PSA/Ford 2.0 HDi, BlueHDi and TDCi (DW10)AdBlue (SCR) system and NOx sensor
AdBlue tank crystallisation and failures (BlueHDi) on the 2.0 HDi
On the 2.0 BlueHDi with SCR and AdBlue (from 2013), the system's tank, pump or sensors can fail or crystallise: a warning light appears, sometimes a false one, and if ignored the car may end up not starting. The OCU has reported it in Spain and Stellantis compensates some of those affected.[1][2][3]
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency very frequent: A dedicated Fiches-Auto article on PSA/Stellantis AdBlue cites 128 cases among 635 opinions and expressly names the 2.0 BlueHDi alongside the 1.5 and 1.6 as the most affected engines. In Spain, the OCU has reported the fault and Stellantis has created a compensation programme for BlueHDi diesels from Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Opel built between January 2014 and August 2020, which confirms that the manufacturer acknowledges the problem without a definitive retroactive fix.[1][2][3]
Symptoms
- AdBlue warning light or message on, sometimes warning of a fault that is not real.[3]AdBlue warning: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- In advanced cases, the engine stops starting after the system's restart countdown runs out.[4]Hard to start: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Engine fault or anti-pollution warning light.[1]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
AdBlue (a urea solution) breaks down or dries out in areas of the circuit with less flow, forming solid crystals that block the tank breather, deform the tank itself or seize the integrated pump and level sensor.[1][4]
Very low temperatures (AdBlue freezes at around -11 °C), poor-quality or badly stored product, or spills when refilling also encourage crystallisation.[4]
The OCU also reported that, in some cases, the electronics themselves warned of a system fault that was not real, which forced unnecessary check-ups.[3]
If it is not repaired: If not fixed, the system stops dosing AdBlue correctly and, after a limited number of starts, the engine will not start again until the fault is repaired.[4]
Affected cars and years
It affects the BlueHDi versions with SCR and AdBlue; earlier HDi versions, without this system, do not suffer from it.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0 BlueHDi 120/150/163/180 (DW10FE / DW10FD / DW10FC, 2013-2021) | 2013–2021 | DW10FEDW10FDDW10FCAH01AH02 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
Citroën
- Citroën C4 Picasso II2013–2018
Peugeot
- Peugeot 3008 I2009–2016
- Peugeot 3008 II2016–2020
- Peugeot 5008 I2009–2017
- Peugeot 5008 II2017–2020
- Peugeot 508 I2010–2018
Toyota
- Toyota ProAce II2016–2018
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the AdBlue tank with its integrated pump, heater and level sensor; in more serious cases, also the injector/doser or the SCR control module.[2][3][4]
800-1,200 € is the range cited by the Spanish press for this repair at workshops; another article speaks of repairs of up to 2,000 € when the injector, pump or several elements of the SCR system also have to be replaced. Under the Stellantis programme, vehicles up to 5 years or 150,000 km have 100% of the part cost covered, and between 5 and 8 years partial cover (30-90% depending on mileage), with labour covered up to 30 € unless the fault repeats.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Check that no AdBlue warning light is on and ask whether the car was built between January 2014 and August 2020, the dates covered by the Stellantis programme.[2]
- If the warning light has ever appeared, ask for the invoice for the repair or check-up to find out what was done.
- Always use AdBlue that meets the ISO 22241 standard from a known brand; do not deal with spills using improvised products.[4]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
- Buy part at Autodoc (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)
AdBlue tank with pump, heater and level sensor
Replaces the assembly when it is crystallised, deformed or the pump/sensor has failed.
Affiliate links to Autodoc: if you buy, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility using the registration number or the VIN before ordering. More information
How to prevent it
- Do not leave the AdBlue tank empty or top it up with products that do not meet the ISO 22241 standard.[4]
- If the car is going to stand unused for a long time, avoid leaving it with very little AdBlue.[4]
- If your car is a Peugeot, Citroën, DS or Opel diesel built between January 2014 and August 2020, check with the brand whether it falls under the Stellantis cover programme before paying for the repair out of your own pocket.[2]
Recalls, campaigns and claims
Extended warrantyStellantis · December 2024
Stellantis cover programme for the AdBlue tank
Covers Peugeot, Citroën, DS and Opel diesel vehicles built between January 2014 and August 2020: 100% of the part cost up to 5 years or 150,000 km, and between 30% and 90% between 5 and 8 years depending on mileage; labour is covered up to 30 € unless the fault repeats, with retroactive effect for those who have already paid for the repair since 1 January 2021.[2]
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Does this also happen on the 1.5 or 1.6 BlueHDi versions?
