1.2 PureTech Gen1 / Gen2 / Gen3 Engines – Differences, Problems, and Which One to Choose (2026 Guide)

The 1.2 PureTech is one of the most popular engines in the Stellantis group: you can find it on the Peugeot 208 / 2008 / 308 , Citroën C3 / C4 , Opel Corsa / Mokka , DS3 / DS4 , up to the latest FIAT 600 / 500X and Jeep Avenger . However, there is not “just one” 1.2 PureTech: over the years, several generations have followed one another (Gen1, Gen2, Gen3) with significant differences in distribution, oil system and fuel line. In this 2026 guide, I clearly compare the three generations: years of production, typical problems, known recalls and what is best to buy or avoid , especially if you are evaluating a used or out-of-warranty vehicle.

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WHY IT IS IMPORTANT TO DISTINGUISH GEN1, GEN2 AND GEN3

From a commercial perspective, many ads simply refer to "1.2 PureTech petrol" without specifying the generation. From a technical perspective, however, the difference between Gen1, Gen2, and Gen3 can mean:

• reliable engine if well maintained vs. engine at high risk of failure ;
• real probability of belt problems in oil bath or not;
• presence or absence of important recalls on timing and fuel line (Gen3);
• very different potential maintenance and repair costs.

The first step, therefore, is to correctly classify the car you are evaluating by year and Euro regulations .

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SUMMARY TABLE: YEARS, CHARACTERISTICS, CRITICAL POINTS

Generation	Approximate years*	Distribution	Typical models	Main critical points
Gen1 – Euro 6B	≈ 2014–2017	Oil bath belt (first batches)	Peugeot 208/2008, 308 first series; Citroën C3/C4; some DS3/DS4	Premature belt wear, residues in the oil circuit, risk of damage to the oil pump / turbo / engine
Gen2 – Euro 6C / 6D-Temp	≈ 2017–2021	Updated oil-bath belt	New 208/2008, Corsa, C3 restyling, C4, DS3 Crossback, etc.	Belt still delicate, cases of oil consumption and damaged turbo if maintenance is neglected
Gen3 – chain distribution	From ≈ 2022 onwards	Distribution chain	Latest 208/2008/308, C3/C4, Mokka, Corsa, 600 Hybrid, Avenger Hybrid, etc.	Camshaft/timing screw warnings, P0016–P0017 errors, fuel line recall due to leak/fire risk

*Years are approximate and may vary depending on the model and market. To be sure, it's always best to check the VIN with the official dealer.

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1.2 PURETECH GEN1 (EURO 6B): PROS, CONS, AND WHAT TO CHECK

The first generation of the 1.2 PureTech (Euro 6B) is the most delicate in terms of distribution. It was born as a "modern" engine and very lively in relation to its displacement, but it is also the one that brought to the attention of the general public the problem of the oil-bath belt, which degrades much sooner than expected .

Key Benefits of Gen1

• good readiness at low revs compared to old 1.4/1.6 aspirated engines;
• low fuel consumption if driven wisely;
• In terms of driving sensations, some cars are very pleasant.

Critical issues to be aware of

• timing belt immersed in oil with wear often earlier than the declared intervals;
• belt material which, as it degrades, releases particles into the lubrication circuit ;
• risk of damaging the oil suction pipe, oil pump, turbo and, in the worst cases, the entire engine;
• possible episodes of oil consumption if the engine has been poorly maintained or with too many servicing intervals.

Symptoms Not to Ignore (Gen1)

• oil warning light or low oil pressure messages, even occasional ones;
• abnormal noises at idle (metallic clicking, knocking);
• engine warning light with errors related to timing and distribution;
• engine oil visually very thick and dark, with a “burnt” smell.

Is it worth buying a car with a 1.2 PureTech Gen1?

It depends on two key factors:

• documented maintenance history (correct oil, closely spaced services);
• Belt repair already performed with invoice, possibly with oil circuit flushing and thorough checks.

If these elements are missing, a Gen1 car is likely to be a high-risk purchase . However, if the belt has already been replaced early and maintenance has been meticulous, it may still make sense, but it should be treated with great caution.

