The car manufacturer Stellantis is at the heart of a legal storm unprecedented. Nearly 5,000 owners of vehicles equipped with the 1.2 PureTech engine have decided to launch legal action against the automobile giant. This affair, which is gaining momentum, highlights the recurring failures of this engine, causing considerable inconvenience to drivers.
Repetitive breakdowns generating astronomical costs
Testimonies from dissatisfied owners are increasing, revealing the extent of the problem. Laurence Dauchy, one of the victims, shares her experience: “My vehicle stopped suddenly. I was in total panic. » This Peugeot 308, purchased on credit, has become a real money pit for its owner. In the space of three years, maintenance and repair costs exceeded 5,800 euros, including a costly head gasket problem.
Jennifer Ayache, another affected driver, had to pay 2,000 euros for a belt failure that occurred after only 55,000 kilometers. These cases are not isolated, as evidenced by the growing number of owners joining the class action. Unforeseen expenses pile up, putting many motorists in financial difficulty.
Collective action to assert consumer rights
Faced with these recurring problems, nearly 5,000 owners of vehicles equipped with the PureTech engine have decided to join forces. Their objective is clear: demonstrate that the manufacturer was aware of the design defects for years. This mobilization is reminiscent of other high-profile legal cases, such as the wiretapping affair involving Nicolas Sarkozy, where justice had to decide on complex questions.
The lawyer representing the plaintiffs says: “We have evidence that Stellantis was aware of the problem as early as 2018.” Indeed, internal documents reveal that warranty extensions for these engines had been put in place at that time. However, the production and marketing of vehicles equipped with the 1.2 PureTech engine continued, raising ethical and legal questions.
Stellantis facing its responsibilities
Automotive giant Stellantis now finds itself in a delicate position, comparable to that of other large companies facing major scandals. This situation is reminiscent of the classified documents affair involving Donald Trump, where information management is at the heart of the debate.
Faced with the accusations, Stellantis chose a cautious communication strategy. The manufacturer refused to respond directly to journalists, but announced that an initiative would soon be launched to better support its customers. This response, considered insufficient by many owners, could have consequences on the group's brand image.
Impact on the automotive industry and consumers
This case raises broader questions about the liability of automobile manufacturers and consumer protection. It could have significant repercussions on the entire sector, particularly in terms of:
- Consumer trust in automobile brands
- Strengthening quality and reliability standards
- Evolution of warranty and after-sales service practices
- Increased transparency on known technical issues
The outcome of this legal procedure could create a precedent, like other high-profile cases such as that of Eric Zemmour whose acquittal was overturned in cassation. It could influence how automakers handle design flaws and how they communicate to customers.
| Aspect | Potential impact |
|---|---|
| Financier | Repair costs and compensation for Stellantis |
| Reputation | Deterioration of brand image |
| Legal | Precedent for future class actions |
| Industry | Strengthening quality controls |
The affair of the defective 1.2 PureTech engine marks a turning point in relations between car manufacturers and consumers. It highlights the importance of transparency and the responsibility in a sector where public trust is paramount. The outcome of this legal proceeding will be closely scrutinized, not only by the 5,000 plaintiffs, but also by the entire automotive industry and consumers around the world.
