AdBlue: bad news for diesel drivers from January 1, 2025

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The new year 2025 will mark a turning point in the control of AdBlue systems, this anti-pollution additive that has become mandatory on modern diesel engines. Technical inspection centers will detect any manipulation of the system such as deactivation of the AdBlue system, a practice that was previously difficult to detect. Offenders will be exposed to a hefty fine of 7,500 euros for unauthorized modification.

An anti-pollution system that is the source of many problems

AdBlue is a liquid that plays a crucial role in reducing pollutant emissions from diesel engines. Its principle is simple: injected into the exhaust system, it transforms dangerous nitrogen oxides into simple water vapor and harmless nitrogen. An effective solution on paper, but which hides a more complex reality for motorists.

The major problem lies in the liquid's tendency to crystallize. This phenomenon, which is particularly frequent, can cause considerable damage to the vehicle's vital organs. Injectors, tanks and probes are the first victims of this crystallization. The resulting repairs often reach staggering amounts, regularly exceeding 1,500 euros for vehicles out of warranty. Faced with these prohibitive costs, many drivers have opted for a risky solution: simply deactivating the system.

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A situation that puts manufacturers in the hot seat

UFC-Que Choisir has been sounding the alarm for several months. The consumer association is receiving an increasing number of reports from motorists in distress, particularly from owners of Citroën and Peugeot vehicles under the control of Stellantis. AdBlue-related breakdowns are not limited to these brands, in fact affecting all manufacturers selling diesel vehicles.

The situation is all the more frustrating because drivers often find themselves helpless in the face of these failures. A vehicle that has an AdBlue failure may refuse to start, leaving its owner unable to move. This forced immobilization pushes some to turn to much cheaper (but illegal) alternative solutions, such as having the system deactivated by unscrupulous mechanics.

In Italy, significant progress has been made with a compensation agreement between Stellantis and its customers. France, however, is still lagging behind. UFC-Que Choisir is increasing its actions, calling on manufacturers, the DGCCRF and the European Commission, but the responses are slow in coming. The responsibility of the manufacturers in these technical failures is clearly pointed out.

A tightening of controls not to be neglected

As the practice of disabling AdBlue becomes more common, the control policy is likely to increase. The fact that this failure is becoming commonplace does not help either. Suffice to say that if you have to pass your MOT soon, you will have to be particularly attentive.

• From January 2025, technical inspections will systematically detect the deactivation of AdBlue systems
• Offenders will be liable to a fine of 7,500 euros
• AdBlue breakdowns, frequent and costly, remain without satisfactory solutions from manufacturers

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