If you own a car with a PureTech engine or are thinking of buying one, it is normal to wonder if that engine is affected by the problems that have been made public in recent years. The term “PureTech” encompasses different versions, generations and mechanical configurations, so not all engines present the same level of risk or the same defects.
In this definitive guide you will learn how to reliably check if your PureTech engine is affected, what data you need to check, what symptoms are a warning sign and what steps to take to protect yourself technically and legally if applicable. If you want a preview of the problem, you can start with the full context of the defective PureTech engine:
https://puretechlegal.com/motor-puretech-defectuoso/
What does it really mean if a PureTech engine is “affected”?
When talking about the PureTech engines concerned, there are actually three different situations. The first is that the engine is part of a series or generation with a higher incidence of failures, especially those related to the oil-immersed timing belt. The second is that the engine shows clear symptoms of degradation, even if it is not explicitly listed in general lists. The third is that the vehicle is included in Stellantis’ campaigns, technical reviews, warranty extensions or reimbursement policies.
An engine may not appear on an official list and still suffer real problems, or on the contrary, be within a risk group and show no symptoms if it has been very carefully maintained. It is therefore important to combine technical information with practical signals.
Step 1: Correctly identify your car
Before analyzing the engine, you need to be clear about the basic data of the vehicle. It is essential to know the make, the exact model, the year of registration and, if possible, the date of manufacture. It is also important to know the engine displacement, engine power and fuel type.
A Peugeot 208 1.2 PureTech 82 hp is not the same as one with 110 or 130 hp, nor is a version manufactured in 2016 the same as a later version. Many diagnostic errors come from assuming that all “1.2 PureTech” are the same.
If you want to start with model-specific guides, these are some of the most consulted:
https://puretechlegal.com/peugeot-208-1-2-puretech-problemas-todo-lo-que-debes-saber-antes-de-comprar/
https://puretechlegal.com/peugeot-308-1-2-puretech-130-problemas-lo-que-necesitas-saber-antes-de-tomar-una-decision/
https://puretechlegal.com/citroen-c3-fallo-motor-puretech/
Step 2: Know if your engine uses an oil-bathed belt
One of the key factors in determining whether a PureTech engine is affected is the timing system. Engines with oil-immersed timing belts have had the most problems with degradation, particles in the oil and consequential damage to the lubrication system.
It is not enough to know that the engine is PureTech, it is necessary to confirm if it uses this type of belt or if it mounts a chain. This information can be found in the technical documentation, in the maintenance history or by engine code.
To understand in depth why this system has generated so many problems, you can consult:
https://puretechlegal.com/correa-de-distribuicon-humeda-puretech/
https://puretechlegal.com/problemas-con-la-correa-de-distribucion-en-el-motor-1-2-puretech/
Step 3: Check engine code and chassis number
The most reliable way to know if your PureTech engine is affected is to identify it by its internal code and cross-reference it with the vehicle’s VIN. This can be done in several ways.
In some cases, the engine code appears on the technical data sheet, in the maintenance book or on workshop invoices. In other cases, it can only be obtained by consulting a dealer or specialized workshop using the VIN number.
This verification is especially important if you want to know if your car is included in technical campaigns or reimbursement policies. For an overview of the affected engines by type and version, you can consult:
https://puretechlegal.com/motores-afectados-problemas-fallo-motor-puretech/
Step 4: Signs and symptoms that indicate that the motor may be affected
In addition to the technical identification, there are frequent symptoms that warn of a possible problem in PureTech engines.
One of the most common is abnormal oil consumption. If the vehicle needs oil refilling too often, especially with low mileage, it is a clear warning sign. Oil pressure related warnings or service messages may also appear on the display.
Other symptoms include loss of power, jerking, irregular engine operation or early belt overhauls recommended by the workshop. In some cases, debris or particles are detected in the oil during an inspection, indicating internal degradation.
To understand the technical impact of these problems, you can read more here:
https://puretechlegal.com/analisis-tecnico-motor-puretech/
https://puretechlegal.com/puretech-al-limite/
Step 5: Practical checklist to find out if your engine is affected
An owner who wants to check his situation rigorously should follow these steps:
Gather all available documentation on the car, including maintenance invoices, type of oil used and servicing performed. Identify the exact motor by frame if possible. Confirm whether the timing system is an oil-immersed belt or chain. Evaluate for symptoms consistent with known problems. Decide whether a preventive technical review or immediate action is required.
If you are particularly concerned about the cost of an intervention, you can consult the complete guide to prices and solutions: https://puretechlegal.com/cambio-de-correa-motores-puretech-precios-y-soluciones/.
What to do if you confirm that your PureTech engine is affected
If after the check you confirm that your engine is affected or shows clear symptoms, it is important to act on two fronts. The first is technical: workshop diagnosis, lubrication system revision and proper preventive maintenance. The second is documentary: keeping and organizing all evidence of maintenance and repairs.
If your objective is to make a claim, either individually or as part of a collective claim, it is essential to follow an orderly process. These guides will help you:
https://puretechlegal.com/guia-completa-reclamacion-colectiva-motores-puretech/
https://puretechlegal.com/quien-puede-reclamar-reclamacion-motores-puretech/
https://puretechlegal.com/documentacion-necesaria-reclamar-por-el-motor-puretech/