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1.2 PURETECH GEN2 (EURO 6C / 6D-TEMP): IMPROVEMENTS AND LIMITATIONS

The second generation (Gen2) was born to mitigate the problems of Gen1 by introducing:

• an updated timing belt with improved compounds;
• software updates on oil management, start&stop and operating strategies;
• optimizations related to the new Euro 6C / 6D-Temp regulations.

In practice, the situation improves, but not to the point of being able to forget the problem: the belt remains a sensitive point , especially if the maintenance intervals have been too "optimistic".

Key Benefits of Gen2

• general refinement of power delivery and consumption compared to Gen1;
• greater dissemination of data and TSB : workshops today know these engines better;
• availability of updated belt kits and clearer procedures for preventative maintenance.

Critical issues still present

• the oil bath belt is always there: if neglected, it can degrade and contaminate the oil circuit ;
• cases of oil consumption have been detected, especially on cars used a lot in the city and with long service intervals;
• possible turbo problems when lubrication has not been perfect;
• Some batches show a certain sensitivity of the injectors (dirt, high corrections in diagnosis).

Is it worth buying a car with a 1.2 PureTech Gen2?

Looking ahead to 2026, Gen2 often represents the “realistic” compromise on the used market:

• newer than Gen1, with major updates;
• cheaper than the chain-driven Gen3 on the 0 km / recent used market.

It makes sense to evaluate it if:

• the belt has already been brought forward or you are ready to schedule the replacement at 60–80,000 km max;
• oil intervals have been reduced (10–12,000 km or once a year);
• There are no signs of abnormal oil consumption and the diagnosis shows no errors related to timing or oil pressure.

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1.2 PURETECH GEN3 (TIMING CHAIN): NEWS, PROBLEMS AND RECALLS

The third generation (Gen3) was born with a clear goal: to eliminate the oil-bath belt and its consequences. To do so, Stellantis introduced:

• timing chain instead of belt;
• updated architecture to comply with the latest emissions regulations;
• new versions for mild hybrid systems (MHEV) and combinations with e-DCT gearboxes.

Key Benefits of Gen3

• elimination of the specific risk associated with the belt immersed in oil ;
• project designed to be compatible with the new CMP / e-CMP / STLA Small platforms and with the hybrid;
• in perspective, greater stability on maintenance intervals (if parameters and recalls are respected).

New critical issues have emerged

But Gen3 isn't "magic": it solves one problem and introduces others:

• critical issues have been reported regarding the timing related to the camshaft screws that can loosen;
• errors such as P0012, P0015, P0016, P0017 (synchronization between crankshaft and camshafts) appear in diagnosis;
• From 2024/2025 onwards, a Stellantis recall has been initiated on the Gen3 fuel line due to a possible leak from the high pressure pipe with a risk of fire.

Is it worth buying a car with a 1.2 PureTech Gen3?

In theory yes, because:

• it is the most recent generation and with the most years of life left;
• it no longer has the Achilles heel of the oil-bath belt ;
• It is the one best integrated with the new automatic gearboxes and with 48V hybrids .

In practice, however, there are two fundamental conditions:

• verify that all recall campaigns have been carried out (timing / fuel line);
• Don't ignore engine warning lights, vibrations, or error codes P0012–P0017 : they are warning signs about the timing chain.

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WHICH GENERATIONS MAKE THE MOST SENSE BASED ON ACTUAL USE?

Let's summarize in a practical way, thinking about the most common cases.

💼 Mixed daily use in the city/extra-urban area, 10–15,000 km/year

• Recommended: Well-maintained Gen2 or Gen3 with recalls performed.
• Not recommended: Gen1 without written proof of belt replacement and service history.

🛣️ Lots of extra-urban/highway, few stop-and-gos

• Recommended: Gen2 or Gen3, because they work with less stress on start&stop.
• Evaluable: Gen1 only if belt already made and silent engine, with accurate oil pressure control.

🚕 Heavy city use, taxis / fleets / deliveries

• Recommended: Gen3, combined with careful maintenance and attention to official campaigns.
• To avoid: Gen1 and Gen2 without preventive belt intervention and with “extended” services.

💰 Limited budget, looking for cheap used cars

• Recommended with caution: Gen2 with belt already replaced and complete documentation.
• Risky: Gen1 with a flawed history: possible “bomb” engine ready to cause major problems.

