Urgent Recall Notice: Potential Airbag Explosions in Accidents
Owners have been warned of a recall due to the risk of airbag explosions during accidents.
Transport Secretary criticizes Stellantis for its handling of vehicle recalls, affecting over 120,000 UK drivers advised not to use their vehicles.
Heidi Alexander has expressed grave concerns in a letter to Stellantis about the issued “stop-drive” notice last June.
Stellantis has identified potentially defective airbags in certain models of Citroen and DS Automobiles, leading to a critical stop-drive order.
**TO ENHANCE YOUR READING EXPERIENCE, DOWNLOAD OUR APP NOW**
The faulty Takata airbags, which could burst upon impact in a crash, pose risks of ejecting shrapnel, potentially leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
Stellantis has issued a recall affecting over 120,000 UK-based vehicles, urging drivers to consult their local garages for airbag replacement.
Although no related incidents have been reported in the UK, the recall was prompted by a fatality in France.
The Transport Secretary is now demanding immediate improvements to the recall procedures from Citroen and DS Automobiles’ parent company, Stellantis.
In a letter to Eurig Druce, UK group managing director of Stellantis, Ms. Alexander urged the company to provide adequate alternatives for all affected vehicle owners.
Alternatives proposed include courtesy cars, financial compensation, or repairs conducted at the owner’s home. The Labour MP for Swindon South criticized the ongoing efforts as falling short of expectations.
In her letter, viewed by PA news agency, she stated: “While I appreciate the swift initiation and progress of the recall program by Stellantis, the disruption faced by UK drivers, especially the vulnerable, is unacceptable.”
She also referred to reports from Members of Parliament and their constituents, detailing distressing experiences, unclear guidance, and insufficient support for alternative transportation.
- HMRC car tax changes could result in fewer cars on roads following Rachel Reeves’s closing of a ‘loophole’
- Motorhomes and campervans face a ban in a popular seaside town for being ‘too large’ for the scenic area
- New driving regulations starting today could affect thousands of UK drivers
A Stellantis spokesperson stated: “With such a large number of vehicles impacted, short-term inconvenience to customers is inevitable. We discuss various support options with each customer, recognizing individual mobility needs.”
“These options include replacing airbags at dealerships or at home, providing courtesy cars, supporting other mobility options, and offering recovery. Priority is given to those with urgent needs.”
This follows calls from consumer group Which?, urging the Government and the DVSA to pressure Stellantis for the benefit of affected drivers.
The group reported numerous complaints from motorists, including some who couldn’t access hospitals for critical issues or travel to care for sick relatives.
A spokesperson for Citroen mentioned that they aim to replace all airbags by the end of September and are making arrangements to assist motorists.
The latest update from the auto brand also extended the recall to an additional 9,968 vehicles from Citroen and DS Automobiles.
Models Affected in the Stellantis Recall
Citroen C4 manufactured between 2010 and 2011
DS 4 manufactured between 2010 and 2011
DS 5 manufactured between 2010 and 2013
Second-generation Citroen C3 manufactured between 2009 and 2016
Citroen DS 3 manufactured between 2009 and 2016
DS Automobiles DS 3 manufactured between 2016 and 2019
Citroen C4 manufactured between 2010 and 2018
Citroen DS4 manufactured between 2010 and 2018
Citroen DS5 manufactured between 2010 and 2018