2019-2024 · 1.5 BlueHDi 130 hp (DV5 diesel engine)
Practical French SUV with comfortable ride and spacious interior, popular with families. The 1.5 BlueHDi (DV5) engine has a critical timing chain flaw affecting 2017-2023 production - over one million units across PSA brands. Early cars use a weak 7mm chain that can snap without warning, causing catastrophic engine damage. Stellantis now offers extended warranty (10 years/150,000 km) for timing chain repairs if serviced properly. Also prone to DPF clogging on short trips, EAT8 transmission jerking at low mileage, and AdBlue tank crystallization. Verify timing chain warranty coverage and check for 8mm upgraded chain before purchase.
Early 2017-2023 engines use weak 7mm chain prone to snap, causing catastrophic damage · more· less
The DV5 engine's timing chain connects the camshafts to regulate valve opening/closing. Early production (Dec 2019 onwards) uses a 7mm pitch chain that stretches and wears prematurely, often failing well before the expected 150,000 km lifespan. When it snaps, pistons collide with valves, requiring complete engine rebuild or replacement. This affects over 1 million units across Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Opel, and Toyota models. PSA revised the design with an 8mm chain from late 2023 (OPR 15758+). Listen for rattling on cold starts - a warning sign the chain is stretching. Stellantis now offers 10 years/150,000 km warranty coverage (100% parts and labor) if serviced properly at authorized shops. Use 5W30 oil (spec FPW9.55535/03) instead of 0W30 to improve lubrication. Catastrophic failure: €5,000-8,000 for engine replacement; preventive chain upgrade: €2,000-3,000.
DPF clogging and regeneration issues€200 - €1,500
Frequent short trips prevent DPF regeneration, causing blockage and limp mode · more· less
The diesel particulate filter traps soot but needs regular high-temperature regeneration (20-30 minutes at highway speeds) to burn off deposits. City driving and short journeys prevent this, leading to DPF saturation. Symptoms: engine warning light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, limp mode activation. Common after 80,000-120,000 km but can occur earlier with urban-only use. Professional DPF cleaning costs €180-300; forced regeneration €100-200. Complete DPF replacement €900-1,500. Prevention: weekly 20-30 minute highway drive at steady speed, use low-ash diesel oil (ACEA C2/C3), consider DPF additives for city cars. A 2020 recall addressed DPF inefficiency on 2.0 BlueHDi 180 models - also affected 1.5 variants in some markets.
Gearbox shifts poorly from 1st to 2nd gear, jerky operation as early as 40,000-60,000 km · more· less
The 8-speed Aisin EAT8 automatic can develop jerky shifts, delayed responses, and irregular shift points. Most common symptom is harsh 1st-to-2nd gear changes and hesitation when pulling away. Often caused by outdated transmission software, low/contaminated ATF fluid, or valve body wear. The EAT8 requires ATF oil change with special ultra-low viscosity fluid every 60,000 km despite Peugeot claiming "lifetime oil." Software updates (free at dealer) resolve many issues. Transmission fluid change costs €300-600 at specialist (4L AW-2 type fluid required). Valve body repair €800-1,500; mechatronics replacement €1,500-2,500; complete transmission rebuild €2,500-3,500. Regular diagnostics every 40,000 km recommended. Manual gearbox versions are significantly more reliable.
AdBlue tank crystallization and urea injector failure€200 - €1,400
AdBlue system malfunctions after 80,000-120,000 km, crystals block injector · more· less
The AdBlue/SCR system injects urea solution to reduce NOx emissions. Crystallization occurs when AdBlue contacts copper components in the sealed tank zone where electronics and pump are located. White crystals form on the outside of the injector, blocking it internally first. Symptoms: AdBlue error messages, reduced engine performance, increased AdBlue consumption, eventually engine won't restart when AdBlue level reads zero. Common after 80,000-120,000 km. Urea injector replacement alone: €200-400; combined with NOx sensor: €800-1,000. Complete AdBlue tank replacement: €980-1,200 (part £979-£1,020 + £175 labor reported). Some owners report warranty coverage after mentioning PSA Technical Service Bulletin. Prevention: dose AdBlue with anti-crystallization additive when refilling (especially important with intensive urban use). Tank capacity is 17L.
