The Stellantis Group has to carry out another extensive recall: Around 80,000 vehicles in Germany are affected by a potential fire hazard. According to the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), around 700,000 cars are affected worldwide. Seven of the Group’s brands are affected – including Opel, Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and DS Automobiles.
Which models are affected by the Stellantis recall?
The focus is on the widely used 1.2-liter mild hybrid petrol engine of the latest generation (PureTech Gen3), which is used in numerous models of the Stellantis Group. Vehicles from model years 2023 to 2026 with the 48-volt mild hybrid drive in the 110 and 136 hp power levels are affected. Specifically, these are models of the following brands:
- Opel (e.g. Corsa, Astra, Mokka)
- Peugeot (e.g. 208, 308, 2008, 3008)
- Citroën (e.g. C3, C4, C5 Aircross)
- Fiat (e.g. 600)
- Alfa Romeo
- Jeep (e.g. Avenger)
- DS Automobiles (e.g. DS3, DS4)
Around 211,000 vehicles are said to be affected in France, and there are also corresponding reports from Italy. This means that the recall has a Europe-wide dimension.
What is the technical cause of the fire hazard?
According to Stellantis, the distance between the pipe of the petrol particulate filter and the pole protection cap of the 48-volt belt starter generator (BSG) is too small in certain vehicles. If the two components come into contact, water can penetrate, especially when wet. As a result, an electrical arc can occur, which leads to overheating – and in the worst case can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
According to PC-Welt, 36 incidents have already been registered in connection with the problem. In 12 cases, a fire is said to have started in the engine compartment. No injuries have been reported so far.
Voluntary recall – what do owners have to do?
As the ADAC reports, the measure is a voluntary recall on the part of Stellantis. There is no official, mandatory recall via the KBA. Owners do not have to take action themselves: Stellantis will contact the affected vehicle owners directly by letter and ask them to arrange a workshop appointment with their authorized dealer.
At the workshop, the pole protection cap of the starter alternator is replaced with a variant with higher insulation. In addition, the distance between the two critical components is checked and adjusted if necessary. According to Stellantis, the procedure only takes around 30 minutes and is completely free of charge for owners.
Not the first major recall at Stellantis
Stellantis is not resting on its laurels when it comes to recalls. Back in the fall of 2025, more than 85,000 vehicles in Germany had to be recalled due to a faulty screw connection on the high-pressure fuel line. There was also a risk of fire, as leaking fuel could ignite on hot engine parts. According to the KBA, at least eleven vehicle fires were documented in this context.
Another recall for diesel models with the DV5R engine was also carried out at the beginning of 2026 due to a leaking fuel line. Around 3,000 vehicles were affected in Germany. The accumulation of safety-related recalls is likely to leave its mark on customer confidence in the Group. However, recalls are not just a Stellantis phenomenon: according to the ADAC, there were a total of 532 recalls in Germany in 2025 – almost three times as many as in 2010.
Other manufacturers are also regularly affected. Tesla, for example, has already had to recall 300,000 vehicles due to problems with rear lights and airbags.
Conclusion: take the Stellantis recall seriously
Anyone who drives a vehicle from Opel, Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep or DS Automobiles with the 1.2-liter mild hybrid petrol engine from the 2023 to 2026 model years should not ignore the recall – even if it is a voluntary measure. The risk of fire is real, as the documented incidents show. The free workshop visit only takes half an hour and can prevent worse consequences.
