Kathrine Frich
441,000 C3 and DS3 vehicles produced until 2019 are affected.
441,000 C3 and DS3 vehicles produced until 2019 are affected.
Emergency Vehicle Freeze
Citroën has issued an unprecedented “stop drive” order across Europe, following the death of a woman in France caused by a faulty Takata airbag.
All C3 and DS3 models still fitted with the dangerous airbags must now be immobilized immediately, according to Citroën and French authorities.
Tragic Death in Reims Sparks Urgent Action
The recall was triggered by the death of a 37-year-old woman in Reims on June 11. Her 2014 Citroën C3’s airbag exploded on impact, causing fatal injuries.
French prosecutor François Schneider confirmed the link to the defective Takata component, marking the second Takata-related fatality in France, according to Digi24.
Citroën Expands Recall to Over 440,000 Cars
Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon confirmed Tuesday evening that 441,000 C3 and DS3 vehicles produced until 2019 are affected in Europe, 82,000 of them in France alone.
All are now subject to an immediate immobilization order, whether or not previous service invitations were issued.
“Stop Drive” Order: What It Means for Owners
Unlike earlier recalls, Citroën’s new directive means affected vehicles must not be driven under any circumstances until the airbags are replaced.
“We are not running away from responsibility,” Chardon stated, urging all owners to contact the company for urgent repairs.
A Decade of Danger: The Takata Airbag Crisis
The Takata airbag scandal dates back to 2014, when it was discovered that faulty inflators could explode, sending metal shrapnel into the cabin.
The defect stems from unstable pyrotechnic material used in the inflator caps, which can rupture during deployment.
Over 100 million airbags have since been recalled globally.
France’s Transport Minister Demands Accountability
French authorities have joined Citroën in demanding swift action.
François Schneider has insisted that all vehicles still equipped with the defective airbags be taken off the road until replacements are installed, adding urgency to what is now one of Europe’s largest auto recalls in years.
Citroën Promises Full Fix, No More Takata Parts
Citroën’s CEO has pledged to personally oversee the full removal of all Takata airbags from its vehicles.
“There will be no more Takata airbags in Citroën cars,” Chardon said, as the company begins a Europe-wide campaign to secure driver safety and rebuild public trust.