article_detail

Owners of certain Peugeot, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Opel, Vauxhall, Lancia, Alfa Romeo, Jeep and Fiat vehicles in Spain are being urged to check whether their car is among 77,500 being recalled over a potential fire risk.

 

The issue affects hybrid vehicles manufactured between 2023 and 2026 and centres on two components in the engine compartment that may have been assembled with insufficient clearance between them.

 

Specifically, the concern is that the particulate filter tube and the protective cover of the 48-volt belt starter generator may sit too close together in some vehicles.

 

In wet conditions, the company has explained, this insufficient gap could allow water to seep between the two components, creating an electrical arc that could lead to overheating and, in the worst case, "a potential fire risk in the engine compartment."

 

The recall is described as voluntary by the manufacturer, which has been keen to stress that the issue is not directly related to the engine itself. German media reported that around 700,000 vehicles have been called in for the same check worldwide, following an announcement by Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority.

 

The good news for affected owners is that the fix is straightforward and completely free of charge. The company has said it will contact owners "immediately" to arrange an appointment with their nearest dealer, where the protective cover of the belt starter generator will be replaced with one offering better insulation and the clearance between the two components checked if necessary.

 

The whole process is expected to take around 30 minutes.