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If you drive a Citroen C4, DS4, or a DS5 manufactured between 2009 to 2018, Stellantis UK (that鈥檚 the company behind Citroen and DS) has added these models to its 鈥榮top-drive鈥� recall due to a serious airbag issue.

On 20 June, Citroen told 96,000 UK drivers to stop using their C3 and DS3 cars (built between 2009 and 2019) immediately. This is a 鈥渃ode red鈥� safety recall 鈥� the most serious type, and something that鈥檚 rarely issued in the UK.

The warning came after a tragic incident in France earlier in June, when a woman was killed in a minor accident involving the car鈥檚 airbag.

So, why is there a recall?

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 鈥� especially in older cars 鈥� because of a defect that can cause them to explode when deployed, sending sharp metal fragments into the car鈥檚 cabin.

What causes it? The inflators use a chemical (ammonium nitrate) that can break down over time, especially in hot and humid conditions 鈥� which makes them even more dangerous in certain climates.

This might sound dramatic, but it鈥檚 a very real risk. Tragically, these airbags have been and hundreds of injuries worldwide since 2009.

What cars are affected?

With some models now added, the cars involved in this UK stop-drive action include:

• Citroen C3 (second generation) 鈥� built from 2009 to 2016
• Citroen DS3 鈥� built from 2009 to 2016
• DS Automobiles DS3 鈥� built from 2016 to 2019
• Citroen C4 鈥� built from 2010 to 2018
• Citroen DS4 鈥� built from 2010 and 2017
• Citroen DS5 鈥� built from 2010 to 2018

Fortunately, no incidents have happened in the UK so far, but Stellantis is taking action across Europe to prevent any further possible injuries or fatalities. The bottom line: if your car falls within these years and models, you shouldn鈥檛 drive it until you know whether it鈥檚 affected.

To date, Stellantis says that more than 66,000 C3 and DS3 cars have had their airbags replaced, meaning that over two-thirds of these vehicles are now safe and legal to drive.

So, what should you do?

Start by checking if your vehicle is part of the recall. It鈥檚 simple 鈥� just enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the Citro毛n UK website here:

If your car is impacted, don鈥檛 drive it unless absolutely necessary 鈥� 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 also a good reminder to keep your contact details updated with the DVLA, just in case you鈥檝e moved recently or changed phone numbers. That way, you鈥檒l always be in the loop if there鈥檚 a safety issue with your car.

This news might feel like a hassle, but it鈥檚 all about keeping you and your passengers safe. If you鈥檙e 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鈥檛 worth the risk.

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