Yes: the specialist press groups the 1.5, 1.6 and 2.0 BlueHDi among the engines with the most documented AdBlue cases.[1]
What do I do if my car falls within the Stellantis programme dates?
Contact the brand (Peugeot, Citroën, DS or Opel) or an official dealer so they can check whether your case is covered by the reimbursement programme, even if you already paid for the repair since 2021.[2]
Does the anti-crystallisation additive prevent the fault?
It can help, but according to the specialist press there is no universal additive valid for all cars: you should use only the one approved by the manufacturer and respect the stated dose.[4]
Can the car end up not starting because of this fault?
Yes: if the system stops dosing AdBlue correctly, after the warning the engine may end up blocking starting until it is repaired.[4]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other 2.0 HDi faults
- High severityFrequency: CommonTurboVariable-geometry turbo failures (actuator, sensors and clogging)On the 107/110 hp and, above all, 136-140 hp 2.0 HDi, the variable-geometry turbo fails relatively often: sometimes it is the whole turbo, but often it is the actuator, sensors or hoses, with loss of power and limp mode.
- High severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlDPF clogging on additive-type systems (Eolys/cerine)The additive-type diesel particulate filter (DPF) of the 2.0 HDi clogs relatively easily on short journeys, especially on the 107/110 and 136-140 hp versions. The anti-pollution warning light comes on and, if ignored, the car loses power and may end up needing a new DPF.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentClutchPremature dual-mass flywheel wear (from 107/110 hp)The dual-mass flywheel fitted to the 2.0 HDi from 107/110 hp wears out sooner than expected, with more cases the more powerful the version. It causes vibration, knocking and noise, and if ignored it ends up damaging the clutch too.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonEmissions controlEGR valve blocked by sootThe 2.0 HDi's EGR valve gets coated in soot and sticks, especially on the 107/120 and 136/138 hp versions; it causes jerking, limp mode and the engine warning light, although it can usually be solved by cleaning it.Repair (garage): €200–€350
More faults with AdBlue on other engines and cars
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.5 BlueHDiAdBlue tank and pump failure1.5 BlueHDi engines built up to August 2020 can suffer failures of the AdBlue tank pump module, with a "no engine start" countdown. The whole tank is usually replaced and Stellantis contributes to the cost up to 8 years.Repair: €1,000–€1,500
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent1.6 HDiAdBlue tank and pump fault (1.6 BlueHDi)The 1.6 BlueHDi engines (2013-2019) suffer from the AdBlue tank defect of Stellantis diesels: an emissions warning appears with a countdown until starting is prevented. Replacing the tank, with the integrated pump, costs over €1,000 (price in Spain), but there is an extended warranty of up to 8 years.Repair: €1,000–€1,200
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequentOM642Emissions defeat device (AdBlue/EGR) and software update campaignGermany's KBA found indications of emissions manipulation in cars with the OM642 engine (alongside the OM651): AdBlue dosing and the EGR changed between the test bench and the road. Mercedes-Benz denied it, but in 2018 it recalled hundreds of thousands of diesels in Europe.
- Medium severityFrequency: Very frequent2.0 BlueHDiAdBlue (SCR) tank and pump failureOn the 2.0 BlueHDi, the AdBlue tank can crystallise or fail and show a warning with a countdown to the point where the engine will not start. It is the most frequently cited fault of this engine: Stellantis compensates owners of diesels built up to August 2020, with no definitive fix.Repair: €1,000–€1,500
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N43/N46Injector, ignition coil and NOx sensor failures (N43)On the direct-injection BMW N43, failures of the injectors, ignition coils (mainly in 2007-2008 units, now rare after a BMW service action) and the NOx sensor of its lean-burn combustion have been documented. The indirect-injection N46 does not have that sensor and does not suffer these failures.
- Medium severityFrequency: Common2.0 Ingenium diéselEGR fouling and AdBlue system faultsThe EGR valve gets clogged with soot as on any modern diesel, and the Ingenium diesel's AdBlue system fails fairly often according to several sources, with warnings that can end up preventing the engine from starting if they are not dealt with.
Have you had this fault? Your case helps other owners know when it appears and how much it costs. Report your fault in 2 minutes.
Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- AdBlue : problèmes en pagailleFiches-Auto · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
- Más problemas para Stellantis: ahora tendrá que indemnizar también a los afectados por el AdBlueAutopista · Motoring press · published 30 December 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- El fallo que afecta a cientos de coches y que ahora la OCU denuncia para reclamar indemnizacionesAutopista · Motoring press · published 29 May 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
- Aditivo AdBlue: qué debes usar para evitar una reparación de 2.000 euros en tu coche diéselAutopista · Motoring press · published 1 April 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish