Tens of thousands of drivers are being warned that their cars may pose a fire hazard in the latest vehicle safety recall. Cars from well-known brands are affected, including Peugeot, Citroen and Vauxhall.
During today's (April 20) episode of BBC One's Morning Live, consumer expert Louise Minchin issued a 'do not ignore' alert to owners of the cars impacted and explained the steps drivers need to take. She urged people to "not panic", and said that "if your car seems to be running perfectly, it could still be affected by a recall".
Stellantis, a global automotive group that owns various car brands, including Peugeot, Citroen, Vauxhall and DS Automobiles, this month launched a recall of 44,000 UK vehicles due to a fault that could cause cars to catch fire. The potential issue has been identified in select models from Peugeot, Citroen, DS Automobiles, Vauxhall, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Fiat produced between 2023 and 2026.
Key affected car models (2023-2026):
- Peugeot: 208, 308, 2008, Rifter, Partner, Expert
- Citroen: C3, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 X, Berlingo, Dispatch
- Vauxhall: Corsa, Mokka, Frontera
- DS Automobiles: DS 3 Crossback, DS 4, DS 7
It relates to a lack of clearance between the gasoline particulate filter pipe and the pole protection cup of the 48-volt belt starter generator. Stellantis says that in 'wet conditions' there could be contact between the components, causing water to enter the engine bay. In a 'worst-case scenario', this could result in a 'potential risk of fire in the engine department'.
In a statement, Stellantis said: "Having customer safety and satisfaction at the core of its values, Stellantis is voluntarily recalling an estimated 44,000 vehicles in the UK due to a potential issue concerning the clearance between the gasoline particulate filter pipe and the belt starter generator (BSG).
"Stellantis will immediately reach out to affected vehicle owners, asking them to contact their dealer to schedule an appointment. The corrective action involves replacing the pole protection cup of the 48V belt starter generator (BSG) to one with higher insulation. Additionally, the clearance between the gasoline particulate filter pipe and the BSG will be checked and adjusted if necessary.
"This service takes approximately 30 minutes and will be performed free of charge. Additionally, the clearance between the gasoline particulate filter pipe and the BSG will be checked and adjusted if necessary. This service takes approximately 30 minutes and will be performed free of charge."
Key vehicles affected by the recall include the Citroen C3, Peugeot 208 and Vauxhall Mokka. Owners of affected cars are being contacted to request that they speak to their nearest dealer to organise a repair.
Urging drivers affected to "not ignore" when contacted, Louise Minchin told viewers: "If you have been contacted, don't ignore it, you need to do something about it straight away and I know life gets really busy, but get in touch with the manufacturer. Most of the time it can be a really simple fix. The one at the moment is only about 30 minutes or so."
She explained: "It is free, and it doesn't matter where you bought your car because safety recalls are down to the manufacturer, and it's regardless of the car's age, the owner or the warranty status, as well. They absolutely need to be done. Do not ignore it, that'd be my main advice."
To check if your car is part of a recall, you can use the government recall checker here on the Gov.uk website. You can use the car registration number tool to check if it’s been recalled.
