Stellantis has announced the recall of approximately 68,000 vehicles across France due to potential fire risks linked to defective oil cooling jets found in their PureTech engines. The recall, confirmed on February 25, 2025, involves specific models produced between 2022 and 2024, including 57,000 Citroën C3s, 2,500 Peugeot 208s, and 8,700 Opel Corsas equipped with the 1.2-liter PureTech engine.
This issue does not relate to engine design flaws but concerns defects arising from quality issues with components provided by external suppliers. Stellantis has indicated, “It is not a design problem with the engine, but rather due to the supplier, which affected the quality of manufacturing of these cooling jets.”
The defect poses significant safety concerns, as stated by Stellantis: “The defect on these nozzles causes noise, and, in the worst cases, the engine sensor may be damaged, leading to oil being projected onto the exhaust system, which can result in smoke or fire.” Although Stellantis has yet to report any incidents resulting from this defect, the company is taking proactive steps to mitigate risks.
The affected vehicle owners will receive registered letters notifying them to take their cars to authorized dealerships for necessary repairs. The remedy will involve changing the oil and oil filter, requiring approximately 30 minutes, and will be undertaken free of charge. Stellantis stressed the importance of applying the precautionary principle for rapid recalls to keep their customers safe.
This is not the first time Stellantis has confronted issues with its PureTech engines. The models have faced scrutiny for excessive oil consumption and premature timing belt degradation. Earlier this year, the auto group launched a retroactive compensation platform aimed at customers experiencing problems with these engines manufactured between 2022 and 2024.
The company introduced this recent recall as part of its broader commitment to vehicle safety and quality control. Especially after recalling over 230,000 vehicles due to defective Takata airbags, Stellantis is focusing heavily on maintaining its automotive reputation.
For those with concerns, Stellantis provides tools online where owners can verify if their vehicles are impacted by entering their serial number (VIN) on the respective brand websites: Citroën, Peugeot, or Opel. The new engine oil to be used during repairs is Quartz Ineo RCP 5W30, adhering to the latest performance standards.
Stellantis asserts its dedication to resolving issues quickly, noting, “We are applying the principle of precaution for very rapid recalls.” With this measure, they hope to ease the minds of vehicle owners, reassuring them about the safety of their vehicles.
Given the extent of this recall, Stellantis’s move showcases the increasing need for automobile manufacturers to prioritize consumer safety and transparency about potential risks. Such proactive recalls reflect the industry’s shift toward more responsible manufacturing practices, ensuring customer trust remains intact.