1What is AdBlue?
AdBlue is a liquid composed of 67.5% water and 32.5% urea, used to depollute diesel vehicles equipped with an “SCR” catalyst. It reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90% by transforming it into nitrogen and water vapor. Cars that run on AdBlue are equipped with a specific tank, of ten to twenty liters, closed by a blue cap generally positioned near the fuel flap.
Appearing in 2009, the AdBlue system has become predominant on new approved models, from September 2017 and the entry into force of the Euro 6d-temp standard.
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2What are the problems encountered with AdBlue?
In just a few years, reports from motorists who have experienced technical problems linked to AdBlue have multiplied. They are essentially due to its crystallization. Crystals can in fact appear in cold (below -11°C) or hot (above 30°C) weather. This phenomenon also occurs with the engine running, if the exhaust gases do not allow the AdBlue to exceed a temperature of 190°C.
The consequences? Obstruction of the catalyst and deformation of the tank because air can no longer enter, which leads to engine alerts or the impossibility of starting. Other possible concerns: malfunction of the AdBlue level and quality sensors. In the future, the frequency of these problems could increase with the aging of the car fleet using AdBlue.
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3Which car brands are most affected?
The UFC-Que Choisir launched a call for testimonials at the end of 2022 and collected several thousand. They concern “mainly the Citroën and Peugeot brands”. The consumer defense association notes, however, that “it is quite difficult to know why these engines seem more sensitive than others to this problem. Audi, Kia, Mercedes, Renault, Seat, Skoda and even Volkswagen may also be affected by the phenomenon.
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4How much could the bill be?
The UFC-Que Choisir was able to note, in 2023, that the necessary repairs resulted, “in 91% of cases”, “an additional charge for motorists which, on average, is around 1,000 euros, but which can reach 3,100 euros for some of them.” For its part, Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, etc.) assures La Voix du Nord that “all customers potentially affected by AdBlue problems are fully compensated for the costs of parts and labor during the conventional warranty period. To address various concerns raised by customers, we have voluntarily decided, on several occasions, to provide special coverages beyond this conventional warranty period.”
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5What actions are underway?
In 2023, UFC-Que Choisir contacted the European Commission and the French fraud prevention services (DGCCRF). Another European lever operated by the association: the General Directorate for the Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (Grow). Its counterpart in Belgium, Testachats, is threatening Stellantis with collective legal action, based on 3,000 testimonies.
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6What possible remedies?
To avoid the problem of AdBlue crystallization in cold weather, car manufacturers have integrated heating systems. Electronic updates could also be carried out at the dealership. The Norauto chain, which “is observing a spectacular increase in breakdowns linked to the AdBlue system”, has trained its technicians to deal with it and promises to “reduce the bill by 30 to 50%”, according to our colleagues from Décision Atelier. Several brands also offer maintenance products designed to clean AdBlue injection systems and prevent its crystallization.
Professionals suggest electronically deactivating the device in the event of a breakdown, a practice which remains illegal.
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