Discover the Hidden Danger: My Citroen DS3’s Urgent ‘Stop Drive’ Recall Due to Airbag Flaw

When I tried to contact Citroën’s customer service for more details, they simply redirected me to a specific recall hotline, which, despite numerous attempts, I was unable to reach. The wait time for the necessary repair at my local dealership is three weeks, and I rely on my car for work. I consider myself one of the fortunate ones, as there are reports of others who are unable to schedule their recall repair at all, or who face even longer delays.

OC, Salisbury

Citroën has announced that this extensive “stop drive” recall affects around 120,000 UK car owners due to a rare but dangerous fault with the airbags, which has been implicated in over 30 deaths globally and numerous injuries.

All models of C3 and DS3 manufactured between 2009-2016, along with some DS3s made from 2009-2019, are included in this recall within the UK.

Another Citroën owner, JJM, finds himself in a similar difficult situation. Residing in a secluded area of Wales, he uses his vehicle to transport vulnerable local residents.

This issue has slowly escalated into a major concern with approximately 100 million vehicles equipped with airbags from the now-defunct Japanese manufacturer Takata being recalled worldwide over the last decade. Other car manufacturers like Mercedes, Ford, and Audi have also been affected. Citroën’s parent company, Stellantis, has faced criticism for its sluggish response and inadequate communication with affected customers, some of whom have disabilities.

Stellantis first identified the airbag issue in 2014 after incidents of airbag explosions in the U.S. They initially received assurances from Takata that the airbags used in European models were safe. However, by 2019, these assurances were deemed unreliable, prompting a recall in Southern Europe, where the hot and humid conditions were thought to trigger the airbag explosions. The recall was extended to other parts of Europe last year, but vehicle owners were not warned against driving the cars while waiting for repairs. Following a fatal airbag explosion in France last month, a “stop drive” notice was finally issued.

In France and its territories, where the airbags have caused 18 fatalities, the transport ministry has mandated a recall of 2.5 million vehicles. In contrast, the UK recall remains voluntary despite similar weather conditions, and Stellantis has not provided clear instructions on how drivers should safely get their cars to repair centers.

Stellantis attributes the communication delays to challenges in obtaining driver details from the DVLA. They have committed to replacing all affected airbags by October, leaving some drivers without a vehicle for over three months. The company has been vague about compensation for those needing alternative transportation, but mentioned that courtesy cars and refunds might be considered individually.

In response to complaints about unreachable customer service, Stellantis is hiring more agents for its helpline. A spokesperson stated, “Our primary goal is to expedite the airbag replacements in affected vehicles. We are working on adding more replacement sites and exploring at-home repair options to accommodate the needs of all affected customers, especially those with urgent requirements.”

Drivers are advised to check their vehicle’s status using the VIN check tool on Citroën’s UK website. If affected, they should inform their insurer and refrain from driving the vehicle. Driving a car deemed in dangerous condition can lead to fines up to £2,500 and a driving ban.

If local dealers are unable to perform repairs, it’s recommended to seek assistance further afield and request that the vehicle be transported via tow truck. Keep a record of all related expenses, and should Stellantis refuse compensation, consider pursuing claims through the small claims courts.