Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën and DS Automobiles, has initiated a major recall campaign for certain C3 and DS3 models due to faulty Takata airbags. The airbags, prone to deterioration in hot and humid conditions, have been linked to several deaths and injuries overseas, with at least one suspected fatality in France.
The recall, affecting over 180,000 vehicles in mainland France, follows a similar campaign in overseas territories that initially received limited attention. The affected models, produced between 2009 and 2019, are being urgently recalled due to the risk of airbag explosions causing serious or fatal injuries.
The issue of faulty Takata airbags is not new, having led to a global scandal and Takata's bankruptcy in 2017. However, the recent incidents involving Citroën and DS Automobiles vehicles have reignited concerns and prompted legal action. Charles-Henri Coppet, a lawyer representing several victims and their families, criticised the carmakers for their delayed response, stating, "Citroën has known for several years that the problem exists. If we had learned the lessons from the first accident, there would not have been others."
Investigations have revealed a concerning number of accidents potentially linked to the defective airbags, including four fatalities in Guadeloupe since 2018. Prosecutors have launched a judicial investigation into unintentional injuries and homicides related to these incidents.
The recall campaign aims to address the safety concerns and replace the faulty airbags in the affected vehicles. Stellantis has urged owners to stop driving their cars immediately and register for free repairs.
The incident involving Tristan Guérin, a 26-year-old who tragically died in Guadeloupe after a minor collision triggered an airbag explosion, underscores the urgency of the recall and the potential consequences of the defect.
