Stellantis recalls 9 models equipped with the 1.2L hybrid engine throughout Europe for a problem that could cause overheating.

Just a few days after a recall campaign involving 1.5L BlueHDi engines, Stellantis is back in the news with a major operation, this time involving its 1.2L micro-hybrid petrol engine.

Initially revealed by L'Argus, this campaign concerns more than 210,000 vehicles in France, precisely 211,725 units produced between 2023 and 2026. The engine in question is the third-generation 1.2 PureTech three-cylinder (EB2 Gen 3), now widely deployed in the Group's light-hybrid models.

While at first this operation seemed to be limited to the French market, there are now several indications that it extends well beyond.

A technical fault that could lead to overheating

Unlike previous problems with the PureTech, this time the engine is not directly at fault. The defect identified concerns insufficient clearance between two key components: the particulate filter duct and the 48V starter-alternator (BSG) protection cap.

This lack of clearance can lead to friction between parts. Under certain conditions, such as humidity, this can lead to water ingress, arcing and overheating. In the most extreme cases, a fire may even break out.

Stellantis recorded 36 incidents linked to this problem, 12 of which led to a fire in the engine compartment. No injuries were reported, however, which explains the preventive nature of this campaign.

A rapid response with full support

The technical solution is relatively simple. Once the vehicle is in the workshop, the technicians replace the protective cap with an improved model guaranteeing a better seal. They also check the gap between the components and adjust it if necessary. The operation takes around 30 minutes and is fully paid for by the manufacturer. The owners concerned are contacted progressively to schedule an intervention.

A campaign that's already spreading beyond France

But the most interesting information comes from elsewhere. While L'Argus was referring only to France, testimonials from Italy change the picture.

Owners of the new Lancia Ypsilon have reported receiving a notification linked to the F60E recall campaign. This corresponds to precisely the same technical problem: adjustment of the distance between the particulate filter and the 48V hybrid system, with replacement of the protective cap. In Italy, 911 vehicles have already been affected, with models produced between 2024 and 2026. This confirmation suggests that the campaign is in fact European, and not limited to a single country.

A potentially much larger list of models

In France, the list of vehicles concerned is already impressive. It covers almost all models equipped with the 1.2L hybrid 110hp and 145hp engines in the Stellantis group.

These include Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Opel and, above all, Peugeot, which alone accounts for more than half the vehicles concerned.

But if the extension to Italy is confirmed, as already seems to be the case, it is highly likely that all European markets will be affected. This means that the total number of vehicles affected could well exceed the 211,000 units initially announced.

A new blow for the 1.2L engine

This recall comes against an already delicate backdrop for the 1.2 PureTech engine, which has been the subject of a number of controversies in recent years, particularly with older generations. For Stellantis, the challenge now is twofold: to reassure customers of the reliability of this key engine, while effectively managing a recall campaign that could rapidly take on continental proportions.