Puretech protests

[tontonjon]

Hello everyone. This is not just for Citroën, but anyone with a 1.2 PureTech engine.

There has been talk on another forum I am a member of about the premature failure of the internally housed cam belt and subsequent catastrophic damage to the engine. Many consider this to be a design fault and that the manufacturer, Stellantis, ought to do something about it, especially if it makes PureTech-engined cars less desirable and therefore less valuable. Some owners have voiced concern that even franchised dealers might refuse to buy back cars if they are not able to sell them on.

Two links in French about recent events on the continent follow.

https://www.autojournal.fr/economie/mot ... tml#item=1
https://www.auto-moto.com/en-bref/enerv ... ntis-29772

I'm posting here as I cannot find a related thread to this topic. In short, replace cam belts according to the service schedule (6 years or 56000 miles, I think... OK for both my cars at present). The first sign of trouble may be a warning light - which could be the oil level, but could also be a blockage caused by pieces of the cam belt. If in any doubt, especially if you have not had a cam belt changed recently, doing nothing more than checking and topping up the oil carries a risk.

There are many views about how idiotic it is to put a rubber cam belt inside the engine and let it run soaked in oil, so I won't mention that here...

[GiveMeABreak]

It's a well-known issue. Stellantis are not recalling all affected vehicles yet, but they are monitoring the belts at each annual service for signs of damage.

Most of these EB2 engines have the first belt change at 62.5k miles, but you should check your service info for your own cars. Of course, it goes without saying that if you have your vehicle serviced outside the dealership network, it is not something your independent mechanic may be aware of or will check for at each service. This being the case you should be aware that any incidents at a later date my not be eligible for any dealer-contribution.

Most servicing is now annual if sooner that the mileage limit.
Also check for the correct grade of oil, as this has been changed in light of the issues, so again get the most up to date info for your own vehicles.

Ford also have a similar issue with their Eco-boost engines and are in the process of recalls. It was a big issue in the USA, but I think they are not calling them in for remedial work.

[tontonjon]

My independent garage owner always checks the service schedule of my car when it goes in. He also has a large stock of the correct grade engine oil. I might get him to check the belt when the car is in on Wednesday, just in case.

Some of those whose engines have broken only used franchised dealers.

I read that newer vehicles are less affected after changes were made - to the oil, the belt or both? - but I am not counting on that assumption!

[CitROeNALD]

Did citroen put out any recalls for 1.2 puretech belts?

I ask this because a neighbour of mine has a 2017 1.2 puretech c4 grand.

Out of curiosity I checked their registration details, as also have c4 grand, I was purely curious about the car age etc.

The first thing I noticed that it is now 7 years old, nearly 50k, but also that it has an outstanding recall.

Now, my thinking is, if their mechanic has not picked up on the recall, they may not be aware of the belt issue.

I can't see what the recall is as I did not look at their VIN, but.....should I make them aware of the belt issue, as a courtesy?

[GiveMeABreak]

They did put out what is termed an 'After Sales Campaign' for some engines with certain build dates for the check of, and replacement of the belt where necessary, but these were not actual 'recalls' and did not apply to all affected engines. It will be vehicle-specific whether anything is flagged up on the system (the same system we use for live data for donating members) and I routinely advise members if anything is flagged up when sorting their part number requests.

This is still an issue for new vehicles - because of the nature of the system, with many versions still having a 62.5k mile belt change, before falling back to a longer change afterwards.

Again independent mechanics will not get any notification of this unless they have an independent repairer account with the Stallantis system for each marque.

[Stoppo]

Has this gone any further?
Here is a translation of the document you posted

Problem PureTech engines: towards large-scale collective action?

PureTech engines: Stellantis risks finding itself in the turmoil of a European class action.

PureTech engine problems could become a European affair for Stellantis. As a reminder, the problem was with the timing belt.
Weakened because it was bathed in oil, it broke and led to the breakage of the engine.
But these breakages are not limited to France alone. Indeed, this technology, from the former PSA group now integrated into Stellantis, has been deployed on French territory under the Peugeot, Citroën and DS brands.
However, since Opel was bought by General Motors in 2010, PSA has also implemented these engines in models such as the Corsa, Mokka and Grandland that sell well in other European countries. And these cars were affected by the same problems as the Peugeot 208, Citroën C3 and DS3.

