STELLANTIS 1.2 PURETECH GEN 3 RECALL (2023-2025): FIRE RISK, AFFECTED MODELS, SYMPTOMS, AND WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY

📅 Updated May 2026 · 🔧 Technical analysis based on 15 years in a workshop and two active Stellantis Gen3 recalls (fuel line 2025 + MHEV 2026)

Stellantis has initiated two separate recall campaigns for vehicles with the 1.2 PureTech Gen 3 engine manufactured between 2023 and 2025. The first recall (summer 2025) concerns the fuel system due to fire risk. The second (March 2026) concerns only MHEV hybrid versions due to electrical arc risk. In this updated guide, you'll find all affected models, engine codes, symptoms not to ignore, official intervention procedures, and what to do immediately if your vehicle is part of one of the campaigns.

✅ WHAT ARE THE TWO ACTIVE RECALLS FOR THE PURETECH GEN 3?

The 1.2 PureTech Gen 3 engine (engine codes EB2ADTS and EB2ADTD MHEV) is the new generation of Stellantis' three-cylinder turbo gasoline engine, introduced from 2023. Developed to overcome the oil-immersed belt problem of previous generations, it received 70% new components: a chain instead of a belt, revised injection system, new pulleys and tensioners.

However, two distinct defects have led Stellantis to launch two recall campaigns:

Both recalls are free of charge regardless of vehicle age and commercial warranty. Let's look at them one by one.

🔥 FUEL RECALL 2025: WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

The first recall was launched in summer 2025 and affects all vehicles with the 1.2 PureTech Gen 3 engine produced between 2023 and 2025.

The technical defect: improperly tightened nuts

The defect specifically concerns:

• the fastening nuts of the high-pressure fuel line;
• an insufficient tightening torque compared to Stellantis specifications;
• the possible formation of a micro-leak of gasoline over time.

The affected pipe is the one that carries gasoline from the high-pressure pump to the injection rail. Here, the operating pressure can exceed 200 bar: an improperly tightened nut is enough to cause a fuel leak in the form of droplets or vapors.

Why it is dangerous in the engine compartment

The problem is not "just" the leak itself, but the context in which it occurs:

• in the engine compartment, temperatures exceed 120°C with the turbo above 800°C;
• gasoline is highly flammable at ambient temperature;
• electrical components (alternator, wiring, control units) are potential sources of sparks;
• fuel vapors can accumulate in poorly ventilated areas.

In extreme conditions, a leak can lead to:

• intense gasoline odors around the car;
• abnormal fuel consumption not justified by driving style (more than +10% without reason);
• smoke or vapors from the hood;
• in the worst cases, an incipient fire in the engine compartment.

Stellantis clarifies that the probability of fires is "extremely low," but the recall was initiated precisely to bring the risk to zero. It is not an internal engine defect (like the oil-immersed belt of previous generations), but a tightening problem on an external pipe.

Further information on the belt of previous generations: PROBLEMS OF THE 1.2 PURETECH OIL-IMMERSED BELT.

⚡ MHEV RECALL MARCH 2026: THE NEW DEFECT

In March 2026, Stellantis launched a second recall for 1.2 PureTech Gen 3 engines, this time exclusively for MHEV hybrid versions (Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle at 48V).

The defect: reduced distance between DPF and 48V motor

On MHEV Gen3 engines, the distance between the particulate filter (DPF/GPF) duct and the protective housing of the 48-volt starter-alternator motor is lower than design specifications. The technical consequence:

• in conditions of high humidity, the two components can come into indirect electrical contact;
• an electrical arc is generated between the components;
• the arc causes overheating of the area;
• in extreme cases, it can lead to an incipient fire.

