Stellantis Apologizes for 1.2 PureTech Engine Problems

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa publicly apologized for the 1.2 PureTech engine failures and Takata airbag problems that have recently affected car owners. In an interview with Le Parisien newspaper, the manager took responsibility for the disruptions and emphasized that they were determined to improve vehicle quality.

Mechanical problems, especially seen in 1.2-liter three-cylinder engines, created serious dissatisfaction among users. The company management stated that they were aware of the grievances experienced during this process and took action for a solution.

1.2 PureTech engine problems and solution process

In 1.2 PureTech engines with an oil bath timing belt, premature belt wear caused a serious technical problem. Rubber particles falling from the worn belt blocked the oil pump strainer, causing the oil pressure to drop.

This caused the engine to consume excessive oil and eventually lock up and become inoperable. These chronic malfunctions, which caused intense reactions from drivers, also had a negative impact on the brand's image.

Stellantis announced that it has established approximately 50 special teams to quickly detect and resolve quality problems. These teams work intensively to eliminate technical problems experienced by vehicle owners and improve production processes.

The company states that by using a timing chain in the new generation 1.2 PureTech engines, it has largely left behind the chronic problems of the past. In addition, the company, which wants to erase the negative perception created by the name PureTech, is making a strategic change by not including this name in its newly introduced Turbo 100 engine.

Takata airbag crisis and future goals

In addition to engine problems, Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa also touched upon the Takata airbag crisis that shook the global automotive industry. The group, which had to recall hundreds of thousands of vehicles due to these airbags that pose a safety risk, took on a huge financial burden in this process.

It is estimated that by 2024, approximately 8 million of the group's vehicles may be at risk from Takata airbags. This situation stands out as a global security issue that affects not only Stellantis but also many automotive manufacturers around the world.

Within the scope of the FaSTLAne 2030 strategy, the company aims to reach the top quality level in its class in all markets and vehicle segments by 2028. It is stated that in line with this goal, investments to improve vehicle and engine quality will continue uninterruptedly.

Stellantis aims to regain customer satisfaction by learning from past mistakes. What do you think about these developments and Stellantis' new quality-focused strategy?