Over a million vehicles fitted with Stellantis's 1.5 BlueHDi diesel engine are covered by two separate recalls across Europe. The first addresses premature timing chain wear that can cause the chain to snap without warning and destroy the engine. The second, announced in February 2026, concerns a diesel leak from the common rail system that can start a fire under the bonnet. Both issues affect the most popular Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and DS models built between 2017 and 2025 — and many of those cars are on BiH roads.
Table of Contents
- What Is the Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi Engine and Who Drives It in BiH
- Recall Number One - Timing Chain That Snaps Without Warning
- Recall Number Two - Fuel Leak and Fire Risk
- Which Models Are Covered by the 1.5 BlueHDi Recall
- How to Check Whether Your Car Is on the List
- Symptoms to Watch Out For
- 10-Year or 240,000 km Warranty and How to Claim It
- What If There Is No Authorised Dealer Near You
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Articles
What Is the Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi Engine and Who Drives It in BiH
The Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi (internally known as DV5) is a four-cylinder turbodiesel displacing 1,499 cc. It is manufactured by the Stellantis group (formed from the merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler) and fitted to dozens of models under the Peugeot, Citroen, Opel, DS and even some Fiat and Toyota badges. The engine replaced the older 1.6 HDi and since 2017 has become one of the best-selling diesels in Europe.
On the BiH market this engine is most commonly found in popular models such as the Peugeot 308, 2008 and 3008, the Citroen C3, C4 and C5 Aircross, and the Opel Corsa and Crossland. Most of these cars arrive in BiH as imports from Western Europe, often with 100,000 to 200,000 km on the clock — placing them squarely in the mileage zone where timing chain problems tend to surface.
Recall Number One - Timing Chain That Snaps Without Warning
In July 2025 Stellantis officially confirmed a recall covering over a million vehicles in Europe fitted with the 1.5 BlueHDi engine produced between October 2017 and January 2023. The reason is premature wear of the 7 mm-wide timing chain that links the camshafts.
The problem lies in the design itself. The 7 mm timing chain proved insufficiently durable for the loads it experiences in this engine. Instead of lasting the lifetime of the engine — as is typical of most modern chain-driven diesels — this chain stretches and can snap well before the expected service life.
When the chain breaks while the engine is running, the consequences are almost always catastrophic. Valves strike the pistons, valve springs bend, and the engine requires a complete rebuild or replacement. For owners, this means the difference between a preventive chain replacement and total engine failure costing many times more.
Morning Cold-Start Rattle on the 1.5 BlueHDi
One of the earliest symptoms of chain stretch is a distinctive metallic rattle on the first cold start in the morning. The noise lasts a few seconds while the chain tensioner fills with oil and compensates. If your 1.5 BlueHDi produces a brief, clattering metallic sound that disappears after 2–5 seconds on a cold start, this is a sign that the chain is already stretched and the tensioner is working at the limit of its compensation range.
In France alone 630,000 vehicles are covered by this recall, 141,000 in Germany and 117,000 in Belgium. The number of affected vehicles in BiH has not been officially published, but given the intense flow of used-car imports from these countries a significant number are certainly on BiH roads.
Recall Number Two - Fuel Leak and Fire Risk
In February 2026 a second, entirely separate recall was announced for 1.5 BlueHDi engines. This time the problem concerns newer production, from 2023 to 2025, and has nothing to do with the timing chain.
The issue is a nut on the high-pressure common rail system that can work loose during normal use. When the nut loosens, diesel fuel under high pressure leaks from the joint and drips onto the hot exhaust manifold or turbocharger. The result is a direct fire risk under the bonnet.
Diesel Leak Under the Bonnet and Fuel Smell on the 1.5 BlueHDi
If you notice the smell of diesel inside the cabin or around the engine after driving, or if you spot traces of fuel on the upper part of the engine, these are serious warning signs. A fuel leak onto hot engine components must never be ignored. In that situation, stop driving as soon as it is safe to do so and contact a workshop.
It is important to understand that these two recalls cover different production periods and different problems. The timing chain recall affects older production (October 2017 to January 2023), while the fuel leak recall affects newer production (2023 to 2025). Your car may be affected by one, the other, or neither — but not both at the same time.
