Stellantis finally realizes there is a Puretech scandal

After a timid and very limited acknowledgment of responsibility in 2024, Stellantis finally comes to the aid of its injured customers.

The PureTech engine scandal, developed by PSA (now part of Stellantis), erupted due to recurring problems affecting the 1.0 and 1.2 models. Launched in 2012 with the goal of combining performance and efficiency, these engines suffered from two major issues: excessive oil consumption and premature timing belt degradation. These anomalies resulted in significant costs for owners, ranging from preventive maintenance to costly repairs. In response to the rising number of complaints and media coverage, the reputation of the brands involved—Citroën, DS, Opel/Vauxhall, and Peugeot—was tarnished.

The Ostrich Stellantis

In response, Stellantis had initiated corrective measures in 2024, offering an extended warranty covering 100% of repairs related to these defects, for up to 10 years or 175,000 kilometers. However, these measures were not enough to address the scale of claims. On January 16, 2025, Stellantis announced a strengthening of its compensation policy, along with the launch of an online platform dedicated to claims, accessible at stellantis-support.com. This platform simplifies and accelerates the submission of requests for owners who incurred expenses between January 2022 and March 2024. The first compensation payments will be made starting early 2025. Conditions include strict adherence to maintenance and diagnostic recommendations by authorized professionals.

This initiative complements the introduction of the « Check+ » certificate, which guarantees the reliability of used vehicles maintained through the official network. Furthermore, Stellantis has confirmed that its new PureTech engines undergo a major redesign, with 70% of components being new, and are subject to rigorous testing to prevent past mistakes from recurring. And yes, these engines are still installed in new cars!

By implementing these measures, Stellantis is finally trying to restore its customers’ trust. While these efforts are welcomed, they also highlight the need for manufacturers to recognize and quickly address issues stemming from a flawed technological direction.

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