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Problems with Oil-Bathed Belt in PureTech Engines Lead to Massive Recall and Permanent Replacement with Metal Chain
The oil-bathed belt was created to combine the silence of traditional belts with the durability of metal chains. However, this concept did not work as expected in several Stellantis engines, especially in Europe. After a series of serious failures in the 1.0 and 1.2 PureTech engines, the manufacturer decided to replace the system with a timing chain.
The announcement came after a series of complaints and a large-scale recall, involving brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, Opel, DS, and Vauxhall. Stellantis acknowledged design flaws, extended the warranty to up to 10 years, and began reimbursing maintenance at official dealerships.
Problems with Oil-Bathed Belt Began at Former PSA
The use of the oil-bathed belt started in 2012, in the 1.2 PureTech engines of the former PSA. The promise was bold: durability of up to 240,000 km with minimal maintenance. In practice, the component degraded prematurely, clogging oil channels and damaging the engine.
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According to the French newspaper L’Argus, the problem was worsened when the owner used oil outside the required specifications. The drying of the belt created particles that blocked the pump and oil filter. PSA attempted a temporary solution with protective layers, but it was unsuccessful.
The first official response from Stellantis came only after a large number of damaged engines and pressure from consumers. The recommended replacement of the belt was reduced from 240,000 km to only 60,000 km or 3 years of use, at a cost of up to 800 euros (about R$ 5,200).
Stellantis Initiates Recall and Replacement with Metal Chain in New Models
In 2025, Stellantis announced a massive recall for the replacement of belts with reinforced components. The change included the definitive adoption of the timing chain in updated versions of the PureTech engines, especially in the 48V mild hybrid variants.
In addition to the recall, the manufacturer extended the engine warranty to 10 years or 175,000 km and created a digital platform for owners to request reimbursement for repairs made at authorized workshops. The decision affects thousands of units sold in major European markets.
In Brazil, the impacts were more limited. The former Peugeot 208 used the 1.2 PureTech engine, but with shorter replacement intervals (80,000 km), which avoided large-scale failures. Models from Fiat and Jeep completely escaped the problem by using engines with a chain from the start.
Name “PureTech” Will Be Retired Due to Reputation Damage
In light of the negative repercussions, Stellantis decided to abandon the name “PureTech” in all its new engines. The measure aims to break away from the history of mechanical failures that tarnished the reputation of the engine, despite recent improvements.
Even with the gradual replacement of the oil-bathed belt, some models still use the component — even if reinforced. One example is the Peugeot 308 with a 1.2 turbo engine of 130 hp. The mild hybrid version, with 136 hp, uses a chain from the factory.
According to official communications from Stellantis, all new European launches until 2026 must leave the factory with a chain, eliminating once and for all the application of the technology that failed in durability.
Do you think the oil-bathed belt should be banned in Brazil? Have you experienced problems with this system in your car? Share your story in the comments.
Tinah uma tracker começou fazer barulho perdi muito dinheiro na venda mas essa bomba nunca mais eu quero
Pior é que a GM ainda insiste nesta correia. Está perdendo vendas e não aprende. Deixei de comprar GM por isso.
Sim , tive problema sério, que me custou muito, o serviço foi caríssimo. A correia rompeu com 40 mil / km. Uma vergonha !! CARRO, FORD KA 1.5 MOTOR DRAGON AUTOMÁTICO 2019. TIVE QUE FAZER RETÍFICA…