On paper, AdBlue technology is quite interesting. It is an additive that allows diesel cars equipped with a specific particulate filter to reduce their dangerous nitrogen oxide emissions. Stored in a dedicated tank, it is injected into the exhaust system once the engine is started.
Problem, in use this additive would cause recurring breakdowns. To the point of generating a rain of complaints to the consumer defense association UFC Que Choisir.
“A large number of drivers who use AdBlue have told us that they have received an ’emissions fault’ or ‘unable to start in XXX km’ warning, forcing them to go to a workshop, otherwise they will no longer be able to drive. the degradation of the fluid from 25 °C and, above all, its crystallization would not have been taken into account by the manufacturers”, can be read in a press release.
Almost 2000 testimonials
Following a call for testimonials (more than 1,700 motorists responded), it appears that the problem particularly affects Peugeot and Citroën models in France. Contacted, the Stellantis group, owner of these two brands, did not return our requests for comment.
But “AdBlue system failures affect almost all manufacturers: Audi, BMW, Dacia, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Porsche, Seat or Toyota. A huge problem ”, stresses the association.
Also according to this investigation, “the affected vehicles were marketed from 2013. Therefore, we can conclude that the manufacturers knew about this problem for many years.”
Another problem, the support from the manufacturers seems insufficient and expensive. “Indeed, in 91% of cases there is a surcharge for motorists, which on average is around 1,000 euros, but can reach 3,100 euros for some of them. -Casuistry. Added to this is the fact that the repair is not always final,” the association is outraged.
Any “old” known issues?
“Although faults related to the AdBlue system have been known to manufacturers for a long time, they preferred to close their eyes and continue to sell these defective vehicles. It is unacceptable that thousands of European consumers have no choice but to pay almost 1,000 euros to continue driving, with no guarantee that their problem will be resolved,” adds Marie-Amandine Stévenin, president of UFC-Que Choisir, who has decided to refer the matter to the General Directorate for Competition, Consumption and Fraud Repression (DGCCRF).
And since the problem is really European, the UFC has also alerted the European Bureau of Consumer Unions (BEUC) and the European Commission. Requires free investigation and handling of AdBlue related breakdowns or failures.
Source: BFM TV