Which Models Are Covered by the 1.5 BlueHDi Recall
The Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi recall covers a wide range of models. Here is the full list of affected vehicles:
| Brand | Affected Models | Timing Chain Recall (2017-2023) | Fire Recall (2023-2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peugeot | 208, 2008, 308, 3008, 508, 5008 | Yes | Yes |
| Citroen | C3, C3 Aircross, C4, C5 Aircross, Berlingo | Yes | Yes |
| Opel | Corsa, Mokka, Crossland, Astra, Grandland | Yes | Yes |
| DS | DS 3, DS 4, DS 7 | Yes | Yes |
| Fiat | Doblo, Scudo | Yes | Yes |
| Toyota | Proace | Yes | Yes |
The key piece of information is the engine production date, not the date of first registration. A car registered in March 2023 may have been built in November 2022 and therefore fall under the timing chain recall. You can find the engine production date in the service booklet or via the chassis number.
How to Check Whether Your Car Is on the List
Checking is relatively straightforward, but you will need your vehicle's chassis number (VIN — 17 characters, usually visible through the windscreen on the lower left-hand side or in the vehicle registration document).
There are several ways to check:
- Visit the stellantis-support.com platform and enter your chassis number. The platform shows whether your vehicle is covered by the recall and which specific problem applies to your engine.
- Contact the nearest authorised Peugeot, Citroen or Opel dealer. Service advisers have access to an internal database and can check the status of your vehicle in a matter of minutes.
- Check on the portals of national vehicle safety agencies in the EU country where your car was originally registered.
For vehicles imported into BiH from Germany, recall information is also available through the KBA (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) database. If you bought the car second-hand, you probably did not receive a recall notification because it is sent to the address of the first owner.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
The Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi recall covers problems with clear symptoms. Knowing those symptoms can make the difference between a timely repair and total engine failure.
For the timing chain issue, watch for the following signs:
- A metallic rattle on the first start in the morning that lasts 2–5 seconds and disappears once the engine warms up
- Loss of engine power, especially noticeable during acceleration
- Rough idle with occasional juddering
- Diagnostic trouble codes P0011, P0012, P0016, P0017 or P0018, indicating camshaft-to-crankshaft phase offset
- Increased fuel consumption for no obvious reason
P0016 Fault Code on a Peugeot 308 1.5 HDi
Code P0016 (crankshaft–camshaft position correlation, bank 1, sensor A) is one of the most common diagnostic codes on 1.5 BlueHDi engines with a stretched chain. If your diagnostics return this code, it is a direct signal that the chain needs inspection. Do not ignore it and do not clear it from memory without checking the chain condition, because every subsequent engine cycle with a stretched chain increases the risk of failure.
For the fuel leak issue:
- A diesel smell inside the cabin or around the engine, especially after a longer drive
- Visible fuel traces on the upper side of the engine or around the common rail pipes
- Oil spots beneath the vehicle that are not engine oil (diesel is less viscous and thinner in consistency)
- Smoke or vapour from the engine bay in rare, severe cases
If you notice any of these symptoms, do not delay a visit to a workshop. With a fuel leak in particular, continuing to drive poses a direct safety risk.
10-Year or 240,000 km Warranty and How to Claim It
Stellantis has progressively extended the warranty coverage for 1.5 BlueHDi engines. From January 2025 the warranty was first extended to 7 years or 180,000 km, and from July 2025 to its final scope of 10 years or 240,000 km. This warranty covers 100 % of parts and labour costs for timing chain replacement.
Additionally, Stellantis has launched a platform at stellantis-support.com for retroactive reimbursement of repairs carried out between 1 January 2023 and 30 June 2025. If you paid for a timing chain replacement out of your own pocket during that period, you are entitled to request a refund.
However, the warranty is not unconditional. Stellantis requires proof of regular servicing according to the manufacturer's schedule. Specifically, you need the last three service invoices or a service booklet with proper entries, with a maximum delay of 3 months or 3,000 km relative to the recommended interval.
Stellantis 240,000 km Warranty and BiH Owners
For owners in BiH this is a potentially more complicated situation. Many used cars imported from the EU were serviced at independent workshops rather than authorised dealers. Stellantis formally requires proof of regular maintenance but does not insist that the work was carried out exclusively at an authorised dealer. Invoices from an independent workshop that clearly state the date, mileage, oil type and replaced filters may be sufficient.
That said, owners without complete service documentation should be aware that claiming the warranty will be harder. The recommendation is to contact Stellantis customer support for your region with all the documentation you have and request an assessment. Do not assume in advance that you have no entitlement, but be prepared that you may need to put extra effort into documenting the service history of your car.
What If There Is No Authorised Dealer Near You
BiH does not have a dense network of authorised Stellantis dealers, particularly for the Opel and DS brands. Owners living outside major cities face a practical problem: how to exercise the right to a free repair when the nearest authorised dealer is 100 or more kilometres away.
Here are the concrete steps:
- First, check the status of your vehicle at stellantis-support.com using the chassis number. If your vehicle is on the list, you have a documented basis for the repair.
- Contact the nearest authorised dealer in BiH, Croatia or Serbia by phone or email. Explain the situation and arrange an appointment. Many dealers offer priority slots for recall work.
- If the authorised dealer cannot accept the vehicle within a reasonable time, contact Stellantis customer support directly via the stellantis-support.com platform. Note down the case number you receive.
- Keep all correspondence. If you ultimately have to carry out the chain replacement at an independent workshop because no authorised dealer is available, the written trail of communication with Stellantis can help when filing a retroactive reimbursement claim.
Timing chain replacement on 1.5 BlueHDi engines involves fitting a reinforced 8 mm chain in place of the original 7 mm one. This is a demanding job requiring 6 to 10 hours of labour, access to engine-locking tools specific to this engine, and experience with this type of powertrain. If you opt for an independent workshop, choose one with experience on PSA/Stellantis diesels. At the Auto Gas Gaga workshop in Banja Luka we regularly work on these engines and can carry out a chain-condition diagnostic before you make a decision on replacement.
If you are interested in how a timing chain works and why timely servicing matters so much, you will find a detailed explanation with manufacturer-specific intervals in our guide When Is It Time to Replace the Timing Chain or Belt. For a broader overview of common diesel engine problems — including DPF, EGR and turbo issues — see Common Diesel Engine Problems.
It is worth noting that in 2026 Stellantis also issued a separate recall for hybrid vehicles with the 1.2 PureTech engine due to a fire risk in the 48V system. That is an entirely different engine and a different problem, but if you are interested in that recall we have written a dedicated article: Stellantis 2026 Recall for Hybrid Vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 1.5 BlueHDi engine safe to buy as a used car?
The engine itself is not bad, but the timing chain is a documented weak point on units produced up to January 2023. If you are considering a purchase, insist on verification that the chain has already been replaced with the reinforced 8 mm version. If it has not, factor the replacement cost into the price of the car or request proof that the vehicle has been through the recall campaign.
How much does a timing chain replacement cost on the 1.5 BlueHDi?
The cost depends on the specific condition and the workshop. Stellantis covers the replacement free of charge under the extended 10-year or 240,000 km warranty, provided you have proof of regular servicing. If you paid for the repair yourself and the work was carried out between January 2023 and June 2025, you can apply for retroactive reimbursement via stellantis-support.com.
How do I find out whether my car is affected by the recall?
Enter your chassis number (VIN, 17 characters) on the stellantis-support.com platform. Alternatively, contact the nearest authorised Peugeot, Citroen or Opel dealer, who can check the status in the internal database.
Do I have to go to an authorised dealer for the recall repair?
For a free repair under the recall, yes. Stellantis only covers costs through the authorised dealer network. However, if an authorised dealer is not available within a reasonable time, keep all correspondence with Stellantis and the dealer, as it can serve as a basis for retroactive reimbursement if you carry out the replacement at an independent workshop.
What happens if the chain snaps while driving?
The engine stalls immediately. The valves strike the pistons because synchronisation between the crankshaft and camshafts is lost. The typical result is bent valves, damaged valve springs and potentially damaged pistons. Repair involves a complete cylinder head overhaul and, in some cases, a full engine replacement.
Do the fuel leak recall and the timing chain recall affect the same cars?
No. The timing chain recall applies to engines produced from October 2017 to January 2023. The fuel leak and fire risk recall applies to engines produced from 2023 to 2025. The same vehicles are not affected by both, as the production periods are different.