If you’re thinking about buying a used Citroen, hit the brakes. Thousands of C3 and DS3 models have just been hit with a do-not-drive order due to a serious airbag fault that’s already claimed a life.
What’s going on?
Last month, Citroen’s parent company Stellantis issued a stop-drive alert across Europe for certain C3 and DS3 models built between 2009 and 2019. The reason? Faulty airbags that could explode and fire metal fragments into the car, potentially causing deadly injuries.
This follows a tragic case in France where a woman died in June after the airbag in her car exploded during a crash and sent metal into her face.
The issue? Many of these cars are still being sold
Even after Stellantis told tens of thousands of UK drivers to park up and not use their cars until repairs are made, an investigation revealed that hundreds of these dangerous cars were still being listed on UK used car websites with no warning about the stop-drive order.
That means some unlucky buyers could have unknowingly bought a car they legally can’t drive and might have invalidated their insurance in the process.
Dealers have now been warned
A group of motor trade lawyers has told used car dealers to immediately stop selling affected Citroens, warning they might be stuck with these unsellable cars for months. The backlog for replacement parts is huge, and private owners are being prioritised over dealers.
Some 120,000 UK cars are affected, and repairs are dragging due to the sheer number of recall requests. According to Citroen, their dealers and customer service teams are currently overwhelmed.
MOTs aren’t picking it up
Here’s the worrying part: these cars can still pass an MOT even though they have a dangerous airbag recall. That’s why trade lawyers are advising dealers to only sell these cars as “unroadworthy,” meaning they come with a clear warning that they can’t legally be driven until repaired.
Driving one of these cars could fall under section 75 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, which covers any vehicle that’s unsafe or illegal to use due to its condition. So yes, it could be that serious.
What are used car sites doing?
After pressure from consumer group Which?, platforms like Auto Trader have started flagging affected listings. At the time of writing, around 1,000 Citroens with the recall notice are still listed for sale.
At auctions, affected cars are being handed over with ‘Do Not Drive’ stickers to warn traders.
No compensation (yet)
Stellantis has said it’s working hard to fix the problem but hasn’t offered compensation for affected drivers. They’re trying to ramp up airbag replacements, even exploring home repairs, but admit the wait could stretch well into 2026.
Selling a recalled car? It could be illegal
Selling a car with an outstanding safety recall could break consumer safety laws. Under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, businesses can’t sell products, including used cars, that are known to have safety issues.
Private sellers, though, aren’t legally required to tell buyers about recalls. That means if you buy privately, it’s completely on you to check whether your new car is safe to drive.
Ignoring that could cause serious problems:
- You could void your insurance
- If you crash and it’s linked to the recall, you’re in serious trouble
- Get pulled over in an affected car, and you could face a £2,500 fine, three points, and even a driving ban
The Association of British Insurers has also said you should always tell your insurer if your car’s under recall and follow any advice given.
How to check if your Citroen is affected
If you own a Citroen C3 or DS3 from 2009 to 2019, here’s how to check:
1. Go to the Citroen UK recall checker online
2. Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). You’ll find it on your V5C logbook or near the windscreen
You can also call 0800 917 9285 or 0800 093 9393 for help or to book a repair.
What’s the deal with Takata airbags?
This recall is part of the biggest car recall in history, the Takata airbag scandal.
The issue is that Takata used ammonium nitrate, the same explosive used in the Oklahoma City bombing, to inflate their airbags. If moisture gets into the airbag over time, it can cause a violent explosion that turns the airbag housing into deadly shrapnel.
Over 100 million cars globally have been affected, across brands like BMW, Honda and Jaguar Land Rover.
