In 2025, the Verification of Lubricant Specifications (UK) Ltd (VLS), an independent and impartial body which investigates lubricant product complaints, announced a market-wide investigation into engine oils making claims against the Stellantis FPW 9.55535/03 specification.
The Stellantis FPW9.55535/03 5W 30 engine oil specification is mandated for a broad range of modern Stellantis vehicles, particularly those with DV5R, DW10F and DW12RU diesel engines, as well as 1.2L PureTech (EB2) petrol engines. It applies to many Peugeot, Citroën, DS, Fiat, Vauxhall, Opel, and Jeep passenger and light commercial vehicle models.
The specification is designed specifically for engines with “wet belts” to prevent premature wear, degradation, and the formation of debris that can clog oil strainers. Stellantis introduced it in 2023/2024 as a mandatory requirement for many vehicles to address reliability issues with wet timing belt or chain systems and with engines fitted with external dry belts. Problems can arise if service intervals are not adhered to.
Three versions of the specification have been released so far. In July 2023, version 1 of the specification was issued, and four engine oils were approved against it from TotalEnergies, BP/Castrol, ExxonMobil, and Stellantis’s own range of original engine oils. In June 2024, version 2 of the specification was released. A third version was released in March 2026.
During the VLS investigation, engine oil Manufacturer Smith & Allan agreed to pause sales of its Momentum C3 SWTL 5W-30 engine oil and withdraw it from their catalogue pending the formal approval of the market general package against the Stellantis specification, as they had no technical evidence at that point to support the claim. In case VLS 010236, the lubricant marketer of MANNOL Energy Formula PSA 5W-30 7703 chose to withdraw the claim when challenged about the evidence supporting the specification. In case VLS010241 regarding Ravenol SMP SAE 5W-30, the claim was removed from the marketer’s website.
Several companies have taken action to amend product labels and technical data sheets to more accurately reflect the claims being made. In case VLS 010240 regarding Aztec Oils Torotec 5W-30 STL, Aztec Oils has amended the wording on the claim to clarify that it is being made against version 1 of the specification. In case VLS010239 regarding Independent Motor Trade Factors Association Ad Tec 48 5W-30 PCEO, the toll blender has agreed to amend the product labels and Technical Data Sheet to version 1 of the specification. Similarly, in VLS 010235, a case concerning Rapid Group Ltd. Pro + Power Ultra 5W0-230 PCEO and VLS010233, a case concerning Granville Oil & Chemical Ltd. Hypalube FS-ST 5W-30 PCEO, the toll blender and marketer have agreed to amend the product labels and Technical Data Sheet to version 1 of the Stellantis specification FW 9.55535/03.
All of these cases will be subject to a six-month review to ensure they remain in continued compliance. It is the view that claims against version 1 of the specification are only valid until July 2026. Oils making claims against version 1 have until the end of June 2026, after which they must comply with version 2. Stellantis have yet to clarify the validity period of claims against the newly released version 3.
Darren Frogson, VLS Chairman, said, “As part of our market-wide investigation into engine oils claiming to meet this Stellantis specification, we have found that the majority of claims are valid. However, in some cases, claims have been clarified or removed, and products have been updated or withdrawn.
With the lubricants sector navigating rapid change, we must have a robust, anonymous process that holds lubricant producers and marketers to account and protects end users. Workshops must have confidence that the products they select are suitable for use in the application and can deliver what they claim.”
VLS is an independent organisation that provides a credible and trusted means to verify lubricant specifications, brings transparency to the lubricant marketplace, and protects and educates end users.
If you have any concerns about a lubricant, you can report them to VLS by calling 01442 875922 or emailing admin@ukla-vls.org.uk.
