Stellantis thought it had turned the page on mechanical problems with its new 1.2L PureTech Gen3 engine. Gone are the oil-bath belts and their well-known setbacks, to a distribution chain to put an end to the controversy and restore customer confidence. And on paper, it was all there: revised architecture, reinforced components, and above all a clear determination to make this block, now at the heart of many Peugeots, Citroëns, DS, Opels, Jeeps... but also Fiat 600s, Lancia Ypsilons and Alfa Romeo Juniors, more reliable.
However, as an exclusive survey by L'Argus reveals, the chain-driven version of this 3-cylinder has not escaped a minor teething problem.
A camshaft problem on models produced until February 2024
The information comes from internal technical notes obtained by L'Argus: certain 1.2 PureTech Gen3 (EB2 Gen3) engines are now available on the market. manufactured between 2023 and February 17, 2024 have a camshaft fault. The cause: the incorrect positioning of a camshaft sprocket screw, which can lead to a loss of power, an illuminated engine warning light, or even a shift in the timing system.
In concrete terms, this means abnormal noises, misfiring and even premature wear. However, this defect remains isolated and confined to a specific production period. Above all, it has nothing to do with the structural problems of the previous generation, where belt damage could lead to engine failure.
Stellantis reacted quickly
The good news is that Stellantis didn't drag its feet: a first modification was implemented on January 31, 2024 (camshaft phaser upgrade), followed by a second on February 18, 2024 (new pinion screw). As a result, vehicles produced after this date are free from this defect. As for the models concerned, they benefit from full warranty coverage.
A technical detail, not a new scandal
It's easy to take potshots at the 1.2 PureTech, as the engine's reputation has suffered in recent years. But we have to be discerning here. This camshaft problem, unfortunate as it is for the few models concerned, is minor compared to the endemic problems of the previous generation. It's an assembly fault, not a design defect, and has been identified, corrected and dealt with swiftly.
In other words, if you drive this engine produced in early 2023, you may be affected. But if so, your Stellantis workshop will know what to do. And if you've ordered a more recent vehicle, you're simply not. The Fiat 600, Lancia Ypsilon, Alfa Romeo Junior and Fiat Grande Panda are not affected, as they were produced after this date.
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Aaah PSA 😍
No way, they're still finding customers to buy vehicles equipped with this engine!
Wiso werden die in oel laufenden Riemen nicht auf kette umgebaut auf Kosten hersteller
A crappy non-working engine series made by the French inside already unreliable Italian cars. The only good thing Fiat had was their fire and multijet engines. FCA and Peugeot United in making even worse and more obsolete plastic cars. No Italian passion here just rubbish.
Well, that promises
They persist and sign with this crap from Pijot, in MDR!
Alle bei stellantis integrierten Marken haben zuerst ihre Identität verloren und nun jegliche Qualität.
Die ganzen Selbstdarsteller können es halt nicht.
In keinem Bereich,
Ich weiß wovon ich schreibe,ich habe dort gearbeitet
Il peccato originale è stato scegliere il puretech all inizio invece del Firefly. Il primo è senza carattere, piatto e poi si è scoperto anche non affidabile. Il secondo é efficiente, elastico ed ha più brio. La scelta non è stata ingegneristica né commerciale ma economica per pochi euro in meno di costi e politica in base a dove si producevano i motori. E queste sono le conseguenze. Potranno rivoltare il puretech come un calzino sarà sempre un motore senz'anima a patto sempre che sia affidabile.
I have the stupid idea of a wet belt engine in my 2008. Either way the company should of taken into account informing people that it costs over 600 pounds to change whereas a dry accessable belt much less. Criminal batty idea . Oil & rubber are not a good combination & never have been. If they don't fragment & contaminate then they snap.
Come facciamo a sapere la data di produzione del motore e impossibile, nel caso di mia figlia con un Opel Corsa Hybrid GS 1.2 110CV ordinata a giugno 2024 e consegnata ad ottobre 2024, in officina Opel tramite telaio riescono ad individuare tutto TRANNE LA DATA DI PRODUZIONE DEL MOTORE! È mai possibile? Secondo voi l'auto suddetta è interessata da questo nuovo problema che avete descritto nell'articolo? Grazie