Stellantis Recalls Nearly 1 Million Diesel Vehicles Over Engine Timing Issue

Stellantis is recalling hundreds of thousands of diesel-powered cars in Europe built between October 2017 and January 2023 due to a potential issue with the camshaft chain that could lead to serious engine damage.

The recall affects select Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, Vauxhall, DS, and FIAT models equipped with the 1.5-liter BlueHDi I4 diesel engine. According to Stellantis, the issue involves premature wear on the camshaft timing chain, which could lead to unusual engine noises and, in the worst-case scenario, chain failure.

The company said about 930,000 vehicles in France are impacted, with an additional 117,000 affected in Belgium. While a total figure across all of Europe wasn’t provided, the number is expected to be well over a million vehicles.

To address the issue, Stellantis is offering a software update and an oil change where necessary. Technicians will also use a new diagnostic tool that listens to engine sounds to identify potential problems with the timing chain.

The 1.5-liter BlueHDi engine at the center of this recall was developed before Stellantis was formed in 2021, during the PSA era. The engine architecture was co-developed by PSA and Ford Motor Company. PSA was the parent company of Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, and DS. FIAT-branded vehicles were later included after PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to create Stellantis.

While Stellantis says it is not aware of any crashes or injuries linked to the problem, the company is taking a proactive approach by offering extended coverage. Under a new customer care policy, the automaker will cover 100% of parts and labor costs for eligible repairs—up to 10 years or 240,000 kilometers (about 149,000 miles)—as long as the vehicle has been maintained according to brand guidelines.

This coverage applies to qualifying repairs performed between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025.

Drivers in affected countries are encouraged to contact their dealership for an inspection if they notice unusual engine noise or other symptoms.