The legal troubles for Stellantis continue to mount as families of victims whose lives have been upended by defective Takata airbags have come forward with their stories. With at least 14 deaths reported, the stakes are high for the automobile manufacturer, which has been slow to act on significant safety recalls involving its vehicles. The latest reports reveal hundreds of thousands of vehicles are still on the roads, equipped with airbags likely to explode upon deployment, shooting lethal metal fragments at drivers and passengers.
One particularly tragic case is the death of Emmanuelle Sauger-Fite, who perished in 2021 after the airbag of her Citroën DS 3 deployed violently following what was described as a minor accident. Her partner, Pierre Fite, has been vocal about Stellantis’ delayed response to the situation, stating, "The first accident dates back to 2013. It’s unbelievable how many lives have been lost, yet they took years to act." According to reports from France Inter, the Takata airbags have caused serious injuries and fatalities, particularly among vehicles distributed to the French overseas departments.
Approximately 500,000 vehicles equipped with these dangerous airbags remain on the roads of France, posing significant risks to drivers and passengers alike. This situation prompted the Ministry of Transport to launch awareness campaigns about the recall of affected vehicles, which, according to critics, come far too late. Pierre Fite highlighted his anger over the recall process, remarking, "Many drivers, like myself, weren’t informed of the risks until it was too late." The responsibility of Stellantis is brought to light, with critics alleging negligence and putting profits above consumer safety.
The issue with the Takata airbags isn’t isolated to France; it’s been the subject of global scrutiny with various manufacturers being forced to recall millions of vehicles worldwide. Despite being aware of the inherent dangers since 2014, Stellantis (which comprises multiple brands like Citroën) continued to equip their vehicles with Takata airbags until as recently as 2019. This has led to mass public outrage, culminating recently with the UFC-Que Choisir consumer protection association filing lawsuits against Stellantis and Citroën for their handling of these recalls.
Stellantis, amid growing pressure, finally initiated mass recall campaigns, recently sending out letters starting on January 20 to 73,000 vehicle owners across France. The company's plan extends to other European countries, attacking the problem with more urgency. While these actions have been welcomed, they’re criticized for not being adequate, with calls for more transparency about which vehicles are truly implicated.
According to Stellantis, they are focusing on older models manufactured between 2009 and 2019, where incidents have been documented. A spokesperson stated, "Our priority is vehicles based on the age and geographical risk, as southern models are at higher risk due to heat and humidity affecting the airbag functionalities." This acknowledgment of geographical risk raises questions about why it took so long for Stellantis to act, especially when evidence pointed to the risks since the early days of Takata's troubles.
Many, including Pierre Fite, demand accountability, hoping for justice not only for those deceased but for countless others still driving potentially dangerous vehicles. "It's about responsibility," he stated. "How many more have to suffer before they take this seriously? It shouldn’t take years of litigation for them to finally move. It is about life and death."
Reports indicate Stellantis might face persistent litigation as consumer rights organizations and affected families push back against what they view as gross negligence. The UFC-Que Choisir is particularly insistent upon labeling Stellantis’s tactics as dangerous, pointing out their delayed reaction and partial recalls, which fail to cover the full breadth of vehicles affected.
The airbag crisis extends beyond just Stellantis; it embodies the failures of automotive safety across multiple brands, with Takata airbags implicated across various makes and models. National safety watchdogs have repeatedly warned about the danger posed by defective airbags, underscoring the need for vigilance among car owners.
Experts estimate the recalls will affect over 869,000 vehicles across Stellantis’s cohorts, including models like the Citroën C3 and DS3. Affected owners are encouraged to contact their dealerships to find out whether their vehicle is involved and schedule necessary repairs, which are reported to be quick and free of charge.
Citroën has been proactive but must balance immediate demands against availability of parts and service capacity. This gradual implementation of recalls reflects somewhat of “a learning curve” for Stellantis as they navigate through the waters of this widespread crisis.
Despite the complexity of the situation, consumers remain hopeful yet frustrated with Stellantis's efforts. Many view the company’s response as insufficient and demand continued scrutiny and speedy corrective actions. Until Stellantis can firmly address these issues and regain consumer trust, the specters of liability, injury, and loss remain significantly present.