Owners of popular diesel cars from Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall, Fiat and DS are being urged to check whether their vehicles are affected by a major Stellantis recall, after the group confirmed a widespread issue with its 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engines.
The recall centres on potential premature wear of the camshaft chain – a vital component that keeps your engine running in sync. Stellantis has now rolled out a programme of repairs and an extended warranty package to support affected drivers across Europe, including here in the UK.
Why has Stellantis recalled diesel cars?
The recall affects cars and vans fitted with Stellantis’s 1.5-litre BlueHDi diesel engine, built between October 2017 and January 2023. Stellantis says that in some cases, the engine’s timing chain can wear out faster than expected.
Symptoms may include unusual engine noises, warning lights or performance issues. Left untreated, it could eventually lead to serious engine damage or a complete failure if the chain breaks. While no accidents or injuries have been linked to the problem, Stellantis says it wants to reassure drivers by tackling it proactively.
Which cars are affected?
The Stellantis diesel engine recall centres on vehicles fitted with the 1.5 BlueHDi engine, built between October 2017 and January 2023. This engine has been widely used across many popular cars and vans in the Stellantis family, so the list of potentially affected models is extensive.
While Stellantis hasn’t released exact UK numbers yet, the recall potentially involves hundreds of thousands of vehicles across Europe. Models that could be impacted include:
- Peugeot: 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008, Partner vans
- Citroen: C3, C3 Aircross, C4 Cactus, C5 Aircross, Berlingo and Dispatch vans
- Vauxhall: Astra, Grandland, Crossland, Combo and Vivaro vans
- DS Automobiles: DS 3 Crossback, DS 4, DS 7 Crossback
- Fiat Professional: Scudo, Ulysse and some Doblo vans in later production years
Both passenger cars and commercial vehicles are affected, so it’s worth checking even if you drive a van or a secondhand car. Remember, models can vary by year, so it’s essential to check your VIN or chassis number (found on your car’s logbook) to be certain whether your specific car is involved.
What is Stellantis doing to fix it?
Dealers are carrying out a series of checks and updates on affected vehicles. This includes a software update that helps detect potential chain issues and an oil change if it’s deemed necessary. Stellantis has also developed a special tool that listens for unusual engine noises which could be a warning sign of camshaft chain wear.
On top of the technical fixes, Stellantis is offering a 10-year warranty, or up to 150,000 miles, specifically covering camshaft chain issues on these engines, giving owners extra reassurance. It’s all part of Stellantis’s effort to give drivers more peace of mind and to protect them from the costs of potentially serious engine repairs.
What if I’ve already paid for repairs?
If you’ve already had camshaft chain repairs done between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2025, you might be eligible for reimbursement of your costs. Stellantis is launching an online claims portal where you can submit evidence of past repairs. At the time of writing it wasn’t live for consumers.
To be eligible, your repairs need to have followed Stellantis’s recommended maintenance and diagnostic guidelines. You’ll usually be asked to provide invoices or other documentation.
How to check if your Stellantis diesel is recalled
If you drive a Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall, Fiat or DS with the 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine, it’s wise to check whether your vehicle is affected.
Here’s how:
- Check your VIN: Go to your brand’s official website (e.g. Citroen UK, Peugeot UK, Vauxhall UK) or Stellantis’s central recall checker. You’ll need your vehicle’s VIN, which you’ll find on your V5C logbook, on the dashboard near the windscreen, or inside the driver’s door frame.
- Look out for a recall letter: Stellantis says it is contacting affected owners in stages. Even if you haven’t had a letter yet, your car could still be included later.
- Speak to your dealer: If you’re worried, call your local dealership. They can run a check for outstanding recalls and book your car in for an inspection if necessary.
Parkers advice: what should you do now?
If your car is affected, don’t ignore it. A worn timing chain could lead to significant engine damage if left untreated. Book an inspection as soon as you’re notified, or check proactively if you think your car might be at risk.
Keep your service history up to date. Stellantis’s warranty and reimbursement schemes rely on following the correct maintenance schedule. Keep receipts for any repairs related to the camshaft chain. You’ll need them if you want to claim costs back through the new compensation scheme.
Stellantis’s move to extend warranty cover and refund past repair costs is a positive step for owners. It should help protect the resale value of affected vehicles and prevent expensive out-of-pocket bills for repairs.
If in doubt, check your VIN and speak to your dealer, it’s the best way to keep your diesel running smoothly.
Editor’s view: recalls are about safety, not shame
It’s easy to see the word recall and assume it means a car is unreliable or badly made, but that’s not necessarily true. The reality is that modern vehicles are hugely complex, and all manufacturers, no matter how big or reputable, occasionally discover defects after cars hit the road.
The important thing isn’t whether a carmaker has recalls, but how they handle them. Stellantis stepping up with a 10-year warranty for the camshaft chain issue is encouraging, and it’s the kind of action that helps maintain trust with customers.
That said, it’s crucial they manage this properly. We’ve seen how overwhelmed some networks became during the recent Citroen and DS airbag recalls, leaving drivers frustrated and waiting months for parts or appointments. Let’s hope Stellantis and its dealers can stay ahead of the demand this time and get affected cars sorted quickly.
Keith Adams – Parkers Editor
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