Stellantis recalls 700,000 hybrid cars, including the Alfa Romeo Junior and the Fiat Grande Panda... and advises owners to avoid washing their engines in the meantime

Just a few days after an initial alert limited to France, the case has now taken on a whole new dimension. What looked like a national recall has now become a global operation for the group. Stellantis.

According to the latest information, almost 700,000 hybrid vehicles could be affected across several markets, including Europe. Among them, several recent models from Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia.

A technical problem already identified... but on a much larger scale

The defect behind this recall is now well known. It does not directly concern the 1.2L hybrid engine itself, but an assembly detail in the engine compartment.

Specifically, there's insufficient clearance between the gasoline particulate filter duct and the protection of the 48V hybrid system (the belt-driven starter-alternator, or BSG). Under certain conditions, such as humidity, this lack of clearance can lead to water ingress.

The scenario is then as follows: an electric arc can occur, causing overheating, and in the most extreme cases, the start of an under-bonnet fire. Stellantis has recorded 36 incidents worldwide, 12 of which resulted in fire. No injuries have been reported to date, which explains the preventive nature of this campaign.

Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Lancia directly concerned

Among Italian brands, several recent models are directly affected by this operation.

At Alfa Romeo, it's the new Junior that's affected. At Fiat, the 600 and Grande Panda equipped with the 1.2L hybrid system are also included in the recall. Finally, at Lancia, the all-new Ypsilon is also affected. All these models share the same 1.2L 48V hybrid powertrain, which explains their inclusion in this campaign.

In France, more than 211,000 vehicles are involved, including around 4,500 Alfa Romeo, 1,500 Fiat and just over 900 Lancia. But these figures represent only part of the problem: the operation extends far beyond, with more than 50,000 vehicles in Germany and an estimated total of 700,000 units worldwide.

How do you know if your car is affected?

Stellantis has already started contacting owners by post, but you can check your situation straight away.

The most reliable method is to use the vehicle's VIN number, found on the vehicle registration document. By entering it on the official website of the brand (Alfa Romeo, Fiat or Lancia), you can find out immediately whether a recall campaign is underway.

Alternatively, you can contact a dealer or authorized workshop directly. With the vehicle's registration number, they can check in a matter of seconds whether an intervention is necessary.

What to do while waiting for surgery

Even if the risk remains extremely low, certain precautions can be taken while awaiting the workshop visit. Stellantis points out that warning signals will generally appear before any serious incident. In the event of an engine or electrical warning light, it is advisable to stop immediately in safety.

The manufacturer also advises against high-pressure engine washing, as humidity is an aggravating factor in this case. Finally, any unusual smell of heat or burning should prompt you to park the vehicle outside as a precaution.

Fast, free service

The good news is that the technical solution is quick and easy. The procedure involves replacing the starter-alternator's protective cap with an improved version, while checking the gap between the components. The operation takes around 30 minutes and is fully covered by the manufacturer. There is no charge to owners.

A new test for Stellantis and its 1.2L engine

This recall comes at a time when the 1.2L engine is already under pressure, particularly after the controversies surrounding the previous PureTech generations.

Although the current problem does not directly concern the engine's mechanics, it is a reminder of the challenges Stellantis faces with this powertrain, which has become central to its hybrid strategy.

With a campaign involving up to 700,000 vehicles, the challenge is now clear: to quickly reassure customers and demonstrate the Group's ability to effectively manage such a large-scale operation.