Recall notice for Peugeot, Citroën and DS with PureTech engine

The EU Rapid Alert System, which warns about products that may pose a risk to human health, has once again been the source and the means through which we have learned of the upcoming recall of Peugeot, Citroën and DS with PureTech engines that may be affected by a defect and problem located in the vacuum pump.

As the notifications state, the system at risk is associated with cars equipped with the PureTech 1.2-litre engine and affects Peugeot and Citroën and DS, as a subsidiary brand.

The cars affected by this recall for PSA vehicles with the PureTech engine were manufactured between March 2013 and April 2014. As the documents show, separated by brand, the models that could present this problem with the vacuum pump are the Peugeot 208, 308, 2008, 3008, 5008 and Partner, while for Citroën and DS they would be the Berlingo, C3, C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, DS3 and DS4.

According to the RAPEX network message, the warning originates from Germany and has been confirmed in other neighbouring countries such as Poland.

The reason for the upcoming recall of the Peugeot, Citroën and DS with the PureTech 1.2 engine lies in the vacuum pump, which could be damaged due to material abrasion from the car’s timing belt. As a consequence, the braking assistance could be reduced or lost, increasing the risk of accident.

This defect is classified by this consumer warning tool of the European Union as serious.

How do I know if my car is affected by the recall of the Peugeot, Citroën and DS with PureTech engine?

As in other cases, and as we indicated in the article in which we explain how to find out whether a car has or is affected by a recall, the usual procedure begins with the manufacturer which, through its network, contacts current owners, according to the DGT database, informing them of the situation and the steps to follow.

Even so, as for whether it is possible to know, or at least sense, if the vacuum pump is failing, there are some signs that can alert us to it:

• Whistling or strange noises: one of the signals that can alert us to a possible vacuum pump failure is the emission of a kind of whistling, squealing or beeping while the vehicle is running.
• Stiffness or increased resistance of the brake pedal: if, when pressing the brake pedal, it feels harder or less effective than usual, it could be due to a fault in the vacuum pump.
• Oil leaks: it is also easy to check for leaks of lubricating fluid; simply move the car out of its parking spot and check for recent fluid stains.