Stellantis Recall Due to Fire Hazard: 700,000 Cars Affected – What You Need to Know
If you’ve recently received a letter from your dealership or find yourself anxiously checking the mail, you’re not alone. Stellantis has just launched one of the biggest recalls of the year. Nearly 700,000 vehicles need to go back to the shop—and the reason is as serious as it gets: a fire hazard. I looked into this myself since it affects my own vehicle, and I’ll break down what really matters right now.
So, what’s causing the fire risk?
The issue is with the gasoline engines, specifically the 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder. It seems like every other car from Stellantis has this engine. The problem lies with the high-pressure fuel pump. Under certain conditions, it can start to leak. And if gasoline drips onto hot engine parts... well, you don’t need me to spell out what happens next. Reports of engine fires from drivers have been increasing, and the manufacturer has finally stepped up. It’s a topic that’s been gaining a lot of attention from industry experts and regulators lately—and for good reason.
Which brands and models are affected?
A wide range of models from 2018 to 2022 are impacted. If you drive one of these, definitely keep an eye on your mailbox. Here are the main ones:
- Peugeot – 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008
- Citroën – C3, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Cactus
- Opel – Crossland, Mokka, Grandland
- Fiat – 500X, Tipo
- DS Automobiles – DS 3 Crossback
In Canada, tens of thousands of vehicles are likely affected. Worldwide, the number is nearly 700,000. This is no minor service appointment—it’s a major operation.
First steps: What to do (and what not to do)
I get it: You read "fire hazard" and immediately think you shouldn’t even look at your car. It’s not that extreme, but there are a few things you should do now. First, if you haven’t gotten a letter yet, check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You can do this at any Stellantis dealer or online through their service portals. Second, don’t plan a long road trip until you’ve had the repair done. The problem seems to show up after prolonged driving or on older pumps, but why take the risk?
The actual fix at the shop is straightforward. They’ll replace the old high-pressure pump, and they’ll often inspect the timing chain at the same time—another common concern with PureTech engines. This is a service recall, so it won’t cost you anything. Even if your warranty has expired, you won’t pay a cent.
Be prepared for a wait
The catch? A recall of this size takes time. Dealerships don’t have 700,000 new pumps sitting on the shelf. Production is ramping up, but it will take a while. Some dealers are prioritizing based on risk or contacting owners in waves. If you’re looking for a Stellantis fire hazard recall guide, the main takeaway is patience. I called my dealer and booked a specific appointment—that’s the cleanest way to handle it. Don’t let them brush you off with "we’ll call you."
What if you don’t get a letter?
Here’s the reality: Recalls are officially handled through the relevant authorities. But with used cars that change hands, the notice can sometimes get lost. So, if you recently bought your vehicle or aren’t sure if Stellantis has your current info, head to a dealer with your VIN. They can instantly check if your car is on the list. This is one of those situations where it’s better to ask one time too many.
So, where does this leave us? It’s a big blow for Stellantis. Brands like Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, and Opel are everywhere on our roads. The Stellantis fire hazard recall review on forums is, understandably, heated. Many owners are frustrated because these well-known PureTech engine issues are only now being addressed on such a large scale. But from a safety perspective, it’s a good thing it’s happening. Now, the best way to handle the how to deal with the Stellantis fire hazard recall question is straightforward: pick up the phone, call your service department, and book a solid appointment.