Overview
- The Paris JIRS opened three new judicial investigations targeting Toyota, Volkswagen and BMW after a complaint from consumer group UFC‑Que Choisir.
- An earlier probe launched in April into Stellantis was broadened in July to examine three suspected involuntary homicides linked to Citroën C3 airbag explosions in 2021, 2023 and June 2025.
- Plaintiff lawyers said their collective action, previously focused on Citroën C3 and DS3, now spans dozens of additional models across Stellantis, Toyota, Volkswagen and BMW, with roughly 3,000 owners already enlisted.
- France’s Transport Ministry reports 18 deaths and 25 injuries connected to Takata inflators, and about 1.7 million vehicles carry stop‑drive notices requiring replacement before further use.
- Investigations will scrutinize manufacturers’ responses once informed of the defect tied to degrading ammonium‑nitrate propellant, with judges also coordinating cases in territories including New Caledonia and La Réunion.