Brands and models affected by the MHEV recall

The MHEV 2026 recall involves the hybrid versions of the 8 Stellantis brands with the 1.2 PureTech Gen3 EB2ADTD MHEV engine:

• Peugeot (208, 2008, 308, 3008, 5008 Hybrid)
• Citroën (C3, C4, C5 Aircross Hybrid)
• DS Automobiles (DS3, DS4 Hybrid)
• Opel (Corsa, Mokka, Astra Hybrid)
• Alfa Romeo (Junior Hybrid)
• Fiat (600 Hybrid)
• Jeep (Avenger and Renegade Hybrid)
• Lancia (New generation Ypsilon Hybrid)

Resolving intervention

The problem is resolved with a free intervention at a Stellantis network workshop: mechanics replace the protective housing with a version featuring better insulation, checking and adjusting the distance between the components. Intervention duration: approximately 30 minutes.

Stellantis is informing affected vehicle owners, inviting them to schedule an appointment. Adherence is "voluntary" but strongly recommended for safety reasons, and from 2026, it will have concrete legal consequences (see national database section).

🚗 WHICH MODELS ARE INVOLVED?

The fuel recall 2025 affects all vehicles with the 1.2 PureTech Gen 3 engine produced between 2023 and 2025, engine code EB2ADTS / EB2ADTD. The MHEV recall March 2026 affects only the hybrid versions (code EB2ADTD MHEV with 48V starter-alternator motor).

Peugeot (CMP/EMP2 platform)

Citroën (CMP/EMP2 platform)

Opel

DS Automobiles

Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Lancia

In summary: if your car is a Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, DS, Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, or Lancia petrol or MHEV hybrid, registered from 2023 onwards with a latest-generation 1.2 PureTech engine, it is essential to check the VIN. The check is free and highly recommended even if there are no symptoms.

⚠️ WHICH SYMPTOMS SHOULD NOT BE IGNORED?

A leak in the high-pressure pipe does not always manifest as a "fountain" of petrol. In reality, workshops more often see micro-leaks that leave only faint traces, but enough to generate odours and risks. The same applies to the MHEV problem: the defect can remain silent for many miles.

If you experience any of these symptoms on a vehicle with a 1.2 PureTech Gen 3 engine, there is only one piece of advice: stop immediately and contact a dealer or authorised workshop. There's no point in taking risks.

🔍 HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED IN THE WORKSHOP?

To check if your engine is affected by the defects, the workshop proceeds as follows:

1. Visual inspection of the engine compartment

• checking the high-pressure pipe between the pump and the injection rail;
• searching for traces of petrol, shiny halos or wet areas;
• checking for dry residues along the pipe and near the fastening nuts;
• on MHEV: inspection of the distance between the DPF duct and the 48V motor housing with a caliper.

2. Checking nut tightening torque

A calibrated torque wrench is used to check the tightening of the HP pipe nuts, comparing the value with the torque specified by Stellantis (internal TSB specification). If the nut is too "loose" or moves before reaching the target torque, the defect is confirmed.

3. Fuel pressure test

• checking the integrity of the high-pressure circuit with the engine running and during starting;
• monitoring rail pressure values via OBD-II diagnosis (PCM live data parameter);
• typical DTC codes: P0087 (low fuel pressure), P0171 (lean mixture), P2187 (lean mixture at idle).

4. Checking vapours and EVAP system

In some cases, additional tests are carried out on the EVAP system to assess abnormal vapour dispersion.

5. Electrical insulation check (MHEV only)

On hybrid versions, the correct electrical insulation distance between the 48V motor-generator housing and surrounding parts is checked with specific instrumentation provided by Stellantis.

The ultimate goal is simple: to rule out any current leaks or contacts and reduce future risk to zero.

