The recall targets new or relatively new vehicles produced between 2023 and 2026 equipped with the company's 1.2-litre mild-hybrid petrol powertrain. According to multiple reports, the affected brands include Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroen, Alfa Romeo, DS, Fiat, and Jeep. Specific models in the UK involve over 13,300 Peugeot 208 superminis, 5,700 Peugeot 2008 crossovers, around 2,000 Vauxhall Corsas, and Citroen C3 Aircross models.
A recall notice has been published on the UK government's website, detailing that contact between the engine's gasoline particulate filter (GPF) pipe and the pole protection cap for the starter-generator can cause water to enter the engine bay, potentially resulting in overheating or a fire. Drivers will receive a notice letter by post informing them that their vehicle has been recalled, and they will be told to contact their nearest dealer to schedule a repair. It remains unclear when all affected UK owners will receive these notices and complete repairs.
To resolve the issue, an authorised garage will replace the pole protection cap for the starter-generator and check the distance between the GPF pipe and the cap, then reposition or replace the pipe as necessary. Stellantis UK says the work will take roughly half an hour to complete at no cost. According to a company spokesperson, Stellantis is voluntarily recalling 44,000 vehicles in the UK due to a potential issue concerning the clearance between the gasoline particulate filter (GPF) pipe and the belt starter generator (BSG), with some 2023-2026 models from multiple brands possibly assembled with insufficient clearance.
Conflicting reports exist about brand-specific uncertainties. Stellantis UK and Reuters say Alfa Romeo, Fiat, and Jeep models sold in the UK are also implicated by the recall, but Autocar suggests owners of these models are yet to be included in the notices. Whether any fires or overheating incidents have actually occurred due to this issue, or if there are any reported injuries or fatalities linked to it, has not been confirmed.
This recall comes less than 12 months after Stellantis was forced to recall over 100,000 Citroens in the UK due to faulty Takata airbags. The company faced huge criticism for its handling of the 'stop-drive' recall, with affected owners told not to drive their vehicles, unable to book repair slots, delivered unclear information, and left without a means of transport for months.
The recall will also be another huge financial toll on the company, which in February confirmed it had taken a £19 billion hit from rushing into the EV market too fast for European customers. The total financial cost of this recall to Stellantis, as well as how many vehicles in other global markets have been affected by similar issues, remains unknown.