We told you about it a few weeks ago: having become essential since the tightening of European anti-pollution standards on diesel engines, AdBlue can cause numerous breakdowns, sometimes serious and costly. Particularly because of the properties of this liquid. Composed of demineralized water and urea, it tends to crystallize in very cold or very hot weather, especially if the vehicle is not driven enough. No manufacturer really seems to have been spared from this problem. But certain models from the Stellantis group still seemed more affected than average. Fortunately, the company is preparing to better compensate customers who would be forced to replace their AdBlue tank from January 2025.
Special coverage in 29 countries, including France
After granting compensation to Italian customers, sparking a lively controversy in the process, the multinational confirms that “Stellantis will extend special coverage for certain Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles diesel vehicles to 29 European countries.” France will obviously be part of the lot. The company's communications department also specifies that the vehicles concerned are all compliant with the Euro 6 standard, equipped with a selective reduction catalyst (SCR) and have been “manufactured between January 2014 and August 2020”. The production range is therefore quite wide and should even make it possible to reduce the bill even for owners of cars that are already quite old.
This “outburst of generosity” is, however, not entirely spontaneous. It is also the result of a dialogue between the company, the European Commission and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network (CPC). This little-known organization will now be responsible for “actively monitor how Stellantis implements its commitments”. The European Union also warns that “if Stellantis does not do so within the agreed deadline, national consumer protection authorities may decide to take measures to ensure compliance”.
A compensation platform mid-January
In the immediate future, however, Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, prefers to retain “the positive conclusion of our joint dialogue with Stellantis, which will help affected users obtain adequate relief”. He adds that “Consumers deserve adequate compensation for damages suffered, wherever they are in the EU”. It remains to be seen, in a more concrete way, how this will translate for customers.
For now, the company's communications department has only confirmed to us the launch of a compensation platform in mid-January. Such a device would also be in preparation for the reliability problems of the 1.2 PureTech, while Stellantis is facing collective legal action in France because of the recurring breakdowns of this three-cylinder. It will remain to deal with the case of breakages in the drive chain of the camshafts of the 1.5 BlueHDi, which is causing growing discontent.
Terms yet to be specified
But our colleagues from Auto Infos also mention other important points concerning future compensation for AdBlue tanks. According to them, the coverage would be 100% for cars less than five years old, and it would vary between 30 and 90% for vehicles between five and eight years old, depending on mileage. However, this remains to be confirmed, because Stellantis told us about coverage for Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles and Opel models produced between January 2014 and August 2020, so sometimes more than eight years ago. Still according to Auto Infos, a retroactive reimbursement would also be possible for owners who have received lower compensation since January 2021. Finally, training for distributors and customer services would be planned to better inform consumers about their rights. L'Automobile Magazine will obviously not fail to give you more details as soon as clarifications have been provided.
Has your car suffered from Adblue-related problems? Whether it is sold by Stellantis or not, your testimony interests us. Do not hesitate to write to us at the following address: [email protected]. Remember to indicate the model, its engine with its power, its age, its mileage, or even if you have obtained support. Details about maintenance may also be useful for us to help you.
