Stellantis Recalls 700,000 Vehicles Due to Fire Risk – What You Need to Know
If you’ve recently received a letter from your car dealership, or you’re nervously checking the post, you’re not alone. Stellantis is currently in the middle of one of the biggest recalls of the year. Nearly 700,000 vehicles need to go back to the workshop – and the reason is as serious as it gets: a fire risk. I’ve taken a close look at this myself, as it affects me personally, and I’ll tell you what really matters right now.
What’s Causing the Fire Risk?
It concerns the petrol engines – specifically the 1.2-litre PureTech three-cylinder engine. It feels like it’s in every second car from the Stellantis stable. The issue is with the high-pressure fuel pump. Under certain conditions, it can start to leak. And if petrol drips onto a hot engine part... well, I don’t need to explain how that ends. Reports of engine fires from owners have been mounting recently, and now the manufacturer has finally responded. It’s a topic that’s been getting serious attention among experts and authorities lately – and rightly so.
Which Brands and Models Are Affected?
A whole range of models from 2018 to 2022 are impacted. So if you drive any of these, make sure to keep an eye on your post. Here are the main models to be aware of:
- 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 Ireland, several tens of thousands of vehicles are likely affected. Worldwide, it’s nearly 700,000. This isn't a minor service they're carrying out – it's a major operation.
What to Do Now (And What Not to Do)
I know the feeling: you read "fire risk" and think you can’t even look at your car. It’s not that drastic, but there are a few things you should do right now. First, if you haven’t received a letter yet, check your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Any Stellantis dealer can do this for you, or you can check on their online service portals. Second, don’t head off on a thousand-kilometre holiday trip before you’ve had the work done. The fault seems to occur after periods of extended use or with older pumps, but a risk is a risk.
The actual repair work at the garage is straightforward. The old high-pressure pump is replaced, and they usually check the timing chain at the same time – another known issue with these PureTech engines. This is a service recall, so it won’t cost you a cent. Even if your warranty has expired, you won’t have to pay anything.
Expect a Wait
The catch? A recall of this scale takes time. Garages don’t have 700,000 new pumps sitting on the shelf. Production is underway, but it’s going to take a while. Some dealers are prioritising vehicles based on risk or contacting customers in waves. If you're looking for a quick fix with your Stellantis fire risk guide, patience is your best friend right now. I called my dealer and booked a specific appointment – that’s the cleanest way to handle it. Don’t let them fob you off with "we’ll be in touch".
What If You Don’t Get a Letter?
Here’s the truth: official recalls are managed through the relevant authorities. But with used cars that change hands frequently, the letter can sometimes get lost in the system. So, if you’ve only recently bought your car or you’re unsure if Stellantis has your current details, go to an authorised dealer with your VIN. They can check immediately if your car is on the list. This is one of those situations where it’s better to ask once too often than not at all.
So, what’s the takeaway? A major headache for Stellantis. The Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, and Opel brands are extremely common here. The Stellantis fire risk review in online forums is predictably heated. Many are frustrated that the well-known issues with the PureTech engines 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 focus is on handling the how to manage the Stellantis fire risk recall pragmatically – which means making a call to service and securing a firm appointment at the garage.