Multinational car manufacturer, Stellantis, was given a formal notice to address AdBlue system issues or it will face a class action suit, announced consumer rights organisation, Test Achats, in a press release on Wednesday.
AdBlue is a compulsory exhaust fluid that reduces nitrogen oxide emissions from exhaust gases produced by diesel vehicles. The fluid is stored in dedicated tanks and ensures vehicles comply with the Euro 6 emissions standard.
Since 2022, numerous complaints regarding the AdBlue system have been reported, says Test Achats. The main issue is the incorrect display of error messages or warning lights which insist repairs or refills of the AdBlue tank need to take place for the car to continue driving.
The only solution offered is for car owners to replace the AdBlue tank at their own expense, which can cost up to €1,200, a measure the consumer rights group has criticised.
According to Test Achats, in early 2023, Stellantis was contacted in an attempt to obtain financial compensation for those affected by the malfunctions, to no avail. In July of the same year, the organisation tried to bring the complaint with the Economic Inspectorate, but to no avail, due to the European dimension of the issue.
A call for testimonials of victims in Belgium was launched by Test Achats in May. Over 3500 incidents have been recorded since then. Most issues concern diesel vehicles produced by Stellantis, specifically Citroën, Peugeot, and Opel.
Following a recent Stellantis settlement with affected consumers in Italy, Test Achats is calling for compensations to be extended to consumers throughout the rest of Europe, including Belgium.
"We have decided to formally issue a formal notice to compensate those affected by the lack of conformity affecting the functioning of the AdBlue system. If they fail to do so, we will bring a class action before the courts," says Test Achats spokesperson, Julie Frère.
The consumer organisation has given the manufacturer 30 days to respond.
