle.
This can be inconvenient and frustrating, especially when you are in a hurry or during adverse weather conditions. The remote unlock failure is a common problem reported by Peugeot Bipper owners and can significantly impact daily usability.
Unexpected Locking and Unlocking
Another common issue related to central locking problems in the Peugeot Bipper is when the central locking mechanism causes doors to lock and unlock unexpectedly. This erratic behavior can occur while driving or even when the vehicle is parked, leading to safety concerns and potential security risks.
Imagine being inside your car only for it to suddenly lock its doors without any input from you. Conversely, having your doors randomly unlock poses serious security threats. These unpredictable actions compromise both safety and peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.
Manual Door Unlock Difficulty
When facing central locking problems in their Peugeot Bipper, owners may encounter difficulty in manually unlocking the doors due to these issues. If there’s an emergency situation where swift exit from the vehicle is necessary, struggling with manual door unlocking due to faulty central locking exacerbates an already stressful scenario.
In addition to inconvenience, this also raises safety concerns as quick egress from a vehicle could be crucial during emergencies such as accidents or fire incidents.
Bipper 3 Stop Light Problem
Failure to Illuminate
The third stop light in the Peugeot Bipper may fail to illuminate when braking. This issue can occur due to a variety of reasons, including a faulty bulb, wiring problems, or issues with the brake light switch. When this happens, it can significantly compromise road safety as other drivers might not be aware of your intentions to slow down or stop.
In some instances, the dashboard warning lights might alert you to this problem by displaying an indicator related to the brake lights. It’s crucial to address this issue promptly by checking and replacing any faulty bulbs and inspecting the wiring for any damage or corrosion. Ignoring this problem could lead to potential accidents on the road.
Flickering or Dimming
Another common problem associated with the third stop light in the Peugeot Bipper is its propensity for constantly flickering or dimming when illuminated. This issue often stems from poor electrical connections, damaged wiring, or a malfunctioning circuit within the vehicle’s lighting system.
When encountering such problems with your warning lights, it’s essential to conduct a thorough inspection of all relevant components involved in illuminating the third stop light. This includes examining the connections, testing for voltage irregularities, and replacing any worn-out parts that are contributing to these erratic behaviors.
Addressing these issues promptly will help ensure that your Peugeot Bipper maintains optimal safety standards while on the road.
Fuel Problems
Frequent Stalling or Engine Misfires
Peugeot Bipper owners may encounter frequent stalling or engine misfires, often caused by fuel delivery issues. When the fuel system fails to deliver an adequate supply of fuel to the engine, it can result in intermittent stalling and rough idling. These problems can be attributed to issues such as clogged fuel filters, faulty fuel pumps, or malfunctioning fuel injectors.
For example:
- A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, leading to inadequate combustion and subsequent misfires.
- Malfunctioning fuel injectors may not spray the correct amount of fuel into the combustion chamber, causing stalling and rough idling.
Difficulty Starting the Vehicle
Owners might experience difficulty starting their Peugeot Bipper due to problems with the fuel pump or injector. If there are issues with these components, they may fail to deliver an optimal amount of fuel during startup. This could lead to prolonged cranking before the engine finally starts.
For instance:
- A faulty fuel pump might struggle to maintain adequate pressure within the fuel system, making it challenging for the vehicle’s engine to start promptly.
- Malfunctioning injectors could result in insufficient atomization of fuel during ignition attempts.
Reduced Fuel Efficiency and Increased Consumption
The Peugeot Bipper may exhibit reduced fuel efficiency and increased consumption due to various malfunctions within its fuel system, such as leaking components or improper air-fuel ratio. These issues can lead to higher than normal petrol/diesel usage while driving.
For instance:
- Leaking fuel lines, a compromised seal on a component like a petrol version’s tank cap*, or other similar leaks can contribute significantly towards decreased petrol mileage.
- An imbalance in the air-fuel mixture caused by failing components like diesel injectors might lead to increased diesel consumption.
Rear Suspension Problems
Excessive Bouncing and Uneven Ride
Owners of Peugeot Bipper might encounter excessive bouncing or an uneven ride, which can be attributed to rear suspension issues. The worn-out or damaged suspension components could lead to this problem, causing discomfort for the driver and passengers. Imagine driving on a road with numerous bumps, feeling like you’re in a rollercoaster due to the rear suspension problems.
The vehicle’s stability is compromised when the rear suspension is not functioning optimally. This can make handling the car more challenging, especially when navigating corners or rough terrain. It’s vital for drivers to address these issues promptly as they can impact safety and overall driving experience.
Unusual Noises from Rear Suspension
Another common sign of rear suspension problems in a Peugeot Bipper is the occurrence of unusual noises such as squeaking or clunking coming from this area of the vehicle. These noisy suspension symptoms are often indicative of underlying issues with various components within the system, including shock absorbers, which may require attention from a qualified mechanic.
Drivers should pay close attention if they notice any strange sounds emanating from their car’s rear end while driving over uneven surfaces or making turns.
Starter Motor Problems
Failure to Engage
The starter motor in a Peugeot Bipper can sometimes fail to engage, making it difficult to start the van. This can be frustrating and inconvenient, especially if you rely on your van for work or daily activities. When the starter motor fails to engage, it means that the electrical signal is not reaching the motor, preventing it from turning over the engine. This issue may be due to a faulty connection, damaged wiring, or a worn-out starter motor.
When attempting to start the van, if you hear grinding or clicking noises, this could indicate problems with the starter motor. These sounds typically occur when the starter motor gear isn’t engaging properly with the flywheel. It’s essential to address this issue promptly as continued attempts to start the van with a malfunctioning starter motor can lead to further damage.
Intermittent Starting Issues
Intermittent starting issues are often caused by a faulty or worn-out starter motor. If you experience sporadic problems starting your Peugeot Bipper, it’s crucial to have the starter motor inspected by a qualified mechanic. Ignoring intermittent starting issues can result in being stranded unexpectedly, which can be highly inconvenient and potentially costly if it happens during work hours.
In conclusion, addressing starter motor problems in your Peugeot Bipper promptly is crucial for ensuring the reliable operation of your van. Seeking assistance from a qualified mechanic when encountering these issues can help prevent further damage and inconvenience.
What Is The Best Year For Peugeot Bipper Vans in Terms of Reliability?
Any Peugeot Bipper built from 2011 onwards should be reliable. In 2011, the engine in the Peugeot Bipper was switched out for the far more reliable one that could be found in similar Fiat vans. Because of this, the reliability of the Peugeot Bipper was marginally increased.
How Many Miles Will a Peugeot Bipper Last?
As with most vehicles, the lifespan of a Peugeot Bipper was lean heavily on how often the vehicle has been serviced. A petrol version needs to have the engine serviced every 60,000 miles and the diesel version every 75,000 miles. An engine failure could be just around the cor without those regular inspections. With regular inspections, the Peugeot Bipper could easily last 180,000 miles for the petrol version and around 200,000 miles for the diesel version. However, the longer the vehicle is on the road, the greater the risk of failure.
