From 19 March 2024, Citroën, DS, Opel and Peugeot, brands of the Stellantis Group, have announced an exceptional warranty extension for 1.2 PureTech engines. This measure aims to address the recurring problem of premature belt failure, which is a major concern for owners of vehicles fitted with this engine.
Context: The growing concern about 1.2 PureTech engines
Ten years after the introduction of the 1.2 PureTech engine, the Citroën, DS, Opel and Peugeot brands are facing a persistent problem: premature belt failure. This situation has caused growing concern among owners, affecting not only the reputation of the brands but also the market for the sale of new and used vehicles.
In addition to collective actions by dissatisfied consumers, such as MyLeo, the image of the Stellantis Group's brands has been tarnished by this problem, leading to a decline in customer confidence and a stagnation in sales, both on the new and used markets.
Technical issues: Understanding timing belt failure
Premature timing belt wear can cause a variety of symptoms, including a lack of power, warning lights such as the low oil pressure light or diagnostic light, and ineffective braking. However, in internal documents, the Stellantis Group attributes this problem to a chemical attack on the belt by aged oil, without identifying the origin of this degradation. It should be emphasised that the belt itself, supplied by Dayco, is considered a collateral victim and not the primary cause of the malfunction.
Measures taken by Stellantis: Warranty extension up to 10 years or 175,000 km
In view of these concerns, Stellantis has announced an exceptional warranty extension for vehicles fitted with 1.2 PureTech engines for a period of up to 10 years or 175,000 km from 19 March 2024. This measure is designed to provide peace of mind to affected owners, but is subject to certain conditions.
In order to benefit from this extended warranty, owners must ensure that their vehicle has been serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations by an authorised repairer. In addition, diagnosis and any repairs must be carried out exclusively within the manufacturer's authorised network.
Affected owners should also be aware that this warranty extension will not be retroactive to incidents that occurred prior to its implementation. However, Stellantis promises to review the situation of customers who have incurred repair costs prior to this new policy.
Finally, the question of when to replace the timing belt remains essential. With the recommended change interval (10 years or 175,000 km to 6 years or 100,000 km), it is recommended to consult a professional to determine the best time based on the vehicle's VIN number.
In conclusion, this warranty extension is an important step in Stellantis' efforts to resolve the reliability issue of 1.2 PureTech engines produced between April 2014 and 20 June 2022. However, it also raises questions about the management of technical issues and customer expectations, highlighting the importance of transparency and effective communication in the automotive industry.