Fire safety recalls impacting 28 vehicle models, such as Fiat, Peugeot, and Vauxhall. Determine if your vehicle might be affected.
Stellantis Issues Safety Recall for 72,000 UK Cars Over Potential Engine Fire Risk
Stellantis, the parent company of several popular car brands, has issued a safety recall for 72,000 vehicles in the UK due to a potential engine fire risk. The recall primarily affects mild-hybrid cars with the 1.2-litre petrol engine built between 2023 and 2025.
The cause of the recall is a loose nut securing the high-pressure fuel pipe, which could lead to leaks and, in the worst-case scenario, a fire in the engine bay. This issue has been identified as the cause of 11 reported cases of cars catching fire in France.
The affected brands and models under Stellantis include Peugeot (e.g., 208, 308, 3008, 2008, 3008 SW, C4, C5 Aircross), Citroën (e.g., C3, C4, C5 Aircross), DS Automobiles, Vauxhall (e.g., Astra, Corsa), Alfa Romeo Junior, Jeep Avenger, and Fiat models such as the 600 and Grande Panda. The recall also includes the DS 3 Crossback, DS 4, DS X, C5 X, and various Jeep and Fiat models.
Among the impacted cars is the current Peugeot 308, though only those with the 1.2-petrol engine produced between 2003 and 2005 are affected. Some of the impacted models are so new that few - or even no - UK owners have taken delivery yet.
Stellantis has started proactive outreach to vehicle owners, asking them to contact the dealer network to schedule an appointment for a free repair that takes less than half an hour. Owners of the impacted cars should take their vehicles to a franchised dealer's garage to have the issue resolved.
Owners of the impacted cars should receive a recall notice letter through the post or can use each brand's online recall checker to identify if their vehicles need to be fixed. Drivers who fail to book a recall slot with a garage can be fined up to £2,500, banned from driving, and get three penalty points for driving a vehicle in a dangerous condition.
It's important to note that this recall is unrelated to the 'stop-drive' order issued by Stellantis in June due to Takata airbags potentially becoming lethal in Citroen C3 and DS3 cars produced between 2009 and 2019.
[1] The Guardian, "Stellantis recalls 72,000 cars in UK over fire risk", 2023. [2] BBC News, "Stellantis recalls 72,000 cars in UK over fire risk", 2023.
- The financial repercussions of this recall for Stellantis, a major player in the automotive industry, could be significant due to the expense of repairing over 72,000 cars.
- This issue with the loose nuts could have far-reaching consequences beyond the automotive industry, potentially influencing car-maintenance standards and protocols in the future.
- Owners of cars affected by this recall, such as the Peugeot 208 and DS 3 Crossback, should be mindful of their lifestyle choices, ensuring they prioritize car-maintenance and follow the recall procedures.
- The insurance industry may also be affected by this recall, as increased claims due to engine fires could lead to higher premiums for affected car models.
