A further 72,000 vehicles in the UK are being recalled by Stellantis as part of another Europe-wide safety campaign affecting seven of its brands.

The 28 models, from Vauxhall, Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Jeep and Alfa Romeo, were built between 2023-2025 and are fitted with the 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine.

The recall comes after 11 reported cases of engine fires in France linked to loosened nuts on a high-pressure fuel pipe, which could lead to fuel leakage and, in rare cases, engine fires.

A Stellantis spokesperson told PA News: “Some 2023-2025 Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Fiat vehicles may face fuel leakage at the high-pressure pipe between the high-pressure pump and the rail due to loosened nuts.

“This can potentially lead to higher fuel leakage consumption and, in a worst-case scenario, to occurrences of fire in the engine.”

Stellantis has started the process of contacting vehicle owners, asking them to contact the dealer network to schedule an appointment.

The spokesperson added that the repair would consist of retightening the nut connections on the high-pressure pipe and the screws of the rail, which would take less than half an hour and would be free of charge.

This latest recall comes in the wake of Stellantis issuing a ‘stop-drive’ order, with drivers being told to immediately stop driving Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles.

The order, estimated to impact 120,000 vehicles, was for all Citroën C3 (second generation) and DS 3 (first generation) vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2019 that are equipped with Takata airbags.

Consumer group Which? criticised Stellantis’s handling of the airbag recall, calling it “shameful” and urging the company to provide compensation for alternative transport and practical solutions like at-home repairs or towing.

source: Fleet News