Citroën C3 and DS 3 owners across the U.K. are being told to immediately stop driving their vehicles following a fatal airbag explosion involving a 2014 Citroën C3. Auto giant Stellantis has issued the urgent warning for all first-generation DS 3s and second-generation Citroën C3 models manufactured between 2009 and 2019 due to serious safety concerns with Takata airbags.
This development follows a tragic incident in Reims, France, where a woman lost her life when the airbag in her Citroën C3 exploded unexpectedly. The incident has reignited scrutiny around Takata airbags, already infamous for causing the world’s largest automotive recall.
Fatal Airbag Incident Prompts Immediate Action
Stellantis’ warning comes on the heels of increased pressure from French transportation authorities. The fatality in Reims led France’s transport minister, Philippe Tabarot, to criticize the company’s slow response. According to a statement reported by Radio France Internationale, Tabarot noted that Stellantis’ recall efforts did “not match the scale of the risk.”
The automaker had previously recalled nearly 690,000 vehicles equipped with the defective airbags, but only about 70% of those had been repaired. With lives clearly at risk, Stellantis has now ordered the remaining vehicles to be parked immediately and not driven until airbag replacements are completed.
How Owners Can Check and Respond
Owners of affected Citroën C3 and DS 3 models are being contacted via letter. Stellantis urges customers to ensure their contact details with the DVLA are up to date to avoid delays in notification.
To verify if their vehicle is impacted, owners can perform a VIN check through the Citroën UK website. If confirmed, they are advised to book an airbag repair immediately. Appointments can be scheduled online, by calling the recall helpline at 0800 917 9285, or through Citroën customer care at 0800 093 9393.
Stellantis also stated it is activating its full network of suppliers, dealers, and manufacturing plants to expedite the repairs. “Stellantis remains fully committed to acting swiftly, transparently, and responsibly in addressing this issue,” the company said in a public statement.
Takata Airbags: A Global Automotive Catastrophe
This isn’t the first time Takata airbags have made headlines. In 2017, over 100 million vehicles globally were recalled due to inflators that could explode with excessive force, sending metal shrapnel flying through the cabin. The defect was first flagged as early as In 2006, internal documents later revealed that Takata had concealed key safety concerns for many years.
Now, Citroën C3 and DS 3 owners are the latest victims of this legacy defect, as Stellantis grapples with both the technical and reputational fallout. The company is under immense pressure to ensure the remaining 30% of affected vehicles are addressed without delay.
Conclusion: Safety First for Citroën C3 and DS 3 Drivers
The urgent recall of Citroën C3 and DS 3 vehicles is a stark reminder that unresolved safety issues can have deadly consequences. Stellantis’ call for owners to immediately stop driving is unprecedented, but necessary given the known risks of the Takata airbags.
If you own a Citroën C3 or DS 3 built between 2009 and 2019, check your VIN today, book a repair, and stay off the road until it’s completed. Lives depend on timely action.
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