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CHECKLIST FOR THOSE BUYING A USED CAR WITH A 1.2 PURETECH ENGINE

If you are about to buy a car with a 1.2 PureTech (any generation), these are the minimum checks I recommend:

• 1) Complete maintenance history. Ask for real invoices, not just stamps in the logbook. Verify:
  • type of oil used (PSA/Stellantis specifications);
  • mileage intervals ( better 10–12,000 km than 20–25,000);
  • any interventions on the belt or chain.
• 2) Belt/Chain Condition For Gen1/Gen2:
  • ask if the oil-bath belt has already been replaced;
  • If it isn't, plan to do it as soon as possible .
  For Gen3:
  • ask if any checks/updates have been done on the timing and camshaft screws;
  • Always request a diagnosis with any codes P0012–P0017.
• 3) Complete electronic diagnosis Read:
  • engine control unit (errors in timing, oil pressure, injection);
  • any recently deleted historical errors;
  • status of oil parameters (pressure, temperatures, etc.).
• 4) Check official recalls With the VIN the dealer can tell you:
  • if your vehicle has open engine/fuel line campaigns ;
  • if the Gen3 recall on the high pressure hose has been completed.
• 5) Real road test 5 minutes in the city are not enough. Test:
  • cold start (abnormal noises?);
  • pull uphill, checking response and noise;
  • possible exhaust smoke and loss of power.

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MISTAKES TO AVOID WITH THE 1.2 PURETECH

• Rely only on official service schedules. For these engines, 20–25,000 km between oil changes is often too long .
• Ignore recalls. An ongoing campaign regarding a belt, timing, or fuel line should be addressed immediately , not "when I have time."
• Buying "blind" without a diagnosis. A used car with a modern engine should always be connected to a tester, even if it "seems to be running fine."
• Use cheap generic oils. Low-quality lubricants dramatically increase the risk of belt, turbo, and chain problems.
• Assume the Gen3 is “no faults.” It’s different, but not perfect: watch your timing and fuel tank .

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FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GEN1, GEN2, AND GEN3

Are all 1.2 PureTech engines problematic?

No, but all generations have critical points to be aware of. Gen1/Gen2 suffer from the oil-bath belt if poorly maintained; Gen3 eliminates the belt but introduces the timing/chain issue and the infamous fuel line recall . Preventative maintenance and management of official campaigns make the difference.

Which is the absolute best generation to buy?

If we look solely at the design, the Gen3 is the most modern and the one with the longest lifespan. From a risk/price perspective, however, a well-maintained Gen2 with an advance timing belt can often be an excellent choice. The Gen1 is the most delicate and should only be considered if maintenance and repairs are impeccably documented .

How do I find out what generation my car has?

In general you can orient yourself from:
• year of registration and Euro standard shown on the registration document;
• official Stellantis or brand-specific documentation;
• Check the VIN at the official network. If in doubt, always ask a workshop that has access to the official technical data .

Is it enough to change the oil early to have peace of mind?

Having an oil change scheduled early is a great start , but it's not enough: on Gen1/Gen2, it's still essential to schedule belt replacements with prudent mileage; on Gen3, you need to manage recalls, timing, and chain checks . The right oil is necessary, but it doesn't solve structural defects or open campaigns.

Does it make sense to install oil or fuel additives to “protect” the PureTech?

Additives can help in some cases (injector cleaning, deposit management), but they should never be used to mask structural problems . The right oil, correct intervals, belt/chain management, and recalls always come first. Additives can be a support , not the primary solution.

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FINAL ADVICE FROM GIANNI TRITELLA

The 1.2 PureTech is an engine that has sparked controversy and will continue to do so. It's not the "monster" some make it out to be, but it's not an engine to be treated lightly either. The key is to truly understand the generation you have under the hood.

In summary:

• Gen1: only with a clear history, a pre-installed belt, and a perfect diagnosis. Otherwise, high risk.
• Gen2: interesting compromise, provided you anticipate the belt and oil and monitor oil consumption.
• Gen3: the future of PureTech, but it must be followed up on timing and fuel recall without delay.

If you're considering a purchase or have any questions about your 1.2 PureTech engined vehicle, you can ask us for targeted support regarding the correct oil, timing kit, engine components, and preventive diagnostics based on your chassis number.