Citroen expands stop drive recall to 106000 UK cars

Citroen expands a safety recall to more UK models, leaving thousands without usable cars as airbags are replaced.

Citroen extends chaotic stop drive recall to 106000 UK cars

The stop drive recall expanded on 12 August to three additional Citroen and DS models. A total of 9,968 UK cars are now affected, bringing the overall number to 106,000. The original action began on 20 June for second generation Citroen C3s and DS3s built between 2009 and 2019 because Takata airbags can deploy with deadly shrapnel.

Stellantis says the additional models are included to speed up repairs and avoid leaving more customers without transport. The company notes the Peugeot network can replace airbags at dealerships as well as at home, aiming to increase repair capacity. Stellantis had previously said more than 66,000 C3 and DS3 airbags have already been replaced, suggesting progress on the core batch.

The delay in repairs continues to frustrate owners. Some appointments have been cancelled with little notice due to parts shortages, and several drivers report long waits before a repair date is set. Regulators have stressed safety, with the DVSA noting that people should not drive vehicles under a stop-drive order, and insurers could reject claims if roadworthiness rules are ignored. The Takata recall is a global issue, described as the world’s largest automotive airbag recall, affecting tens of millions of vehicles worldwide. The Department for Transport and DVSA say they are working with manufacturers to minimize disruption while keeping people safe.

The scale of the recall shows how one defect can paralyze everyday mobility. Citroen’s move to widen the stop-drive action signals a willingness to take decisive, if costly, steps to fix a serious safety risk. Yet the practical impact—canceled appointments, travel costs and weeks of car-free days—highlights how supply chain bottlenecks and service capacity can amplify risk for ordinary drivers. Regulators are watching closely, and public trust in the brand will hinge on whether mobility options and timely repairs are consistently offered. The episode also raises questions about how quickly large manufacturers can mobilize cross-brand networks to handle recalls that touch thousands of vehicles over many model years. In a broader sense, this case tests the balance between rapid safety fixes and the realistic capabilities of repair ecosystems.

Highlights

The road to full safety is measured in days and miles, not just parts.