James Paul 
Since 2017, the Stellantis group has been teaming up with many Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Opel models with the 1.2 Puretech engine. This three petrol cylinders hides a major well -known defect: Its distribution belt submerged in the engine oil bath which can degrade prematurely and cause catastrophic engine.
Faced with this problem with hundreds of thousands of vehicles in France, an surprisingly simple and economical solution exists.
This design defect has disastrous consequences
The particularity of the 1.2 PureTech engine lies in its “humid” distribution belt, that is to say bathed directly in engine oil. This technical choice initially aimed to reduce noise, limit friction and prolong the lifespan of the belt. Ironically, it is precisely this conception that causes early failures.
The engine oil is gradually altering the composition of the rubber of the belt, which inflates and loses its elasticity. When the belt ends up giving in, the pistons collide with the valves, and it is the guaranteed engine.
The most worrying? This failure can occur long before 100,000 km or six years scheduled in the initial belt replacement maintenance plan. Ruptures were reported from 40,000 km on certain vehicles. The cost of a preventive replacement revolves around 1,500 euros, while a engine breakage can exceed the 7,000 euros in repair.
A simple detection solution accessible to all
The good news is thatA specific measurement tool allows you to easily control the state of the belt. Sold at the moment for less than 15 euros on Amazon herethis device looks like a simple metal fork.
Its use is remarkably simple. Just open the engine oil filling cap, insert the tool to access the distribution belt and check the width of the belt.
If it perfectly enters the notch of the tool, it retains its original dimensions and remains in good condition. On the other hand, if it does not pass in the calibrated opening, it is the sign of an abnormal swelling requiring an immediate replacement before an engine break.
This quick verification, achievable in a few minutes by any motorist, makes it possible to anticipate a catastrophic failure without having to dismantle the colasses.
The measures taken by Stellantis and the possible appeals
Faced with the magnitude of the problem, Stellantis ended up reacting by gradually replacing the belt with a distribution chain on the engines produced since 2023. The group has also set up a complaint platform for owners who have undergone repair costs between January 2022 and March 2024, offering financial compensation after studying files.
A collective action was also launched by unhappy owners, believing that the manufacturer should have recalled all the vehicles concerned for a preventive replacement.
Pending the outcome of these approaches, the owners of Peugeot 208, 2008, 308, 3008, Citroën C3, C4, C5 Aircross, DS3 Crossback, Opel Corsa, Mokka or Crossland Equipped with the 1.2 PureTech belt engine have every interest in investing in this small control tool. This modest investment may well save their engine and their portfolio.
- The 1.2 PureTech engine suffers from a distribution belt problem that can cause engine breakage
- A measurement tool at less than 15 euros makes it easy to check the condition of the belt without disassembly
- Stellantis now offers a complaint platform for owners affected between 2022 and 2024