PureTech Engines: 500,000 owners affected
Around 500,000 European owners could be affected by major problems with models equipped with the 1.2 PureTech engine, according to calculations by a firm that has launched insolvency proceedings in France.
Lawyer Christophe Lèguevaques, who is managing this action, expects the procedure to extend to the European level, given the scale of the problem. At a recent meeting, the lawyer presented the facts to his European counterparts, arousing great interest. Although nothing has yet been decided, the idea of European action is growing, recognising that the problem goes beyond French borders.

Action at European level
European action could change the situation. With more evidence and participants, the chances of success increase. Lèguevaques said Stellantis would be well advised to put out the fire quickly to avoid excessive media coverage of the case.
Regarding the procedure in France, a new registration phase will probably be opened from October, where compensation will be discussed. People who were unable to register during the first phase will be able to do so at that time, according to Lèguevaques.
The European context adds a complex dimension to this case. Stellantis, as a giant in the automotive industry, will face increased pressure to fix issues with its PureTech engines. Collective action at the European level could force the company to take decisive action to remedy technical defects and compensate the injured owners.
?
Manufacturers must remain vigilant
The importance of such action goes beyond the individual interests of the owners of the affected cars. It highlights the challenges of quality and corporate responsibility in the automotive sector.
The potential consequences for Stellantis are considerable, both financially and for its reputation. In short, the PureTech engine affair extends beyond national borders and is evolving into a European issue. Its outcome could redefine the standards of quality and repair in the automotive industry.

The importance of such action goes beyond the individual interests of the owners of the affected cars. It highlights the challenges of quality and corporate responsibility in the automotive sector.The potential consequences for Stellantis are considerable, both financially and for its reputation. In short, the PureTech engine affair extends beyond national borders and is evolving into a European issue. Its outcome could redefine the standards of quality and repair in the automotive industry.

[GiveMeABreak]

All I can tell you is that the latest Euro 6.4 Engine (specifically the EB2LTDH2 variant currently) now has a timing chain fitted not a belt.

[Petya123456]

Моето пежо 2008, произведено 2022год. се запали по време на движение и изгоря на 44 000км. По време на движение по магистрала изписа повреда в двигателя и само успяхме да излезем, понеже се възпламени много бързо всичко. Две седмици преди това беше на обслужване в сервиз на пежо, което беше по-рано от графика понеже изписа ниско ниво на маслото. Все още не съм приключила случаят с тях, понеже не ми отговарят и се опитват да избягат от отговорност. Обърнах се към национални и европейски институции и след 3 месеца ми се обадиха и се заинтересуваха и ще видим какво ще стане и до къде ще стигнем

[Paul-R]

My Peugeot 2008, manufactured in 2022, caught fire while driving and burned out at 44,000 km. While driving on the highway, it indicated an engine failure and we only managed to get out because everything caught fire very quickly. Two weeks before that, it was serviced at a Peugeot service station, which was ahead of schedule because it indicated a low oil level. I still haven't finished the case with them because they don't answer me and are trying to escape responsibility. I turned to national and European institutions and after 3 months they called me and became interested and we'll see what happens and where we get to.

Please post in English. Use a translation service if necessary.

[PaulC5]

I read on another topic that there may be loose nuts on a petrol pipe that can result in a fire so you should check if your car is subject to the recall and if so your dealer should have been aware of it and completed the repair. This is from the other topic (p159 of MattBLancs blog viewtopic.php?t=73821&start=2370 )

myglaren wrote: 15 Aug 2025, 08:44
Just seen this
Car fire safety recall hits 28 different models including Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall - is YOURS at risk?
Not going well for Stellantis.
Quotes from the article
linked to a potential risk with the high-pressure fuel pipe in models produced between 2023 and 2025 with the 1.2-litre petrol engine mostly in mild-hybrid variants.

This powertrain is shared across various models in Stellantis' range.

The risk of loose nuts securing the pipe has been identified and could potentially lead to leaks, and, 'in a worst-case scenario', fire in the engine bay, the car giant states.

The recall is voluntary - meaning the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency hasn't forced Stellantis' hand to resolve the issue - and has been prompted by 11 reported cases of cars catching fire in France.
Some 2023-2025 Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Fiat vehicles may face fuel leakage at the high-pressure pipe between the high-pressure pump and the rail due to loosened nuts.

'This can potentially lead to higher fuel leakage consumption and, in a worst-case scenario, to occurrences of fire in the engine.'

They added: 'Stellantis already started the proactive outreach to vehicle owners, asking them to contact the dealer network to schedule an appointment.