Diesel injector failure€300 - €2,000
Injectors fail prematurely between 60,000-90,000 km due to contamination · more· less
The 1.5 BlueHDi uses high-pressure Bosch diesel injectors (part 0445110954) that can fail due to poor fuel quality, sediment buildup, or manufacturing defects. Symptoms include rough idling, black smoke, poor starting, loss of power, and increased fuel consumption. Failed injectors must be replaced and the ECU recalibrated. Cost per injector: €300-450 plus labor and software recalibration. Full set of 4 injectors: €1,500-2,000 installed. Prevention: use quality diesel fuel from reputable stations, add fuel system cleaner periodically (every 10,000 km), replace fuel filter on schedule (60,000 km for high-pressure filter, 120,000 km for in-tank filter). Some forum reports suggest higher failure rates on certain production batches.
Electric water pump and thermostat failure€400 - €900
Integrated electric water pump typically fails between 70,000-100,000 km · more· less
The 1.5 BlueHDi uses an integrated electric water pump combined with the thermostat housing. When the pump fails, coolant circulation stops, causing overheating or poor cabin heating. Warning light illuminates on dashboard. The electric pump is more expensive than mechanical pumps due to integrated design. Part cost: €400-500. Labor approximately 4-5 hours due to accessibility in the engine bay. Total repair: €600-900. Common failure point between 70,000-100,000 km. Check coolant level regularly - low or brown/milky appearance indicates pump or head gasket issues. Some owners report premature failures as early as 50,000 km.
Excessive oil consumption€100 - €2,500
Abnormal oil consumption appears between 30,000-80,000 km, can indicate turbo wear · more· less
Some 1.5 BlueHDi engines consume excessive oil, with owners reporting 0.5-1L consumption per 5,000-8,000 km. PSA states 1L per 5,000 km is "normal" for modern engines, but this seems excessive for a diesel. Causes include worn piston rings, faulty PCV valve, or turbocharger oil seal failure. Check oil level every 2,000 km. If oil appears in the intercooler or turbo inlet, the turbo seals are leaking (rebuild €800-1,200; replacement €1,500-2,500). PCV valve replacement in valve cover: €300-500. Excessive consumption can lead to oil starvation and timing chain damage if not monitored. Use correct oil spec (5W30 FPW9.55535/03) to help protect the timing chain.
Screen goes blank, makes thumping noise, then reboots - software or module fault · more· less
The infotainment system experiences glitches including screen blanking, sound muting, system reboots, frozen display, sat-nav failure, and Bluetooth disconnecting. Particularly common on hybrid models but affects diesel versions too. Symptoms include screen going blank with thumping sound inside car, then powering back up. Often caused by outdated software or low 12V battery (especially on hybrids that run frequently on electric power). Solutions: restart system by holding power button 10 seconds; charge 12V battery fully; update firmware through car's settings menu or dealer visit. Software update (free at dealer) often resolves issue. If module is faulty, replacement costs €800-1,200. Dealers sometimes only reset system rather than replacing faulty hardware, leading to recurring problems.
Some owners find ride harsher than expected despite "magic carpet" marketing · more· less
The C5 Aircross features Progressive Hydraulic Cushions (not full hydropneumatic like older C5/C6) - hydraulic bump stops that work with conventional shock absorbers. Marketing promises "magic carpet ride" but some owners find suspension jittery on country roads and amplifies motorway bumps, making long drives tiring. This is not a mechanical fault but expectation mismatch. Variables affecting ride: tire pressure (even 0.1 bar makes difference), tire brand/sidewall construction, wheel size (19" wheels ride significantly harder than 17"/18"), and individual vehicle variation. Not a reliability issue requiring repair, but worth test driving extensively before purchase. Shock absorber failure (separate from hydraulic cushions) costs €600-1,500 for replacement. Note: parking sensor issues were common on early diesel versions.