💡 WHAT TO DO IMMEDIATELY IF YOUR CAR IS AFFECTED

✔️ Recommended immediate steps

If you have a vehicle with a 1.2 PureTech Gen 3 engine and:

• you have received a recall letter from the manufacturer;
• or you suspect involvement because you fall within the indicated years/engine;
• or you smell petrol, notice abnormal consumption or cracking under the bonnet (MHEV),

proceed as follows:

1. Do not ignore the problem: the risk of fire is not theoretical.
2. Stop the car if you smell petrol, especially with the bonnet open.
3. Turn off the engine and move away from the vehicle to safety.
4. Contact an official dealer or Stellantis brand assistance.
5. If necessary, request towing assistance rather than driving to the workshop.
6. Check the VIN on the official brand portal to see if you are covered by one or both campaigns.

❌ What NOT to do

• do not attempt to tighten the nuts yourself: adequate tools and precise torque values are required;
• do not spray flammable products or detergents on the affected pipe;
• do not park in closed garages or underground spaces if you suspect fuel leaks;
• do not postpone the intervention "until I have time": from 2026 there will be a national database with penalties after 2 years;
• on MHEV: do not use the car in conditions of high humidity (heavy rain, car washes) if you have suspicious symptoms.

🔧 WHAT THE OFFICIAL INTERVENTION ENTAILS

Both recalls are official Stellantis campaigns: the intervention is carried out at authorised service centres and is free of charge for the customer. Even out of warranty, a safety recall always remains free.

Fuel recall intervention 2025

• Vehicle identification via VIN and verification of involvement;
• High-pressure pipe inspection and affected fittings;
• Checking and correcting nut tightening torque according to Stellantis specifications;
• If necessary, replacement of the high-pressure pipe and/or gaskets;
• Final leak test and check for absence of leaks;
• Internal system update with recall campaign closure for that VIN;
• Duration: 30-60 minutes.

MHEV recall intervention March 2026

• Vehicle identification via VIN and confirmation of MHEV 48V version;
• Inspection of the distance between the DPF duct and the motor-generator housing;
• Replacement of the protective cover with a version featuring improved insulation;
• Checking and adjusting the distance between components;
• 48V system functional test;
• Duration: approximately 30 minutes.

In some cases, the dealer might offer you a replacement vehicle if they have many cars waiting or if they need to carry out additional checks. Both interventions are free of charge: you do not have to pay anything.

📋 NATIONAL DATABASE OF UNREPAIRED RECALLS (FROM FEBRUARY 2026)

From February 2026, a national database of unrepaired recalled cars will be active in Italy, managed by the Ministry of Infrastructure. This is an important novelty that profoundly changes the approach to recalls:

• all vehicles with open campaigns are tracked;
• if after 2 years from notification the recall has not been carried out, the vehicle ends up on a "blacklist";
• for blacklisted vehicles, heavy penalties are foreseen in case of sale, transfer of ownership, or roadside inspection;
• the system applies to all safety recalls, including the two Gen3 PureTech recalls.

In practice: "I'll do it when I have time" is no longer an option. Carrying out recalls is now de facto mandatory to avoid legal and economic consequences.

❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

📌 CONCLUSIONS

Safety recalls should not be taken lightly, especially when they involve the fuel system or high-voltage electrical components. Two distinct recalls are active for the 1.2 PureTech Gen 3 engine:

• Fuel 2025: high-pressure pipe, risk of fuel leak and fire (all Gen3 2023-2025);
• MHEV March 2026: DPF/48V motor distance, risk of electric arc (only 48V hybrids from the 8 Stellantis brands).

Both interventions are free of charge, take 30-60 minutes, and can be performed in the same appointment if the vehicle is subject to both.

The operational advice is simple:

1. Immediately check the VIN on the official Stellantis brand portal;
2. Book an appointment at the dealership as soon as possible;
3. Never ignore gasoline smells, abnormal consumption, engine warning lights, or crackling sounds under the hood (MHEV);
4. Consider that from 2026, the recall is de facto mandatory to avoid being blacklisted by the Italian national database.

For more information, we recommend: complete guide to 1.2 PureTech common problems, Gen1/Gen2/Gen3 comparison, wet belt and the twin recall on 1.5 BlueHDi engines.