Stellantis on investigations into CO2 emissions: "It's possible they'll damage our reputation".

To coincide with the presentation of its financial results for the first half of 2025, Stellantis has published an informative report. Beyond the figures, this document, which can be consulted publicly (page 62), lifts the veil on sensitive investigations that directly affect the automotive group: those linked to polluting emissions from certain diesel engines. In its report, Stellantis recognizes that these proceedings could ultimately impact its public image: "It is possible that these cases and their resolution could damage our reputation with consumers, which could affect demand for our vehicles."

Collective actions in several countries

The group says it is facing a series of legal actions. In the Netherlands, former FCA and PSA entities, as well as local distributors, are the target of several class actions brought by Dutch foundations. Consumers are demanding financial compensation and even vehicle buy-back for alleged non-compliance with emissions standards on certain diesel models.
Similar proceedings are underway in Portugal (former FCA vehicles), the UK (former FCA and PSA vehicles) and Israel (former PSA vehicles). In Germany, some 2,600 individual complaints are still pending, in addition to some 60 cases in Austria.

Stellantis stresses that the outcome of these private litigations remains impossible to predict. The potential damage could weigh heavily on the Group's financial health, with a significant impact not only on results, but also on brand image.

Criminal and civil investigations in Europe

The report also confirms that Stellantis is the subject of criminal and civil investigations in several European jurisdictions.

In France, the case dates back to 2016-2017, when the courts opened an investigation against several automakers. In June 2021, Peugeot and Citroën were placed under investigation for alleged fraud involving the sale of Euro 5 diesel engines (2009-2015). A month later, FCA Italy (now Stellantis Europe) was also placed under investigation for similar suspicions concerning Euro 6 vehicles sold between 2014 and 2017.

These procedures, which include financial sureties and guarantees, have not yet been completed, but the public prosecutor has requested that the brands concerned be referred to the criminal court for consumer fraud. The final decision now rests with the examining magistrate.

In Germany, the federal KBA authority notified Stellantis in 2023 of the opening of an investigation into certain Opel, Fiat, Alfa Romeo and Jeep vehicles equipped with Euro 5 and Euro 6 engines. The matter accelerated in January 2024 when the KBA deemed Opel's Euro 5 engines non-compliant. Stellantis had to propose a compliance plan and continues to cooperate, while contesting certain decisions. The group acknowledges, however, that the costs of a possible mass recall could be "significant", especially as they would fuel other private litigation.

In Italy, back in 2019, the Ministry of Transport alerted FCA to irregularities on certain Jeep Grand Cherokee Euro 5 models and a Euro 6 engine supplied to another manufacturer. After discussions, FCA proposed software updates that were validated by the Dutch authorities, bringing the case to a close.

Other investigations carried out in 2020 in Germany, Italy and the UK led to searches. Some proceedings were dismissed, but in March 2025, the Frankfurt public prosecutor's office fined Stellantis Europe and certain subsidiaries for "negligent breach of supervisory obligations". No evidence of intentional fraud was found.

Finally, in January 2024, the European Commission questioned the Fiat Ducato Euro 5 and Euro 6 after independent tests. Here again, Stellantis says it is working with the authorities to find a solution.

Uncertainty with far-reaching consequences

The Group stresses the uncertainty surrounding these cases. Neither the potential fines nor the cost of any recalls can be accurately estimated. But Stellantis admits that the financial and, above all, reputational consequences could be serious: "These cases, and their resolution, could have a material adverse effect on our business and results."

A warning that reminds us how much the spectre of Dieselgate continues to haunt the industry. Triggered in 2015 by the Volkswagen scandal, the wave of emissions-related investigations and lawsuits has continued to spread, now affecting almost every major automotive group.