What is the AdBlue failure, which is frequent and requires 1500 euros of repairs ?

© © Kickaffe (Mario von Berg) – autoaid.de – Wikimedia Commons

“Antipollution fault” is the warning message that crystallizes the blood of drivers of certain diesel vehicles. They often announce a breakdown linked to AdBlue, an additive supposed to reduce pollution, but which causes more and more mechanical problems.

Why is this problem growing ? What are the consequences ? How to deal with it ? Let's take stock.

AdBlue, a pollution control system that has become mandatory

AdBlue is not a recent invention. This system has been fitted to new diesel vehicles for about ten years. Its objective? To drastically reduce pollutant emissions, particularly nitrogen oxides.

Concretely, AdBlue is a liquid composed of demineralized water and urea (yes, an element that also makes up our urine). Injected into the exhaust gases, it transforms them into water vapor and harmless nitrogen. A great promise on paper, but which clashes with the reality on the ground.

Manufacturers have had to integrate this device to comply with increasingly strict anti-pollution standards. Result: all recent diesel vehicles are equipped with it, whether they are passenger cars, utility vehicles or even heavy goods vehicles.

A breakdown that manifests itself suddenly

AdBlue failure does not give warning. It strikes without warning, leaving drivers helpless. It usually starts with a light on the dashboard. A light that is not to be taken lightly. It means that the AdBlue system is malfunctioning and that, without rapid intervention, the vehicle will simply refuse to start. A radical measure imposed by manufacturers to prevent cars from driving without this anti-pollution system.

Vehicle owners affected by this bitter experience are obliged to intervene, otherwise they will be left on the side of the road. If nothing is done, the car will eventually stop starting.

The cause of the problem: AdBlue crystallization

But why do these failures occur ? The culprit is often the same: AdBlue crystallization. This phenomenon occurs when the liquid solidifies, forming crystals that clog the injector.

This crystallization can have several causes. Sometimes, it is the quality of the AdBlue itself, other times, it is its storage in the vehicle that poses a problem. Temperature variations, for example, can promote this process. Driving infrequently with a vehicle equipped with an AdBlue tank also promotes the formation of urea crystals due to the stagnation of the liquid in the system.

The problem is that this failure is not resolved by simply replacing the AdBlue liquid. Once the injector is clogged, the entire system is compromised. Hence the need for in-depth intervention.

Costly repairs that make people grind their teeth

When AdBlue failure strikes, the wallet suffers. Repairs generally range between 1000 and 2000 euros. A painful amount, especially for a problem related to a mandatory anti-pollution device.

What does this repair include ? Most often, the clogged injector must be replaced. But that's not all. The AdBlue tank itself may need to be changed. In some cases, the sensor measuring the nitrogen oxide level must also be replaced.

However, for many French people, their vehicle is an essential tool that allows them to get to their place of work. So they are forced to accept these expensive quotes which are obviously not supported by the car manufacturers.

All brands affected, but some more than others

© Peugeot

If no brand is safe from AdBlue failure , some seem more affected than others. The Stellantis group, which includes Peugeot and Citroën, is particularly concerned.

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UFC Que Choisir has rung the bell 'alarm. In 2023, the consumer association received more than 1,700 reports from drivers who were victims of this problem. A figure that probably only represents the tip of the iceberg the iceberg.

In Belgium, the situation is similar. The Testachats association has collected more than 3500 complaints. Faced with the scale of the phenomenon, it has even formally notified the Stellantis group, demanding compensation for the victims. .

Between this serious problem and the many engine failures linked to the haphazard design of the famous 1.2 PureTech, everything indicates that avoiding Stellantis cars has become a necessity under penalty of being inflicted with significant repair costs.

Risky workarounds

Faced with these recurring and costly breakdowns, some motorists are tempted by radical solutions. The most widespread? The pure and simple deactivation of the AdBlue system.

This practice consists of short-circuiting the pump that injects the AdBlue. Result: no more breakdowns possible… but also no more pollution control. A solution that may seem tempting, but which carries serious risks.

First, it's illegal. In France, the fine can reach 7,500 euros in the event of an inspection. In addition, this modification constitutes a hidden defect when reselling the vehicle. The car simply no longer complies with its original approval. A point that could obviously be raised during the technical inspection of the car.

How to prevent AdBlue failures ?

Faced with this puzzle, prevention seems to be the best solution. But how to avoid the crystallization of AdBlue ? There are a few avenues, although none are foolproof.

Some recommend using an anti-crystallizing agent. This “additive to the additive” could reduce the risk of breakdown. However, its effectiveness is not guaranteed to be 100%.

Another approach is to be particularly vigilant about the quality of the AdBlue used. Favoring branded products, stored in good conditions, could limit the risks.

Finally, some garages recommend never letting the AdBlue tank empty completely. Too low a level would promote crystallization.

Towards legal action against Stellantis

© Stellantis

Faced with the scale of the phenomenon, discontent is growing among motorists. On both sides of the Franco-Belgian border, actions collective legal action is being considered.

The objective ? Obtaining compensation from the manufacturers. Consumer associations point to a design flaw. They say motorists should not have to bear the cost of these recurring breakdowns.

For the Stellantis group, which is particularly targeted, the stakes are high. After the affair of the defective airbags and the PureTech engine, a new major controversy would be bad form. The automobile giant has just reacted to appease the anger of consumers.

Asked by La Voix du Nord, the automobile giant responded: “All customers potentially affected by AdBlue problems are fully compensated for the costs of parts and labor during the conventional warranty period. In response to various concerns raised by customers, we have voluntarily decided on several occasions to provide special coverages beyond this conventional warranty period. »

Only, the ” special coverage ” is for tax-free parts only, which leaves a significant amount to be paid by the owner of the vehicle with a defect. The manufacturer also requires a vehicle maintenance only in its network.

What future for AdBlue ?

The increase in AdBlue breakdowns raises questions about the future of this system. Of course, its role in reducing pollutant emissions is undeniable. But at what cost to motorists ? The failure of the system will probably push the ban on combustion engines even further in 2035, since electric vehicles obviously do not have this kind of problem.

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