The new year 2025 will mark a turning point in the control of AdBlue systems, this anti-pollution additive which has become mandatory on modern diesel engines.. The technical inspection centers will detect any manipulation of the system such as the deactivation of the AdBlue system, a practice that was previously difficult to detect. Violators will be exposed to a hefty fine of 7,500 euros for unauthorized modification.
An anti-pollution system causing many problems
AdBlue is a liquid playing a crucial role in reducing polluting emissions from diesel engines. Its principle is simple: injected into the exhaust system, it transforms dangerous nitrogen oxides into simple water vapor and harmless nitrogen. An effective solution on paper, but which hides a more complex reality for motorists.
The major problem lies in the tendency of the liquid to crystallize. This phenomenon, which is particularly frequent, can cause considerable damage to the vehicle’s vital organs. The injectors, reservoirs and probes are the first victims of this crystallization. The resulting repairs often reach staggering amounts, regularly exceeding the 1,500 euros for vehicles out of warranty. Faced with these prohibitive costs, many drivers have opted for a risky solution, simply deactivating the system.
A situation that puts manufacturers in the hot seat
The UFC-Que Choisir has been sounding the alarm for several months. The consumer association receives a growing number of testimonies from motorists in distress, particularly owners of Citroën and Peugeot vehicles under the control of Stellantis. AdBlue-related breakdowns are not limited to these brands, in fact affecting all manufacturers marketing diesel vehicles.
The situation is all the more frustrating as drivers often find themselves helpless when faced with these failures. A vehicle suffering from an AdBlue breakdown may refuse to start, leaving its owner unable to move. This forced immobilization pushes some to turn to much cheaper (but illegal) alternative solutions, such as deactivation of the system by unscrupulous mechanics.
In Italy, a significant step forward was obtained with a compensation agreement between Stellantis and its customers. France remains behind. The UFC-Que Choisir is stepping up its actions, calling on manufacturers, the DGCCRF and the European Commission, but the answers are still awaited. The responsibility of manufacturers in these technical failures is clearly pointed out.
A tightening of controls that should not be neglected
As the practice of deactivating AdBlue is becoming more common, the control policy is likely to increase. The fact that this breakdown is becoming commonplace doesn’t help either. Suffice to say that if you have to take your MOT soon, you will have to be particularly attentive.
- From January 2025, technical checks will systematically detect the deactivation of AdBlue systems
- Violators will face a fine of 7,500 euros
- AdBlue breakdowns, frequent and costly, remain without satisfactory solution from manufacturers
