What is actually happening
The problem comes from a design flaw in the new 1.2 turbo hybrid 48-volt engine, the successor to the well-known (and controversial) PureTech engine. On some vehicles, the gap between the petrol particulate filter pipe and the protective cap on the 48V starter terminal is too small. When moisture gets into the mix, this can create an electric arc and, in the worst case, the start of a fire in the engine bay.
Stellantis has recorded 36 incidents linked to this defect worldwide, including 12 reported cases of a fire starting. That tally triggered the official recall campaign from 31 March 2026. To be clear: the hybrid engine itself is not faulty, the problem is how it is fitted in certain vehicles, as it comes down to a gap of a few millimetres between two parts.
⚠️ If in doubt: if you smell burning plastic or an unusual warning light comes on, stop the vehicle immediately, do not try to repair it yourself and contact your dealer or a breakdown service. Do not keep driving.
The brands and models affected
Seven Stellantis group brands are affected, all fitted with the 1.2 turbo hybrid 48-volt engine in model years 2023 to 2026.
Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Opel
Worldwide, the most affected models are the Peugeot 208 and 2008 (295,000 units), the Citroën C3, C4 and C3 Aircross (126,000 units), the Fiat Grande Panda (124,000 units), the Jeep Avenger (88,000 units) and the Alfa Romeo Junior (44,000 units). Larger models such as the Peugeot 3008, 5008 or Citroën C5 Aircross are not part of this campaign.
| Country | Number of vehicles affected |
|---|---|
| France | 212,000 |
| Germany | More than 50,000 |
| Belgium | Around 22,000 |
| Luxembourg | 1,900 |
| Worldwide total | 700,000 |
How to find out if your car is affected
Stellantis has committed to contacting all affected owners directly, by post or by email. But if you bought your car used and the manufacturer does not have your current address, you may never receive this notice. In that case, it is better to check for yourself.
The simplest way is to use your VIN, the 17-character code shown on your registration certificate (box E) or at the bottom of the windscreen on the driver’s side. Each brand has an online tool to check whether a vehicle is covered by a recall campaign: Peugeot on peugeot.be, Citroën on citroen.be, and for all Stellantis brands on recall.stellantis.com.
💡 If your vehicle is affected, the repair is completely free and takes about 30 minutes at the dealership. A technician adjusts the gap between the two faulty parts and fits extra protection. Simple, quick, free of charge.
Another blow for Stellantis, coming off a difficult year
This recall comes at a delicate time for the group. Stellantis posted a net loss of more than €22 billion in 2025, and has for several years carried the legacy of the original PureTech engine’s troubles (belt wear, excessive oil consumption), which mobilised tens of thousands of owners. On top of that came the recalls linked to Takata airbags on several of its brands.
This new campaign, launched before incidents multiplied and before any regulatory pressure, does however show more proactive management than in the past. 36 incidents for 700,000 recalled vehicles is a preventive decision, even if the 12 fires already reported are a reminder that this is not a purely theoretical risk.
What this changes if you are considering a used Stellantis
If you are currently looking for a used Peugeot 208, Citroën C3 or Jeep Avenger built between 2023 and 2026, this recall should not scare you off, but it should be part of your pre-purchase check. A car covered by this recall that has already been repaired is perfectly normal. An affected car whose recall work has not yet been done can be bought, provided you arrange for the dealer to handle it straight away. The problem arises mainly in private sales: if the seller does not know their vehicle is affected, and neither do you, you drive away with a car that potentially has an active safety defect. One more reason to check a vehicle’s recall status before any transaction, just like the Car-Pass.
FAQ
Find your VIN on your registration certificate (box E) or at the bottom of the windscreen on the driver’s side. Then enter it on your brand’s official website: peugeot.be, citroen.be or recall.stellantis.com. Stellantis will also contact you directly if your address is up to date in their system.
Yes, in full. Stellantis covers parts and labour, in line with European regulations on safety defects. The work takes about 30 minutes at an approved dealership.
Stellantis is not asking for vehicles to be taken off the road immediately. But if you smell burning plastic or notice the engine behaving abnormally, especially in damp weather, stop the vehicle and contact your dealer without delay. The risk is higher in damp conditions.
Yes. The recall is tied to the vehicle, not the owner. If you bought an affected car, even second-hand, you are entitled to the free repair at a Stellantis dealer. Bring your registration certificate so the VIN can be identified.