Stellantis Vehicle Recall Details Unveiled
In a move aimed at ensuring the safety and longevity of its vehicles, automotive giant Stellantis has announced a voluntary recall of certain models equipped with 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engines. The recall, which affects hundreds of thousands to nearly a million vehicles across Europe, includes models from Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, DS Automobiles, and Fiat, manufactured between 2017 and 2023.
The issue at hand involves a potential premature wear of the camshaft chain, which could lead to abnormal noise and, in extreme cases, breakage of the chain. This wear could potentially cause significant engine damage or failure. While no incidents or injuries related to this problem have been reported to Stellantis, the company has taken proactive steps to address the issue.
Affected vehicle owners can check if their car is part of the recall by using a FIN query on the brands' internet pages. If a vehicle is found to be part of the recall, owners are advised to make an appointment with the contract workshop for the necessary repairs.
In the workshop, a software update will be installed, and if necessary, an oil change will be made. The workshop will also use an app to analyze the chain noises, and if a problem is detected, the chain will be replaced. Stellantis has also extended the warranty on these engines to 10 years or 240,000 km to provide additional protection for affected customers.
It is important to note that higher mileage and older vehicles with more kilometers on the clock have a higher risk of developing this issue. The problem is expected to develop gradually and may not happen suddenly. Therefore, affected vehicle owners are strongly advised to make an appointment as soon as possible for a mandatory recall, as it often concerns a risk of accidents.
The ADAC, Germany's largest automobile club, recommends that owners of older cars or new used cars have their vehicles checked at a brand workshop to ensure that all silent actions have been addressed. If you own a used car and suspect that the previous owner may have ignored a recall, you should visit a dealership. They can check this using a database.
It is also worth noting the difference between voluntary and mandatory recalls. Mandatory recalls are ordered by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) when safety issues or environmental concerns are involved, while voluntary recalls are not mandatory and can be further divided into silent actions and public actions.
Stellantis has initiated a voluntary recall campaign for approximately 141,700 vehicles in Germany, and public actions require affected customers to be informed, for example, by post or additional media, to visit the brand workshop. The KBA can order a mandatory recall if the safety of drivers, passengers, or other road users is at risk, such as due to defects in brakes or airbags. Ignoring such a recall could result in the forced immobilization of the vehicle.
Affected vehicle owners who have incurred repair costs due to a broken camshaft chain in the specified engine type between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025, can apply for compensation starting mid-July 2025, subject to certain conditions and verification of required documents.
In conclusion, Stellantis's voluntary recall of certain models equipped with 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engines is a proactive step towards ensuring the safety and longevity of its vehicles. Affected vehicle owners are advised to check their vehicles and make necessary appointments with their local dealerships to address the potential issue.
- Owners of affected vehicles, primarily those with higher mileage or older models, may want to reconsider their lifestyle choices to supplement regular car-maintenance routines, as this would potentially minimize the risk of camshaft chain wear, an issue currently being addressed by Stellantis in their voluntary recall.
- In addition to maintaining a healthy car-maintenance schedule, individuals who engage in sports activities and frequently drive their vehicles under extreme conditions might want to be vigilant about potential camshaft chain issues, as the wear could be accelerated by such driving habits.
