It is not at all unusual for automobile brands to call for review of their vehicles to resolve any incidents they have detected and avoid any safety problems for their users. The last one has been carried out by the Stellantis group and affects the examples of the Citroën C3 and DS 3 models that were manufactured between 2009 and 2019 and are located in certain areas of the European Mediterranean. In its statement, it asks owners to “stop driving these vehicles immediately” due to problems with the installed airbags.
These bags were produced by the Japanese company Takata, which in 2017 declared bankruptcy after the global crisis it suffered for supplying millions of defective airbags even though it knew they were dangerous, so much so that they even caused the death of several people when they activated. In recent times, numerous brands have called for review for this same reason through the European Union’s Rapid Alert system (RAPEX). Without going any further, in April of last year, BMW, Audi and Skoda did the same with a total of 300,000 cars.
For its part, Stellantis has been carrying out recall actions for these damaged airbags since 2020. We must not forget that, in addition to Citroën and DS, the group also brings together the Peugeot Fiat, Abarth, Jeep and Lancia brands. As the company has explained, this action is necessary because some chemicals present in the bag inflation system can deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to hot and humid weather conditions. If an accident occurs that activates the airbag, the inflation system can rupture with too much force, which could cause serious injuries or even death in the worst case.
As we indicated at the beginning of this article, on this occasion Stellantis has recalled the Citroën C3 and DS 3 manufactured from 2009 to 2019 that are in some areas of the European Mediterranean. In total, the measure affects half a million units in the regions and countries of Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Of them, as reported by Europa Press, 66,000 are in Spain.
People who believe they are affected by the alert can check it by entering the chassis number of their car in the corresponding section of the corporate website. Also called VIN (“Vehicle Identification Number”), it is indicated on the technical sheet and on the vehicle registration certificate (section E). It is made up of 17 characters.
If you have already received a warning letter, simply scan the included QR code. This way, they will be able to complete a simple registration process that will allow them to gather important information to make the necessary repairs as soon as possible.
Once the relevant registration has been completed, the brand will explain the next steps for airbag replacement, as well as inform them about alternative mobility options, if necessary, to meet their individual needs while they cannot use their car. The company recommends not driving the car unless it is to be taken to the workshop for repair.
Stellantis has not given any repair or delivery deadlines. It has limited itself to saying that its customers may have some difficulties or longer waiting times than expected. “We apologize for the inconvenience and want to assure you that our teams are actively working to resolve these issues as quickly as possible,” they said in their statement.
The replacement of Takata airbags is free for the customer and should not represent any expense.
