PSA 1.0 VTi / PureTech 68 (EB0)Ignition coils and spark plugsSpark plugs
Ignition coil and spark plug failure on the 1.0 PureTech
Why this rating?
Low severity: A nuisance or wear. It does not immobilise the car or damage other parts.
Frequency occasional: fiches-auto.fr counts 4 ignition reports in 56 owner accounts for the 1.0 VTi 68 in the Peugeot 208, and 2 in 26 for the Citroën C3 II. These are owner accounts for two models, with no official figures, specialist press coverage or recall, so we have kept it at «occasional».[1][2]
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on; one 208 owner says the diagnosis pointed to a coil at around 18,000 km.[1][2]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Hesitation or jerking when accelerating, with the spark plugs replaced (around 15,000 km) or the coils replaced (around 53,000 km), according to 208 owner accounts.[1]Jerking: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
The sources only mention coils and spark plugs being replaced after the warning, without explaining the cause of the fault; no technical analysis of the origin has been published.[1]
Affected cars and years
The reports relate to the 1.0 VTi 68 in the Peugeot 208 and Citroën C3 II; there is no data for other cars with the EB0.[1][2]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.0 VTi / PureTech 68 (EB0, 2012-2016) | 2012–2016 | EB0EB0FZMZZM01 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Citroën
- Citroën C3 II2012–2016
Peugeot
- Peugeot 208 I2012–2016
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the coils and/or spark plugs, including labour.[1]
We have not found a published price in Spain for this engine.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Start the engine from cold and check that it does not judder and that the engine warning light does not come on.
- Ask whether the spark plugs or coils have been changed and check the invoice.
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
1.0 VTi ignition coil
Produces the spark for each cylinder; if it fails, it causes misfires.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
1.0 VTi spark plug set
Replaced during routine maintenance or together with the coils.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- Replace the spark plugs at the interval set out in the manufacturer's maintenance schedule.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 30 October 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 1.0 PureTech faults
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentLubricationExcessive oil consumption through the piston ringsYes. Stellantis acknowledges that naturally aspirated 1.0 and 1.2 EB engines built between June 2012 and November 2016 can use excessive oil because of fouling of the piston rings; depending on consumption and mileage, its network replaces the water outlet housing or the whole engine.
- Critical severityFrequency: OccasionalTimingDegradation of the oil-bath timing beltThe 1.0 VTi/PureTech 68 uses the same oil-bath timing belt as the 1.2. Over time it can degrade and shed debris that blocks the oil pump strainer, with a risk of serious failure. It has not had a recall, but it falls under Stellantis's extended warranty.Repair (garage): €400–€800
More faults with the ignition coils on other engines and cars
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.4 and 1.6 16vIgnition coil failureThe individual ignition coils are the most-cited fault of the K4J/K4M in the European Renault versions: they fail frequently and cause jerking, loss of power and the engine warning light coming on. It is a cheap electrical part to replace, not internal engine damage.Appears at around 30,000 km
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.2 PureTechSpark plug breakage on the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech turboOn the 130 hp 1.2 PureTech/e-THP turbo the original spark plugs can break; if a fragment falls into the cylinder it can damage the engine. Autojournal cites a 2015 recall to replace them on the 308 II.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N43/N46Injector, ignition coil and NOx sensor failures (N43)On the direct-injection BMW N43, failures of the injectors, ignition coils (mainly in 2007-2008 units, now rare after a BMW service action) and the NOx sensor of its lean-burn combustion have been documented. The indirect-injection N46 does not have that sensor and does not suffer these failures.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N54/N55Oil in the spark plug wells from the rocker cover gasketOn the N54 and N55 the rocker cover gasket hardens with age and lets oil seep into the spark plug wells. Guides treat it as a known fault: it smells of burnt oil and can damage spark plugs and coils.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.0/1.2/1.4 EcotecIgnition coil failureThe ignition coils on this engine fail fairly often in the Corsa, Astra, Meriva and Adam, causing jerking, the engine warning light and, in the clearest cases, the engine running on one cylinder fewer; the garage fixes it by replacing the affected coil.Repair (garage): €150–€480Appears at around 15,000 km
- Medium severityFrequency: Common1.4 TurboIgnition coil failureThe ignition coils of the 1.4 Turbo fail fairly often on the Mokka and Meriva B, with jerking, occasional loss of power and the engine warning light on; the garage fixes it by replacing the affected coil or coils.Repair (garage): €400–€600Appears at around 47,000 km
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Tous les problèmes sur Peugeot 208 2012-2019 (750 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
- Tous les problèmes sur Citroen C3 II 2009-2016 (359 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French