Mass recall of 44,000 cars is issued in UK over engine fire risk

A LEADING car manufacturer has recalled 44,000 cars in the UK over a fire risk.

Citroën, Fiat, Jeep and Peugeot are amongst the models affected.

A spokesperson for Stellantis 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.”

Cars with this build are the 1.2-litre mild hybrid powertrain used in cars from Alfa Romeo, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Lancia, Opel-Vauxhall and Peugeot.

The solution to Stellantis’ problem is to replace the pole protection cap for the starter-generator and then to check the distance between the GPF pipe and the cap, then the pipe will either be repositioned or replaced.

Stellantis is offering a free service to resolve the issue which is expected to take around 30 minutes.

Although Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep were reported as brands that were going to be included in the wider recall action, they are not in the current list.

Stellantis has told its customers that all affected customers will be notified by letter.

Alternatively, you can check if your vehicle is affected and what actions are advised by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Citroën website.

The company has said they remain “fully committed to acting swiftly, transparently, and responsibly in addressing this issue.​”