- The Incident That Sparked the Crisis
- Details of the New Recall Campaign
- Criticism of Stellantis
- Takata’s Legacy and Industry Impact
- Importance of the Recall and Safety Impact
- What Should Owners Do?
In a dramatic and urgent move, Stellantis, one of the world’s largest automakers, has called for the removal of 441,000 Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles from European roads. This follows a tragic fatality in France caused by the explosion of a defective Takata airbag. The recall campaign aims to protect drivers and passengers and prevent further deadly accidents.
The Incident That Sparked the Crisis
On June 11, 2025, a 37-year-old woman was involved in a fatal crash in Reims, France, when her 2014 Citroën C3 collided with a road barrier. The defective Takata airbag exploded, sending metal shards into the driver’s face, causing her death and injuring a teenage passenger.
This tragedy brought renewed attention to the long-standing Takata airbag issue, which has caused numerous deaths and injuries worldwide despite previous recalls.
Details of the New Recall Campaign
The new recall targets Citroën C3 and DS3 models manufactured between 2014 and 2019, which were not included in earlier recalls focused on 2008-2013 models. Stellantis had previously believed newer models were less at risk and conducted only routine recalls.
Following the recent fatality, the French Transport Minister ordered the immediate removal of all affected vehicles from roads, a move Stellantis supported by launching a Europe-wide recall and suspending the use of these cars until airbags are replaced.
Criticism of Stellantis
Stellantis faced sharp criticism in France for its slow response and handling of the Takata airbag crisis. The French Transport Minister described the company’s actions as “unacceptable and scandalous,” noting that the company underestimated the risk.
Authorities also criticized Stellantis’s initial safety strategy, which limited driving bans to certain southern regions with hot, humid climates—conditions that exacerbate airbag degradation. After more fatalities, the ban was extended nationwide in February 2025.
Takata’s Legacy and Industry Impact
Takata airbag defects have affected many major automakers including BMW, Honda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. The crisis led to Takata’s bankruptcy in 2017 but continues to impact millions of vehicles worldwide.
Importance of the Recall and Safety Impact
This recall comes at a critical time as Stellantis seeks to restore customer trust and ensure safety. Removing these vehicles aims to prevent further deadly airbag explosions, as tragically demonstrated in Reims.
The move underscores the importance of monitoring vehicle component quality, especially safety-critical parts, and taking swift action when serious defects are discovered.
What Should Owners Do?
Owners of affected Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles should immediately contact authorized service centers to replace defective airbags. It is advised not to drive the vehicles until repairs are completed to avoid potential risks.
Stellantis’ recall of Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles with defective Takata airbags is one of Europe’s largest, enforcing immediate stop-drive orders. Comparatively, BMW recalled around 90,000 cars in the U.S., strictly advising owners not to drive until airbags are replaced. Honda, the most affected, has replaced over 16 million airbags and maintains a high repair pace. Toyota also conducted extensive recalls, focusing on unofficially imported vehicles. These recalls consider vehicle age, climate, and airbag type to prioritize safety and minimize risks to drivers worldwide.
The fatal airbag explosion in France has reignited the Takata crisis threatening millions worldwide. Stellantis’s swift recall of 441,000 cars across Europe highlights the automotive industry's ongoing safety challenges and the critical need for vigilance and prompt intervention to protect lives.
