A tragic incident in Reims, France, has prompted a critical safety measure from Citroën. Following the fatal explosion of a Takata airbag on June 11, Citroën is now mandating a “stop-drive” order for 410,000 C3 and DS3 vehicles across Europe, encompassing models produced between 2014 and 2019. This drastic step, affecting 82,000 vehicles in France alone, underscores the severe and immediate danger posed by these faulty airbags.
The Latest Tragedy and Ministerial Intervention
The incident in Reims, where a driver of a Citroën C3 died, marks the second fatality in mainland France attributed to a defective Takata airbag. This escalating crisis, coupled with the ongoing challenge of getting owners to bring their vehicles in for recall repairs, led the Minister of Transport, Philippe Tabarot, to directly intervene. On Tuesday, he summoned Citroën executives, unequivocally demanding an immediate “stop-drive” for “all C3 and DS3 vehicles subject to a recall.”
Citroën, the manufacturer, swiftly complied. By Tuesday evening, the directive was issued: 410,000 vehicles in Europe must be grounded, including those in France produced between 2014 and 2019. While Citroën had already initiated contact with affected owners since May, this new directive goes a crucial step further, now requiring owners to cease driving their vehicles. This expands on previous recall campaigns launched in April 2024 for southern France and February 2025 for vehicles registered between 2008 and 2013 in northern France.
The Challenge of Reach: Address Changes and Risk Assessment
A judicial investigation confirmed that the vehicle involved in the Reims accident was indeed subject to a recall. However, this 2014-registered car was not under the previous driving ban. This disparity has raised serious questions for the Ministry of Transport regarding the manufacturer’s risk analyses. A Stellantis spokesperson acknowledged, “Our analyses did not show any risk of deterioration beyond 2013,” but confirmed they are “currently reassessing the situation in order to take the necessary measures.”
Citroën revealed a significant hurdle in reaching affected owners: incorrect addresses. The manufacturer had sent a registered letter to the victim on May 20, but it was returned three days later due to an outdated address in the registration file. Despite efforts to trace new contact details via insurance records, the tragic accident occurred before successful communication could be established.
Progress on Recalls, But More to Be Done
Despite the challenges, Citroën reports substantial progress in replacing these dangerous airbags. Out of approximately 690,000 C3s and DS3s targeted for airbag replacement in mainland France, 481,000 repairs have already been completed. This means that nearly 70% of the affected C3/DS3 fleet has had their airbags replaced.
Are You Affected? Check Your Vehicle Immediately
If you own a Citroën, it is crucial to verify if your vehicle is part of this recall. The following models are subject to the recall:
- Citroën C3 Phase 2 (produced from 24/9/2008 to 21/2/2017)
- Citroën C4 (produced from 2/2/2010 to 20/5/2018)
- Citroën DS3 (produced from 12/5/2008 to 5/30/2019)
- Citroën DS4 (produced from 5/5/2010 to 3/2/2017)
- Citroën DS5 (produced from 6/30/2010 to 2/9/2018)
- Citroën C Zero (produced from 10/2010 to 2/2017)
To determine if your specific vehicle is affected by the “stop-drive” condition, check your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). If recall code MK7 (2008-2018), NQ3 (2009-2013), or GCD (2010-2017) appears, you must immediately stop driving your car and contact your nearest Citroën garage to schedule an appointment for repair.
To date, the Ministry of Transport has recorded thirty accidents resulting in eleven deaths overseas and two in mainland France related to these defective airbags.
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