Check If You’re Affected By the Citroën ‘Stop Drive’ Recall - And See If You Can Claim

If you own or lease a Citroën vehicle affected by the recent airbag recall, you may be eligible to claim compensation. The airbags, which use ammonium nitrate, have been found to degrade over time - becoming unstable and, in some cases, exploding with excessive force. This defect has tragically led to multiple deaths, including a recent fatality in France.

As a result, Stellantis (Citroën’s parent company) has issued an urgent ‘stop drive’ notice, warning owners to stop using their vehicles immediately until the airbag is replaced.

What Is the Citroën Airbag Recall?

In June 2025, Citroën’s parent company, Stellantis, issued an urgent ‘stop drive’ recall across Europe for specific Citroën and DS vehicles due to serious safety concerns with their airbags. The airbags in question, supplied by the now-defunct manufacturer Takata, contain a chemical called ammonium nitrate, which can become unstable over time.

When triggered, these faulty airbags may explode with excessive force — and in rare cases, even explode without impact — sending metal fragments into the vehicle cabin. This has already led to multiple deaths worldwide, including a recent fatality in France.

As a result, Stellantis has advised owners of the affected vehicles to stop driving them immediately and arrange for a free replacement. The recall affects around 120,000 vehicles in the UK alone.

Which Vehicles Are Affected by the Citroën Recall?

The following models are currently subject to the Stellantis ‘stop drive’ recall:

• Citroën C3 (manufactured between 2009 and 2016)
• Citroën DS 3 (manufactured between 2009 and 2016)
• DS Automobiles DS 3 (manufactured between 2016 and 2019)

If your vehicle is listed, you should not drive it until the airbags are replaced. Doing so could invalidate your insurance and potentially be considered illegal under UK road safety laws.

Why Is This Dangerous?

The recalled airbags contain ammonium nitrate as a propellant. Over time, exposure to heat and humidity causes the chemical to become unstable. When triggered, the airbag can explode too forcefully — in some cases sending metal shrapnel into the vehicle cabin.

Drivers have reported serious injury, and in some tragic cases, death due to these defective airbags.

What Problems Are Drivers Facing?

Many owners are now unable to use their cars due to:

• Long delays (up to 6 months) in getting repairs booked
• No courtesy vehicles being offered
• MOT advisories marking the vehicle as unsafe
• Concerns around invalidated insurance and legal consequences

In short, many drivers are left stranded - through no fault of their own.

Can I Claim Compensation?

Yes. If you have been affected by the Citroën airbag recall, you may be entitled to claim compensation for:

• Cost of alternative travel (e.g. taxis, buses, car hire)
• Loss of earnings due to lack of transport
• Wasted expenses (e.g. car tax, insurance, parking permits)
• Reduced vehicle value due to the recall
• General inconvenience and loss of use

We are currently investigating Stellantis' potential liability for the above losses.

What Should I Do Now?

If you have received a recall notice or believe your vehicle is affected:

1. Stop driving the vehicle immediately
2. Retain any communication from Citroën/Stellantis
3. Start recording all out-of-pocket expenses
4. Fill out our quick enquiry form

You may also want to check your VIN on the Citroën website to confirm whether your car is affected.

How Will the Claim Work?

Our legal panel members are preparing for potential Group Litigation. This means:

• Common issues are argued once, benefiting all claimants
• Expert evidence and court proceedings are coordinated
• The process may take time, but we’ll keep you informed every step of the way

If your claim is suitable, our legal panel will pursue it on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Do I Qualify for the Claim?

To be eligible, you must:

• Own or lease one of the affected Citroën models
• Have acquired the vehicle in England or Wales
• Be able to provide proof of ownership (e.g. V5C, invoice, finance docs)
• Have experienced inconvenience or financial loss due to the recall

Unfortunately, if your vehicle was acquired in Scotland or Northern Ireland, you will need to seek advice from a local solicitor.

How Much Will It Cost Me?

Our legal panel operate on a No Win, No Fee basis. That means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• If the claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing (as long as you keep to the agreement)
• If successful, up to 50% inc. VAT of your compensation may go toward legal fees, including the cost of any insurance policy we obtain to protect you from costs

Our legal panel will explain this clearly before proceeding with your claim.

Why Choose ClaimExperts.co.uk

• Our panel have extensive experience handling complex Group Litigation
• They have in-house barristers and solicitors specialising in product liability claims
• Clear, compassionate communication throughout your claim

Our panel are committed to helping affected Citroën owners secure the compensation they deserve.

Check If You Can Claim Now

Our panel are currently investigating this claim. Enter your details today to be informed when the claim fully goes live.