'The rework consists of retightening the nut connections on the high-pressure pipe and the screws of the rail. It takes less than half an hour and is free of charge.'
Interesting, thanks

[Petya123456]

My Peugeot 2008, manufactured in 2022, caught fire while driving and burned out at 44,000 km. While driving on the highway, it indicated an engine failure and we only managed to get out because everything caught fire very quickly. Two weeks before that, it was serviced at a Peugeot service station, which was ahead of schedule because it indicated a low oil level. I still haven't finished the case with them because they don't answer me and are trying to escape responsibility. I turned to national and European institutions and after 3 months they called me and became interested and we'll see what happens and where we get to.

Please post in English. Use a translation service if necessary.

Sorry, I thought the text was automatically translated. My Peugeot 2008, manufactured in 2022, caught fire while driving and burned out at 44,000 km. While I was driving on the highway, it showed an engine failure and we only managed to get away because everything caught fire very quickly. Two weeks before that, it was serviced at a Peugeot service, which was ahead of schedule because it showed a low oil level. I still haven't finished the case with them because they don't answer me and are trying to escape responsibility. I turned to national and European institutions and after 3 months they called me and got interested and we'll see what happens and how far we get.

[THEOMETSIS]

My Citroen C3 Aircross Plus that hit the road from new on August 27 2025 produces strong noise and "hammering" an low and middle revs. The Dealer is not responding to any correspondence and on two occasions the car went in the workshop no report or works summary was filled. Registered letters and electronic correspondence to authorized dealer in Athens Greece all remain purposely unanswered. Being an engineer I cannot accept the noise and resonance I get at specific RPM range. I guess the case will heve to be sold in the courts

[Paul-R]

Please let us know what happens. Good luck!

[Richard_C]

I have 2 puretech engines, but I think the puretech branding has been dropped from the later ones because of damaged reputation.

Case 1. We have a 2017 C3 1.2 110 bhp auto, bought at 6 months old with 500 miles on the clock. Ex motability. At the time our local garage was a full on Citroen dealership so it came with all the usual warranty etc. Brilliant car. The service schedule, essentially 12 month unless 16000 miles happens first, said replace belt at 10 years.

We got a letter from Citroen UK asking us to take it in for a belt check. Maybe 2023, don't recall. By then the dealership had changed to an authorized service agent, now it's not even that. The service receptionist who I know well and was a technician told me that they check and measure the belt through the oil filler cap hole, if it's out of tolerance you get a new belt, oil and filter change etc as the risk isn't the belt breaking but belt particles clogging the oil pick up with disaster achieved by oil starvation. Ours was OK which was a pity, because he gave us a letter saying the belt replacement interval was now 6 years not 10.

We had it done at and with the next service, I think about £1000 all in, but the car really suits out needs and still feels new inside. (Last week it clocked 60,000 miles) so compared with depreciation on anything newer it was a reasonable decision. I don't think I'll still have it when it's 12 years old and needs another belt, but who knows.

Case 2: So to the second one, hope I don't regret it. I'd had the Picasso for 8 1/2 years, time for a change. The dealer network has been eviscerated so my nearest is 40 miles away, part of a massive multi franchise chain, but they had some huge discounts on C4 hybrids in March. Lots of car for your money and hardly any more than a year old one. Took delivery in April, after all it's not too inconvenient to go back once a year for a service. So it's a 1.2 chain drive cam. About 15 weeks in I got a recall for the fuel rail. The supplying dealer couldn't fit it in for weeks and their call centre style booking service couldn't cope with the concept of anything less than a full day booking. "But it's a half hour job....can you do a morning booking? No, and please bring your locking wheel nut....why, it's a fuel rail on top of the engine..." At which point I concluded that the person paid to do phone booking has never seen a car. So I booked it into a nearby-ish authorised service agent who are excellent and I hope continue forever.

Took it in as agreed for 9.00, got a coffee out if the machine, too hot so let it cool, by which time the technician came back with my keys. All done.

I told him I had checked the connector nuts on fuel pipes by hand when I got the letter and they seemed fine. He said they were but the other check on the recall are the bolts holding the fuel rail mounting bracket to the cam cover. I must admit I hadn't thought of that, but if they aren't secure there could be consequential effects on the actual fuel rail connections. Anyway, 2 nuts 2 bolts all easy to see when you pull the sound deadening cover thingy off the engine.

So that's the sum of my knowledge of the wet belt and chain driven 1.2 engines. It might help somebody

The Citroen dealer and service network does seem to be pretty terrible overall, I've nothing but praise for the authorised agent I used this time but I hear more bad stories than good ones. They also seem totally overloaded, my daughter in Manchester area has an earlier C4 and to book a service needed a 2 month.lead time. But are others any better?