Own a Citroen C3 or DS3 (2009-2019)? Stop driving immediately!
June 20, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Citroen C3 and DS3 owners: stop driving now. A potentially deadly airbag fault has triggered an urgent recall affecting models from 2009 to 2019.
If you drive a Citroen C3 or DS3 from 2009 to 2019, Stellantis UK (that’s the company behind Citroen and DS) has just told certain owners to stop driving their cars immediately due to a serious airbag issue.
The problem lies with Takata airbags, which have been at the centre of a massive global recall for years. These airbags can become dangerous over time – especially in older cars – because of a defect that can cause them to explode when deployed, sending sharp metal fragments into the car’s cabin.
What causes it? The inflators use a chemical (ammonium nitrate) that can break down over time, especially in hot and humid conditions – which makes them even more dangerous in certain climates.
This might sound dramatic, but it’s a very real risk. Tragically, these airbags have been linked to at least 28 deaths in the US and hundreds of injuries worldwide since 2009.
What cars are affected?
The cars involved in this UK stop-drive action include:
- Citroen C3 (second generation) – built from 2009 to 2016
- Citroen DS3 – built from 2009 to 2016
- DS Automobiles DS3 – built from 2016 to 2019
Fortunately, no incidents have happened in the UK so far, but Stellantis is taking action across Europe to prevent any possible injuries or fatalities. The bottom line: if your car falls within these years and models, you shouldn’t drive it until you know whether it’s affected.
So, what should you do?
Start by checking if your vehicle is part of the recall. It’s simple – just enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Citroën UK website here: https://www.citroen.co.uk/maintain/safety-recall-check.html
If your car is impacted, don’t drive it unless absolutely necessary – even if everything seems fine. Instead, register your car through the website or call the Recall Helpline at 0800 917 9285 to get the ball rolling on a free repair. For extra help, you can also call Citroen Customer Care at 0800 093 9393.
Why is this happening now?
This recall has actually been going on for over a year, starting in southern Europe and slowly expanding north. As these cars get older and continue to be exposed to different weather conditions, especially humidity and heat, the risk increases. That’s why Stellantis has now decided to issue a stop-drive notice across the UK as a precautionary measure, especially with heatwaves expected to ripple through the country this summer.
It’s also a good reminder to keep your contact details updated with the DVLA, just in case you’ve moved recently or changed phone numbers. That way, you’ll always be in the loop if there’s a safety issue with your car.
This news might feel like a hassle, but it’s all about keeping you and your passengers safe. If you’re affected, Stellantis will handle the fix for free. The important thing is to check your VIN and act quickly.
Your car might seem fine, but this is one of those cases where waiting just isn’t worth the risk.
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