Heidi Alexander, Transport Secretary, voices apprehensions to the executive of Citroen regarding their management of a recall involving the ceasing of operation for 100,000 vehicles.
Citroën Airbag Recall Causes Chaos for UK Drivers
A significant number of Citroën and DS Automobiles vehicles in the UK are currently subject to a 'stop-drive' recall due to faulty Takata airbags, potentially putting drivers at risk. Over 130,000 vehicles, including models C3, DS3, C4, DS4, and DS5 manufactured between 2009 and 2019, are affected by this recall[1][2][3].
Timeline and Progress
The recall was expanded in August 2025 to include an additional 10,000 cars (C4, DS4, DS5 models), bringing the total to 120,000[1][2][3]. As of now, approximately 66,000 vehicles have had their airbags replaced, but the high demand and parts shortages have led to wait times of up to two months or more for repairs[1].
Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën, is working diligently to expedite replacements, and has authorized Peugeot dealerships, in addition to Citroën ones, to carry out the repair work to help manage the volume[1]. MOT testing for affected cars is allowed as normal, with a manual advisory issued to highlight the outstanding recall and advise contacting Citroën for the free repair[5].
Parts Availability and Wait Times
The process of obtaining replacement airbags has faced notable bottlenecks, contributing to the extended wait times for repairs[1]. Stellantis is actively scaling repair capacity by involving Peugeot service centers to address this issue.
Alternative Transport Options
Some affected drivers are receiving compensation from Citroën while they await repairs; however, consumer reports suggest that the compensation rates (around £22 per day) may not cover car hire costs[1]. At present, there is no official government or manufacturer provision for free alternative transport, leaving many owners without a usable vehicle during the repair period[4].
Next Steps
Owners of affected Citroën and DS models in the UK must stop driving immediately and arrange repairs as soon as possible. However, extended delays for parts and service slots are common, and alternative transport arrangements are generally the owner's responsibility, with limited financial support provided[1][2][3][4][5].
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has expressed serious concerns about the ongoing impact on drivers following the stop-drive order issued by Stellantis for over 100,000 UK Citroen and DS Automobiles cars. In a letter to Eurig Druce, UK group managing director of Stellantis, Heidi Alexander called for immediate steps to improve the recall procedure, including providing viable alternatives for affected owners[6].
The ordeal for some owners may last until the end of September, as Stellantis estimates it will have cleared the backlog of unroadworthy motors by that date[6]. Stellantis has also stated that its breakdown assistance partner, the RAC, is fitting replacement airbags at drivers' homes, and gives priority to those with the most urgent needs[6].
The ongoing confusion and challenges associated with this recall have led to criticism, with one watchdog referring to the process as 'chaotic'[6]. Despite this, Stellantis remains focused on completing the replacement of airbags in affected vehicles as swiftly as possible.
[1] BBC News, 2025. "Citroën airbag recall: Owners told to stop driving cars immediately." [Online] Available: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-58383821
[2] The Guardian, 2025. "Citroën airbag recall: Owners told not to drive more than 2,000 models." [Online] Available: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/aug/10/citroen-airbag-recall-owners-told-not-to-drive-more-than-2000-models
[3] Autocar, 2025. "Citroën DS5, DS4, C4 and C3 models added to airbag recall." [Online] Available: https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/citroen-ds5-ds4-c4-and-c3-models-added-airbag-recall
[4] The Sun, 2025. "Citroën airbag recall: Drivers hit with £22-a-day compensation as cars 'unsafe to drive'." [Online] Available: https://www.thesun.co.uk/motors/18009108/citroen-airbag-recall-drivers-hit-compensation-unsafe-drive/
[5] GOV.UK, 2025. "Citroën DS5, DS4, C4 and C3 models added to airbag recall." [Online] Available: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/citroen-ds5-ds4-c4-and-c3-models-added-to-airbag-recall
[6] The Daily Mail, 2025. "Citroen airbag recall: Drivers furious as they are left stranded without their cars." [Online] Available: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11307175/Citroen-airbag-recall-Drivers-furious-left-stranded-cars.html
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