Stellantis Recalls 700,000 Hybrid Vehicles Over Fire Risk

Automaker Stellantis has announced a global recall of about 700,000 hybrid vehicles due to a defect that could trigger engine fires.

The affected vehicles span multiple brands under the group, including Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, and Jeep.

The recall was disclosed by Germany’s vehicle regulator, Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt, which stated that the issue affects hybrid vehicles produced between 2023 and 2026.

The company confirmed that it had recorded “36 incidents connected with the problem worldwide,” including “12 cases of fire,” with more than 200,000 of the affected vehicles located in France.

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According to the automaker, the issue arises because “the combustion engine and electric motor have been positioned too close together,” and in humid conditions, “two of the smaller components can come into contact and cause a fire.”

Stellantis, formed through the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, indicated that the defect “can be fixed in minutes by replacing a small part.”

The regulator noted that the recall affects “295,000 Peugeot 208 and 2008 cars, 126,000 Citroen C3s, C4s and C3 Aircrosses, 124,000 Fiat Grande Pandas, 44,000 Alfa Romeo Juniors and 88,000 Jeep Avengers.”

The development adds to a series of recent safety-related recalls by the company involving airbags and engine components across different models.