Significant reliability concerns, especially timing chain
The C5 Aircross 1.5 BlueHDi has notable reliability issues centered on the DV5 engine's timing chain flaw affecting 2017-2023 production. This is a critical design defect that can cause catastrophic engine failure. Stellantis' extended warranty helps, but only if proper service history exists. DPF issues are typical for modern diesels used in cities. The EAT8 automatic requires proper maintenance despite "lifetime oil" claims. Not recommended for buyers prioritizing reliability - the Mazda CX-5 diesel, Nissan Qashqai 1.5 dCi, or Kia Sportage diesel are more dependable alternatives.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete service records essential, preferably at authorized Citroën/PSA dealer. Critical for timing chain warranty claim eligibility.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), uneven wear. Size typically 225/55R18. Budget tires €85-90/tire; premium €125-180/tire.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds, highway driving for DPF regeneration check.
Body condition
Check for rust, accident damage, paint mismatch, especially wheel arches and sills.
Specific for this vehicle
Timing chain rattle on cold start (CRITICAL)
Start engine completely cold and listen for any rattling in first 30 seconds. Even brief rattle indicates chain stretch. This is the single most important check. If present, walk away or negotiate major price reduction.
Verify Stellantis timing chain warranty eligibility
Contact Citroën dealer with VIN to confirm if car qualifies for 10-year/150,000 km timing chain coverage. Requires proper service history at authorized shops. Check if 8mm upgraded chain has been fitted (production from late 2023 onwards or retrofit).
Check for DPF warning lights and regeneration issues
Any DPF warning lights on dash? Ask owner about DPF regeneration frequency. Test drive at highway speeds for 20+ minutes - any power loss or warnings indicate DPF problems.
EAT8 gearbox operation (if automatic)
Drive for 15+ minutes until transmission fully warmed. Feel for jerky 1st-to-2nd shifts, delayed responses, or clunking. Check transmission fluid level if possible. Request proof of ATF oil change at 60,000 km intervals.
AdBlue system check
Check AdBlue level and look for error messages. Inspect around urea injector for white crystallization. Ask when AdBlue tank/injector was last serviced.
Oil consumption history
Ask owner if they've needed to top up oil between services. Check oil level on dipstick. Look in intercooler intake for oil traces (indicates turbo seal failure).
Coolant level and condition
Check coolant reservoir - low level or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump or head gasket issues. Any overheating history?
Infotainment system test
Test all touchscreen functions, Bluetooth, sat-nav. Watch for screen freezing, rebooting, or blank screens during test drive.
Suspension and ride quality assessment
Test on various road surfaces. Progressive Hydraulic Cushions should provide comfortable ride, but 19" wheels feel harsher. Check tire pressures are correct (even 0.1 bar affects ride).
Recall verification
Contact Citroën dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed, especially fuel system (2023-2024), DPF (2020), and any battery/fire recalls on PHEV models.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Timing chain extended warranty (2017-2023 production)Verify coverage with VIN
Trailer hitch bolts breakage (Sept-Oct 2019, Dec 2020)Verify completed
Passenger airbag deployment - suspension arm screws (Jan-Mar 2020)Verify completed
PHEV battery overheating - fire risk (hybrid models)Software update
Contact an authorized Citroën dealer with the vehicle's VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The timing chain extended warranty is particularly important - confirm eligibility and coverage terms before purchase. Request written confirmation that the 8mm upgraded timing chain has been fitted if buying a 2023+ model.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited + 1 year dealer)Expired (max 60,000 miles)
Timing chain extended warranty (if eligible)10 years / 150,000 km coverage
Extended warranty (optional purchase)Available for fee - contact dealer
All 2019-2024 C5 Aircross models are outside original factory warranty. However, the Stellantis timing chain extended warranty (10 years/150,000 km, 100% parts and labor) applies to 2017-2023 production if serviced properly at authorized workshops. To claim this coverage: maintenance must be performed according to manufacturer recommendations by any professional, but diagnosis and repair must be at Stellantis authorized repairer. Customers who paid for timing chain repairs between Jan 1, 2023 and June 30, 2025 may request reimbursement. Verify eligibility with dealer using VIN before purchase.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.