1.5 BlueHDi engine: the complete list of cars affected by the risk of broken chain

Using the same engine to power multiple models is a profitable strategy, as it allows for cost optimization and avoids costly developments. This is what car manufacturers do, whether they are part of a single group, such as Volkswagen and Stellantis, or those that partner with other companies to develop engines for joint use.

Using a single engine to power multiple models has both positive and negative aspects. It may save you significant design, manufacturing, and development costs, but if a problem occurs, it will be significant, complicating matters for both the company and its customers.

The number of affected vehicles can quickly escalate, and the compensation bill for those affected can quickly become enormous. This is what happened with the Stellantis group, where recurring and persistent problems related to the reliability of its popular 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine emerged.

But the situation is worse for Stellantis, as it has two engines with reliability issues, resulting in significant losses for the company due to customer compensation and repairs.

The most popular engine is clearly the 1.2-liter PureTech three-cylinder gasoline engine, but the 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine is also causing growing discontent.

The 1.5 BlueHDi engine’s problems are due to the use of a chain to drive the camshafts, which can eventually become loose and break, sometimes requiring expensive repairs, as well as the timing belt.

To correct the problem, an 8mm chain, instead of a 7mm one, has been installed at the factory since February 2023. Stellantis also responded by offering extended support of up to eight years and 175,000 km for repairs since the beginning of this year.

However, this hasn’t been enough to quell the anger of affected car owners, who have complained in particular about the lack of a preventative solution.

The 1.5 BlueHDi engine appeared in 2017 to replace the 1.6 BlueHDi, which was the last diesel engine developed by the PSA Group. The switch to the 8mm series is supposed to protect the engine from failure for cars after February 2023, although there is not enough time to confirm this.