Stellantis launches compensation platform
Stellantis, in response to the scale of gasoline engine reliability problems, is expanding its compensation policy to better address customer concerns and enhance trust in its vehicles.
Better late than never. Adapted crisis responses. To regain the trust of its customers affected by reliability issues and timing belt failure affecting 1 and 1.2 liter Pure Tech engines produced before June 2022, and to reassure all consumers generally, the Stellantis Group has decided to launch an extensive compensation campaign .
Within the group, we refuse to see a causal link with the departure of Carlos Tavares. The program was already in development, but its pace accelerated with the arrival of Jean-Philippe Imparato as director of the group’s European operations. This decision comes in the context of profound changes in commercial policy. “This is a topic that the group takes very seriously. We want to regain the trust of our customers. This is the main priority”emphasizes Valerie Kandaleir, who combines the positions of Communications Director and Head of Customer Service at Peugeot. Moreover, in March 2024, Stellantis launched a warranty extension for PureTech engines to 10 years or 175,000 km. In addition to these warranty measures, the manufacturer has introduced a new “Check+” certificate, confirming the reliability of used cars that have undergone recommended maintenance and repairs, with 100 check points, including belt drive, for used cars sold on Spoticar. or on an approved network.
Tens of thousands of cars were damaged
The failure of PureTech engines affected four brands: Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Opel. However, the Sochaux brand will be particularly affected by the problem of timing belt failure, which causes significant damage to PureTech petrol engines. Without any numbers, these reliability issues will affect tens of thousands of vehicles. These reliability issues affect the PureTech 1 liter and 1.2 liter naturally aspirated units produced between June 2012 and June 2022, as well as the same turbocharged versions produced between April 2014 and June 2022. Valerie Kandaleer recalls that the problem that arose in the PureTech engine production has been resolved since June 2022.
How to get compensation?
From this Thursday, January 16, 2025, Peugeot, Citroën, DS or Opel owners facing engine failure will be able to open the file on the platform created by Stellantis (https://stellantis-support.com). The site is initially open to customers in France and Spain, which have been hit the hardest. “From the end of February the platform will be rolled out across Europe”says a Peugeot representative. Specifically, retroactive compensation measures cover repair costs incurred between June 1, 2022 and March 18, 2024. A structure has been put in place to manage the files for a maximum of one and a half months, but the auto group will consider the class actions initiated as a priority. Stellantis has indicated that in order to receive compensation, a number of criteria must be met: Maintenance related to excessive oil consumption and/or premature timing belt wear must be carried out in accordance with the manufacturer’s maintenance plan. by any automotive professional, and diagnosis and repairs must be performed by an authorized network.
