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Hasan Can Midi
AuthorHasan Can Midi

Stellantis 1.5 BlueHDi Engine: Chain Issue, Maintenance & 10-Year Warranty

A detailed view of a modern 1.5 BlueHDi inline 4-cylinder diesel engine with its valve cover slightly removed to reveal a metallic timing chain, set in a high-tech mechanic workshop with a glowing check engine light and an OBD diagnostic tablet in the blurred background.

Developed by Stellantis (formerly PSA), the 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5) engine has been in production since 2017. Designed to meet Euro 6d emission standards, this unit is widely used in Peugeot, Citroen, DS, and Opel models. For overall performance and long-term usage data on the vehicle, you can review the article Peugeot 2008 1.5 BlueHDi: Real Test and Known Issues.

1.5 BlueHDi (DV5) Technical Specifications
Engine Displacement 1,499 cc (1.5 Liters)
Engine Configuration Inline 4-Cylinder, 16-Valve
Fuel System Turbocharged Common Rail Direct Injection
Power Outputs 75 HP • 100 HP • 130 HP (DV5RE / DV5RD / DV5RC)
Maximum Torque 300 Nm @ 1,750 rpm (130 HP version)
Bore × Stroke 75 mm × 84.8 mm

Engine Architecture: Belt or Chain?

The 1.5 BlueHDi engine features a hybrid timing system. While the primary power transmission is provided by a timing belt located on the outside of the engine, the system connecting the two camshafts inside the cylinder head is a timing chain.

The 7mm Camshaft Chain Issue and 8mm Conversion

Engines produced between 2017 and January 2023 were equipped with a 7 mm wide camshaft chain.

  • The Problem: Due to soot accumulation and mechanical stress, the 7 mm chain stretches over time, makes a rattling noise, and causes severe engine damage if it snaps.
  • The Solution: For engines produced from January 2023 onwards, a transition was made to a thicker and more durable 8 mm chain system.
  • To find out how to identify your engine's chain type from the valve cover and for repair details, check out our guide Stop 1.5 BlueHDi Engine Failure: 7mm vs 8mm Chain Guide.

Maintenance Intervals and Mandatory Oil Specification

  • Periodic Maintenance: 20,000 km or 1 year under normal conditions. 15,000 km for city driving, stop-and-go traffic, and short trips to prevent severe soot build-up.
  • Mandatory Engine Oil: To stop chain wear, the old 0W-30 oils have been removed from the standard. It is now mandatory to use 5W-30 oil with the FPW9.55535/03 specification in all 1.5 BlueHDi engines.

Other Known Issues

  • AdBlue (SCR) System Failure: This is the failure of the pump or heater inside the AdBlue tank due to fluid crystallization. It usually requires the complete replacement of the tank assembly.
  • DPF Clogging and Oil Dilution: The diesel particulate filter (DPF) gets clogged during continuous short-distance driving. Interrupted cleaning (regeneration) cycles cause unburned fuel to mix with the oil in the crankcase (oil dilution), degrading the protective properties of the engine oil.
  • Thermostat Housing Cracks: The plastic thermostat housing cannot withstand constant thermal stress and cracks, causing antifreeze leaks.

Common Fault Codes (OBD-II)

Common 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5) Fault Codes
Fault Code Description Likely Cause & Recommended Action
P0016 / P0017 Crankshaft / Camshaft Correlation Error The 7 mm timing chain may have stretched or skipped teeth. Stop the engine immediately to avoid possible valve-to-piston contact.
P20EE SCR NOx Catalyst Efficiency Below Threshold Usually caused by an AdBlue (DEF) system malfunction affecting the SCR catalyst. Inspect the AdBlue injector, pump and NOx sensors.
P20E8 AdBlue Pressure Too Low The AdBlue pump inside the DEF tank is unable to build sufficient system pressure. Pump or tank replacement may be required.
P2459 DPF Regeneration Frequency Too High The diesel particulate filter (DPF) is heavily loaded with soot, often due to frequent short-distance driving that prevents successful regeneration.
P0299 Turbocharger Underboost Commonly caused by a torn, leaking or sticking turbo wastegate actuator, resulting in insufficient boost pressure.

Stellantis 10 Years / 240,000 Km Extended Warranty

Following the widespread chain failures, Stellantis took official action in July 2025 by launching a comprehensive warranty extension program for 1.5 BlueHDi engines. 

  • Warranty Coverage: Parts and labor costs related to the camshaft chain are covered by a 100% manufacturer warranty up to 10 years or 240,000 km, as announced in the Stellantis Official Press Release. 
  • Retroactive Reimbursement: Users who previously repaired this issue at their own expense are offered a retroactive reimbursement option via the official Stellantis Support Platform (stellantis-support.com).
  • Conditions: The main condition to benefit from this right is that the vehicle's periodic maintenance has been done on time and, as stated on the Peugeot official information page, it must be documented with invoices that the FPW9.55535/03 approved new generation oil was strictly used during maintenance. Otherwise, the warranty claim is rejected. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Engines produced between 2017 and January 2023 used a 7mm camshaft chain that can stretch and snap due to soot accumulation and mechanical stress. From January 2023, a thicker 8mm chain is used to prevent this.
Yes, Stellantis has launched a comprehensive warranty extension program, covering camshaft chain-related parts and labor costs with a 100% manufacturer warranty up to 10 years or 240,000 km.
To prevent chain wear, it is mandatory to use 5W-30 engine oil with the FPW9.55535/03 specification in all 1.5 BlueHDi engines. Old 0W-30 oils are no longer standard.
The main conditions are that the vehicle's periodic maintenance has been done on time, and the use of FPW9.55535/03 approved new generation oil during maintenance must be documented with invoices.