Electric car owners are facing significant challenges as numerous models from manufacturers like Peugeot, Opel, Citroën, Fiat, Toyota, and DS are experiencing problems with their onboard chargers (OBC)—specifically the Mahle 11kW model. These issues not only hinder charging at public stations and home chargers but also lead to extensive financial implications for customers, as replacement of the faulty component can cost thousands of euros.
According to reports, certain models built between 2019 and 2023 are particularly affected. Included in this list are popular vehicles such as the Peugeot e-208, Peugeot e-2008, and the Opel Mokka-e among others. The issue has led to widespread complaints from customers who have noticed that their cars fail to charge properly except at high-speed charging stations. This defect appears to stem from the Mahle-supplied onboard chargers, which have recently been scrutinized for reliability.
Stellantis, the parent company of several of these brands, has recognized the problem and is taking steps to mitigate customer dissatisfaction. Since April 2021, it has implemented an extended warranty that provides an additional two years of coverage on the OBC, bringing the total warranty time to four years. “Customers who experience issues with their onboard charger can contact our authorized repairers to have the charger checked and if necessary, replaced at no cost during this warranty period,” Stellantis stated.
However, for those who faced issues prior to the extended warranty and paid for replacements themselves, Stellantis advises contacting customer service for case-by-case assessments. The company has publicly acknowledged that the onboard chargers are not being recalled as the issues appear to affect too few vehicles to warrant such a measure.
Toyota, which operates separately from Stellantis but utilizes the Mahle onboard charger in its Proace models, has implemented its own warranty policy. Toyota offers a robust five-year or 200,000 km guarantee on the OBC, extending it to ten years or 200,000 km provided that owners maintain regular servicing at a Toyota dealership. This distinction highlights Toyota's commitment to resolving customer issues promptly, building stronger customer trust.
Meanwhile, Mahle has responded to the complaints but has refrained from providing specific details about the failure rates or the root causes of the problems. Their stance emphasizes that they continuously strive for excellence in their manufacturing processes. However, the company maintains a policy of not commenting on customer-specific issues, leaving many car owners frustrated.
Perhaps the most pressing concern is what happens when warranties expire or are no longer applicable. ANWB Expert Pieter de Porto points out that customers may invoke the principle of non-conformity, arguing that an OBC should last longer than four years under normal usage. According to de Porto, if a fault occurs within that time frame, dealers or manufacturers should remedy the issue free of charge.
The affected models, ranging from various Peugeot e-vehicles to Toyota’s Proace City and Proace Verso, illustrate a worrying trend among manufacturers using the same faulty component. As charging becomes increasingly critical for the viability of electric vehicles, companies must address these significant reliability issues to avoid tarnishing their reputations and customer satisfaction.
With the rising focus on electric vehicles, drivers expect their cars to charge reliably. As manufacturers continue to work on solutions, customers who find themselves experiencing such issues must stay informed about their rights and the options available through authorized dealerships. They even have the option of the various manufacturer contact points, highlighted on company websites, to help address their concerns more effectively.
In light of these challenges, it remains essential for manufacturers to take proactive measures, whether through expanded warranties or comprehensive support, to ensure that owners of electric vehicles can smoothly transition to the future of driving without the fear of continual interruptions and expenses due to defective onboard chargers.
