Stellantis recalls 44,000 UK cars due to fire risk

Stellantis has recalled 44,000 cars in the UK built between 2023 and 2026, due to a risk of fire. 

The recall – which affects 700,000 cars globally – concerns the 1.2-litre mild-hybrid powertrain used in a wide range of cars from Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Opel-Vauxhall and Peugeot.

Recall notices published to the UK government's website concern contact between the engine’s gasoline particulate filter (GPF) pipe and the pole protection cap for the starter-generator. That contact can cause water to enter the engine bay, potentially resulting in overheating or a fire. 

A fix involves replacing the pole protection cap for the starter-generator and checking the distance between the GPF pipe and the cap. The pipe will then be repositioned or replaced as necessary. Stellantis UK told Autocar this takes roughly 30 minutes.

A list of models included in UK recall notices so far can be found below. Stellantis is contacting owners of affected cars, asking that they contact their nearest dealer to schedule an appointment for the repair.

Notably, models from Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep have yet to be included in those notices, despite Reuters reporting that those brands’ cars are included in the wider remedial action globally. Some 700,000 cars are affected worldwide.

Stellantis UK said: "Having customer safety and satisfaction at the core of its values, 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).

"Some 2023-2026 Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Fiat vehicles may have been assembled with an insufficient clearance between the gasoline particulate filter pipe and the pole protection cup of the 48V Belt Starter Generator (BSG).

"Under wet conditions, there is a possibility that this insufficient clearance and a possible contact between these components may lead to water infiltration creating electrical arch, which could trigger a thermal event, such as overheating.  In the worst-case scenario, this could result in a potential risk of fire in the engine compartment."