At least an additional 10,000 vehicles have been recalled in the United Kingdom due to serious safety concerns, prompting a “do not drive” warning for drivers. Initially, a “stop drive” directive was issued for specific Citroen and DS vehicles back in June. However, the parent company, Stellantis, has now expanded the list of cars deemed unsafe for driving.
The safety concern revolves around the Takata airbag systems in these vehicles, which may have defects. This cautionary measure follows a tragic incident in Reims, France, where a woman suffered fatal injuries from an airbag malfunction in a 2014 Citroen C3 last year, although no such incidents have been reported in the UK.
Affected car owners will be contacted by Stellantis via letter to arrange for their vehicle’s repair, which will be conducted at no cost. Stellantis anticipates that the majority of affected vehicles will be repaired by early October. To determine if your car is subject to the recall, you can utilize the VIN check tool on the Citroen website.
Stellantis has assured that it is fully mobilizing its network of suppliers, retailers, and manufacturing plants to swiftly address this issue and ensure customer safety. The company emphasized its commitment to acting transparently and responsibly in resolving the matter.
In an online recall notice, Stellantis explained that the recall decisions, including the stop-drive orders, are based on various factors such as airbag specifications, vehicle age, usage, climate conditions, and regulatory notifications. Despite no reported incidents in the UK, Stellantis has decided to implement a stop-drive order for all affected vehicles across Europe, showcasing its dedication to prioritizing customer safety.
All impacted customers will receive notification via letter, and they can also verify if their vehicle is affected and access recommended actions by using the VIN check tool on the Citroën UK website. Those affected are advised to register their vehicle promptly for repair processing. In cases where online registration is not feasible, owners can contact the Recall Helpline at 0800 917 9285.