“A worrying message”: thousands of motorists affected by sudden breakdowns

PSeveral motorists have reported having had a breakdown in their AdBlue tank, driving with a Diesel car, reports The Voice of the North.

“A few days ago, when starting my diesel car, a worrying message appeared: “engine fault, need repair. Your car will no longer start in 1,100 km.” At the end of the check, I am told that the AdBlue tank needs to be changed and that it will cost me around €1,200: the pump which injects the product into the catalytic converter is an integral part of this tank and that it no longer works. It is therefore necessary to replace the tank-pump assembly. And pay. Please note, my car has less than 80,000 km on the clock,” says a reader to the French media.

Numerous testimonies relate to breakdowns linked to AdBlue, this additive intended for diesel engines, for several months. Testachats has already received more than 3,500 similar complaints, according to RTBF.

AdBlue to blame?

This liquid additive which reduces emissions of polluting particles from diesel engines and thus makes them less polluting would be the cause of these automobile breakdowns.

By chemical reaction, the particles making up the additive transform the polluting particles into nitrogen or water, thus making their environmental impact harmless.

AdBlue can crystallize and block the injector. In this case, it is necessary to replace the injector (around 200 euros) but also the AdBlue tank (1,350 euros) and a probe which allows the level of nitrogen oxide to be measured (600 euros). The whole thing ultimately costs the motorist around 2,150 euros, including labor and VAT.