Thousands of Citroën , Opel , Peugeot , DS , and Fiat vehicles are currently under scrutiny due to issues related to the 1.5 BlueHDI diesel engine. Specifically, this recall affects models produced before February 2023 , totaling over 600,000 units in France alone. Our partners at L’Automobile have confirmed this major recall, and Stellantis is extending similar actions to Spain, as reported by Motorpasion.
In Spain, while the total number of affected vehicles is not yet clear, the initiative aims to review vehicles in batches. The primary concern is the premature breaking of the timing chain , a critical component. If this chain fails, it effectively ends the engine’s lifecycle, as repairs are often not feasible.
Owners of affected vehicles will receive formal notifications through the brand, as well as letters from the DGT (Dirección General de Tráfico), urging them to bring their cars to a workshop. This systematic approach is aimed at ensuring that every impacted vehicle runs smoothly and safely on the roads.
<img alt="Peugeot's redemption with its Puretech engines: give one of the best market guarantees (for limited time)" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/0ab921/peugeot/375_142.jpeg"/>The Return of PureTech Ghosts
While Stellantis has not disclosed the exact number of affected vehicles in Spain, the list includes a considerable array of models that utilize the problematic engine.
Specifically, the following models must pass through workshops if manufactured between October 2017 and February 2023 :
- Citroën: C3 and C3 Aircross (2018-2023), C4 and C4 Cactus (2020-2023), C4 Picasso and C4 SpaceTourer (2018-2023), C5 Aircross (2018-2023).
- Peugeot: 208 and 2008 (2018-2023), 308 and 3008 (2017-2023), 508 and 5008 (2017-2023)
- Opel: Corsa (2019-2023), Crossland X and Crossland (2018-2023), Mokka (2021-2023), Astra (2022-2023), Grandland X and Grandland (2018-2023).
- DS: DS 3 and DS3 Crossback (2019-2023), DS 4 II (2021-2023), DS 7 Crossback (2017-2023).
Additional commercial vehicles affected include the Citroën Berlingo (2018-2023), SpaceTourer and Jumpy (2018-2023), Opel Zafira Life and Vivaro (2018-2023), Peugeot Traveler and Expert (2018-2023), and Fiat Double and SCUDO (2022-2023) models. Even the Toyota Proace and Proace City (2018-2023) are impacted, due to their association with the previous PSA agreement.
<img alt="How to claim Stellantis if you are affected by the defective PureTech engines: these are the steps" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/260b7b/moteur-eb-turbo-puretech_04.jpg/375_142.jpeg"/>Once the checks are complete, Stellantis will determine if a timing chain replacement or software reprogramming is necessary. The issue stems from the chain’s 7-millimeter width, which has been upgraded to 8 millimeters since February 2023, thus warranting this recall.
The diagnostic process involves analyzing noise from the engine, which Stellantis asserts is crucial for deciding whether a replacement is necessary. If not, a software reprogramming will be the next step.
In conjunction with this recall, Stellantis has announced that a special coverage program has been introduced. Vehicles with the 1.5 BlueHDI engine manufactured between October 2017 and January 2023 will be eligible for reimbursement of parts or replacements, covering up to 240,000 kilometers or 10 years —a notable extension beyond previous guarantees.
<img alt="Stellantis continues" width="375" height="142" src="https://i.blogs.es/31e827/opel-insignia-diesel-with-adblue-503161.jpg/375_142.jpeg"/>If you own an affected vehicle, you may be eligible for a refund through this website, provided you have met all manufacturer maintenance obligations . This approach mirrors the protocol used for handling defective PureTech engines , also produced by Stellantis, which encountered a similar degradation issue resulting in engine failures.
Stellantis is actively responding to the massive recall of thousands of vehicles while attempting to restore its public image concerning quality and reliability. However, the company is also facing a collective lawsuit in Spain, further complicating the situation.
Photo | Citroën
For more information on Stellantis and the impact of the defective PureTech engines , visit Xataka or explore other auto-related news outlets.