Auto manufacturing group Stellantis has to recall 700,000 vehicles worldwide due to a fire risk. Models built between 2023 and 2026 have components from the fuel and electrical systems that are too close together, posing a potential fire hazard. In Belgium, 22,000 vehicles are concerned.

Stellantis is facing yet another reliability concern with its vehicles. After the Takata disaster, the problems with the PureTech engines and the recall of BlueHDi diesel vehicles, the world’s fifth-largest car manufacturer has to recall hundreds of thousands of vehicles again. The models concerned come from most brands sold in Europe: Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Fiat, and Opel.

Risk of overheating and fire

The issue stems from a fuel filter line and an electrical connection in the engine bay that are too close together. In rainy weather, these components can come into contact, causing water ingress and potential electrical shorts. As a result, there is a risk of overheating or, at worst, a fire in the engine bay.

The vehicles concerned were built between 2023 and 2026. This could indicate that these are models equipped with the new 48 V hybrid gasoline powertrain. This is based on a chain-driven evolution of the 1.2 PureTech gasoline engine, coupled with an electric motor built into the transmission.

Stellantis will contact customers to invite them to have the problem fixed. The repair takes only 30 minutes and will be free for anyone affected.