© Robin Sabbadini for Presse-citron
AdBlue, the anti-pollution fluid required on modern diesel engines, has been in the news for years due to its repeated failures. Testimonies from drivers immobilized by breakdowns are piling up, with bills often exceeding 1,500 euros, so much so that some have used much less expensive illegal means. Faced with this situation, the European Commission intervened, pushing Stellantis to extend its compensation program to the whole of the European Union after starting in Italy.
Game-changing support
The car manufacturer is rolling out an unprecedented compensation scheme. Diesel vehicles produced between January 2014 and August 2020 will benefit from coverage for up to 8 years after their date of manufacture. For owners of cars less than 5 years old and with no more than 150,000 kilometres, coverage reaches 100% of the cost of parts. Older vehicles are not forgotten, with reimbursements ranging from 30% to 90% depending on their mileage.
Labor is also compensated, although it remains modest. A flat rate of 30 euros will be paid for each intervention, representing approximately 20% of the average cost of repairs. This measure, although imperfect, clearly recognizes the poor workmanship suffered by motorists.
A retroactivity that changes everything for drivers
The real innovation lies in the retroactive aspect of the system. Motorists who have already carried out repairs since January 2021 will be able to claim a flat rate compensation. To benefit from it, a dedicated platform will open in mid-January 2024 on the following link. The amount of compensation will be calculated based on the age of the vehicle and its mileage at the time of the breakdown.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000Even more remarkable, Stellantis undertakes to cover the costs in full in the event of a second breakdown.If a new intervention proves necessary within 24 months or 50,000 kilometers following the first repair, the manufacturer will cover 100% of the costs, including parts and labor. However, there is one condition: the first repair must have been carried out in an approved garage, with an invoice to support it.
A major turning point for the automobile industry
This decision by Stellantis, pushed by consumer associations, could set a significant precedent in the automobile industry. UFC-Que Choisir, which has been fighting since the end of 2022 on this Adblue issue, welcomes this major step forward obtained thanks to the intervention of the European Commission. Other manufacturers could be led to follow this example, particularly under pressure from European authorities.
The agreement reflects a growing awareness of manufacturers’ responsibilities in the face of technical failures. The case of Italy, where Stellantis had already set up a similar program, has clearly served as a model for this European extension. This harmonization of practices at the continental level represents a significant victory for consumer rights.
The owners concerned are nevertheless invited to be patient. Dealers still have to integrate these new terms into their procedures. A delay of a few weeks seems reasonable before starting the reimbursement process. In the meantime, Storing invoices and documents relating to repairs is crucial to facilitate future claims.
- Stellantis covers up to 100% of AdBlue repairs for diesel vehicles produced between 2014 and 2020
- A reimbursement platform will open in mid-January for repairs carried out since 2021
- Second breakdowns will be fully reimbursed under certain conditions
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