A safety alert has forced approximately 120,000 UK motorists off the road after Stellantis, the multinational automotive manufacturer, issued a “stop-drive” warning for certain models of Citroën and DS3 vehicles. The recall affects cars equipped with Takata airbags, which have been linked to potentially fatal malfunctions.
The recall stems from an incident in France where a driver lost her life following an airbag deployment in a 2014 Citroën C3. The warning now extends across Europe, including the UK, urging drivers to immediately cease using their vehicles until repairs can be made.
A Growing Safety Concern
The affected models are Citroën C3 (2009–2016) and DS3 (2016–2019). These vehicles were fitted with Takata airbags, a brand once heralded for its safety features but now at the centre of a major automotive crisis.
According to reports, the airbags can explode with excessive force, launching metal fragments into the vehicle’s cabin and potentially causing severe injuries or death.
This is not the first time Takata’s airbags have been under scrutiny. The company, which filed for bankruptcy in 2017, has been linked to more than 100 million car recalls worldwide due to the defective airbags.
Although previous recalls have focused primarily on cars in warmer climates, Stellantis decided to take further action following the tragic death in France. The company stressed that its decision to issue the stop-drive notice across Europe, including the UK, underscores their commitment to customer safety.
Stellantis spokespersons indicated that while no incidents have been reported in the UK, they are working tirelessly to address the issue. “Stellantis UK is mobilising its full network of suppliers, retailers and manufacturing plants to support this action and ensure the fastest, safest and most convenient solution for each customer” the company stated.
Disrupting Daily Life for Thousands of Motorists
The recall has left many car owners, especially those in the UK, stranded without their vehicles. For some, this has meant disruption to essential daily activities. Lisa Shackleton, a 69-year-old motorist from Hull, expressed frustration at the inconvenience.
She relies on her 2014 Citroën DS3 to transport her elderly husband to medical appointments, as well as to visit her daughter, who is undergoing chemotherapy. Unfortunately, she has been told that the earliest repair appointment will be in late July.
Another affected driver, Denise Harris, a Blue Badge holder, has been offered a repair appointment only in January 2026, leaving her without a car for months.
In response, Stellantis has acknowledged the inevitable inconvenience caused but stated that prioritising customers with urgent needs would help expedite the process. The company is also exploring additional repair options, such as mobile airbag replacements.
With the recall impacting approximately 120,000 vehicles in the UK alone, Stellantis is under pressure to quickly resolve the situation. Despite the challenges, the company has promised to work with its full network of suppliers, retailers, and manufacturers to fix the issue swiftly. The UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has supported the company’s decision, but there are no plans for a broader recall at this stage.
