Complaints from owners of this engine are flourishing, as are Facebook groups reporting problems with this block called DV5R. This concerns one problem in particular: the breakage of the timing chain which connects the two camshafts together.
The fault lies in an undersizing of this famous chain, connecting the two camshafts, which control the opening of the valves. The latter is seven millimeters wide and can wear out prematurely. This causes play and ultimately causes it to break. This while no intervention is, theoretically, necessary on a distribution chain. And Stellantis raises the problem, in comments reported by UFC Que-Choisir:
“Malfunctions or warnings, such as mechanical noises, may occur, indicating a potential failure of the timing chain system, which may increase the risk of engine failure.”
Heavy breakdowns
This can therefore lead to major problems for drivers of these vehicles. We're talking about twisted or broken valves, damaged cylinder heads, etc. All for a cost that quickly reaches several thousand euros.
Faced with this, Stellantis has modified its engines from 2023, with a chain now reaching eight millimeters. And recommend using a particular oil on engines equipped with the small chain. From now on, only the SAE 0W-20 reference is accepted, when SAE 0W-30 was accepted before, too, and all engines had to be drained.
The group modified its plan again, on January 8, 2024. This depends on the date of marketing of the engine. First we find vehicles manufactured until January 31, 2023 (internal OPR code 16885). The latter must use oil meeting Stellantis FPW9.55535/03 SAE 5W-30 approval. Models manufactured since February 1, 2023 (OPR 16886) must use the reference B71 2010 SAE 0W-20.
A mess
All of this must be respected, otherwise it will cause engine damage. However, customers are not necessarily aware. And the mechanics and dealers have to manage this crisis situation, between the concerns of the airbags and the 1.2 PureTech.
All while the manufacturer remains silent on this subject, generally giving no response to customers and dealers. It just put in place special coverage of five years and 150,000 kilometers for these models. This is to cover part of the cost of repairs.
This even though the problem affects many vehicles. Indeed, no less than 36 models from six brands are potentially affected. The latter using the 1.5 BlueHDI with a power of 75, 100, 110, 120 or 130 horsepower and produced between October 2017 and January 2023.
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To summarize
New day, new lack of reliability for Stellantis. After the defective Takata airbags of the C3 and DS3, or the 1.2 PureTech engine, it's time for the 1.5 BlueHDI diesel unit. A motorization that many users complain about.
