Stellantis has issued an urgent stop-drive order for thousands of UK owners of Citroën C3 and DS 3 models manufactured between 2009 and 2019, following a tragic fatality linked to faulty Takata airbags in France. The directive, which affects the second-generation Citroën C3 (2009-2016), the first-generation DS 3 (2009-2016), and the DS Automobiles DS 3 (2016-2019), demands that owners immediately cease driving their vehicles when it is safe to do so.
The move comes just a week after a 37-year-old woman from Reims, France, was killed when the Takata airbag in her 2014 Citroën C3 exploded during a collision. This incident marked the 13th airbag-related death in France and added fresh urgency to what has already been the world's largest automotive recall crisis. French transport authorities pressured Stellantis to take decisive action, leading to the immediate stop-drive order across Europe, including the UK.
Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën and DS Automobiles, has been conducting a recall campaign on affected vehicles for over a year, initially focusing on southern Europe before expanding northwards. Despite having already replaced airbags in just under 70% of the approximately 690,000 affected cars, the recent fatality highlighted the ongoing risks posed by the defective Takata airbags.
According to Philippe Tabarot, France's transport minister, the automaker's previous response "had not matched the scale of the risk," underscoring the need for more urgent and comprehensive measures. In response, Stellantis has mobilized its full network of suppliers, retailers, and manufacturing plants to expedite repairs and ensure the fastest, safest, and most convenient solutions for customers.
Owners of potentially affected vehicles will receive notification letters, but Stellantis has urged all owners to verify their vehicle status proactively. The simplest way to check is by entering the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Citroën UK website. If a vehicle is confirmed to be affected, the owner should register it immediately for a free airbag replacement. Registration can be completed online, or by calling the recall helpline at 0800 917 9285 or Citroën Customer Care at 0800 093 9393.
The Takata airbag defect stems from the use of ammonium nitrate in the inflators, a chemical propellant that degrades over time, particularly in hot and humid climates. This degradation can cause the inflator to explode with excessive force during deployment, sending metal shrapnel into the vehicle cabin—a deadly hazard. Since 2009, faulty Takata airbags have been linked to at least 28 deaths in the United States alone and hundreds of injuries worldwide.
This recall saga has a long and troubled history. The initial concerns about Takata airbags surfaced in 2006 when it was revealed that some inflators could rupture violently. The issue escalated in 2013 when multiple deaths and injuries prompted the largest automotive recall in U.S. history, involving over 42 million vehicles. Takata eventually filed for bankruptcy in 2017 amid mounting legal and financial pressures. Globally, more than 100 million vehicles across over 20 carmakers have been affected by this recall.
While no incidents related to these airbags have been reported in the UK so far, Stellantis and regulators are acting preemptively. The company has emphasized the importance of keeping contact details updated with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to ensure that all affected owners can be reached promptly. This is especially critical as the recall expands and as older vehicles become more susceptible to airbag failure due to age and environmental factors.
Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon commented on the urgency of the situation, stating, "Given the circumstances, we have decided to issue a ‘stop drive’ to accelerate their repair." The decision reflects a shift from previous efforts that encouraged owners merely to schedule replacement appointments, to a more immediate directive aimed at preventing further tragedies.
For owners, this development may feel inconvenient, but the stakes are high. The risk of catastrophic airbag failure is very real, and waiting is not worth it. Stellantis’ commitment to transparency and responsibility is evident in its rapid mobilization of resources to address the issue across Europe.
In summary, if you own a Citroën C3 or DS 3 from the specified years, the safest course of action is to check your vehicle's VIN status immediately. Should your car be affected, stop driving it at the earliest safe opportunity and arrange for the free airbag replacement without delay. The recall underscores the enduring impact of the Takata airbag crisis and the importance of vigilance in vehicle safety.
