"Stop-drive" recall from Citroen over faulty airbag fears

Citroen has told drivers of several models to stop driving immediately because of fears about airbag safety.

The order covers all second-generation Citroen C3 models, sold between 2009 and 2016, and the first-generation Citroen DS3, made between 2009 and 2019, that were equipped with airbags made by Takata. The DS Automobiles DS 3, made between 2016 and 2019, is also covered by the recall. The latest Citroen C3 is not affected.

The UK recall follows a similar campaign in France, following the death earlier this week of a woman in Reims. The 37-year-old died when metal fragments from her airbag struck her in the face while sghe tried to avoid a lorry and hit a motorway barrier in her 2014 Citroen C3. Last year, C3 owners in southern France were told not to drive 2008-2013 models until their airbags had been replaced. 

Stellantis – Citroen and DS's parent company – has faced accusations that it has not responded quickly enough to similar incidents, with more than a dozen deaths involving airbags reported around the world since 2016. A criminal investigation for involuntary manslaughter has been opened in a Paris court.

Takata was a Japanese airbag manufacturer that filed for bankruptcy in 2017.

What should UK owners do?

While there have been no reported incidents in the UK, drivers of affected cars will be notified by letter. You can also check to see if your car is affected by using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on Citroen's checker tool.

If you can't register online, call the Citroen Recall Helpline on 0800 917 9285, or Citroen Customer Care on 0800 093 9393.

If your car is affected, stop driving it as soon as practicable.