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120,000 UK Citroën C3 and DS3 Drivers Told to Stop Driving Over Faulty Airbags

Repair appointments run into early 2026 despite new service centres and at-home replacement options

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Overview

  • Stellantis UK issued an immediate stop-drive recall for Citroën C3 (2009–16) and DS3 (2009–19) models fitted with Takata airbags after a fatal inflator rupture in Reims
  • Drivers are instructed by the DVSA to cease using affected vehicles until airbags are replaced to eliminate the risk of explosive rupture and shrapnel injuries
  • Many owners report repair slots unavailable until early 2026, forcing some to hire cars at their own expense to maintain essential travel
  • Stellantis is ramping up daily repair capacity by opening additional replacement sites and offering at-home servicing while prioritizing the most urgent cases
  • No broad compensation has been offered beyond safety repairs and owners remain responsible for arranging vehicle transport to service centres