British motorists who own a Citroen or DS vehicle may be affected by a “stop-drive” message launched last month. Stellantis UK has confirmed that owners of certain Citroen and DS models should stop driving “immediately” after safety concerns have emerged. 

Those affected should “cease using their vehicle” over concerns around airbags fitted inside the cars. Stellantis confirmed vehicles included in this recall action are the second-generation Citroen C3 built between 2009 and 2016. Meanwhile, Citroen DS 3 models manufactured between 2009 and 2016 and DS Automobiles DS 3 manufactured between 2016 and 2019 are also affected.

A statement from Stellantis read: “Stellantis UK announces an immediate stop-drive action for all Citroën C3 (second generation) and DS 3 (first generation) vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2019 equipped with Takata airbags. 

“Owners of such vehicles should immediately cease using their vehicle when safe to do so.

“Vehicles included in this new stop-drive action in the UK, were already part of an ongoing comprehensive recall campaign that started over one year ago, first in Southern Europe and then expanded northwards. 

“Recall decisions, especially stop-drive actions, are based on multiple factors, including airbag specifications, vehicle age and usage, climate conditions, and notifications from regulatory authorities.”

Stellantis explained that there have been no reported instances of any problems in the UK. However, Stellantis has decided to deploy a stop-drive order for all impacted vehicles across Europe as a precaution.

Stellantis stressed that all affected customers will be notified by post, while road users can also check whether they are affected by looking up their VIN (Vehicle Identification Number).

Specialists at Money Saving Expert claim they have been “inundated with messages” from concerned road users about the issue. 

However, they revealed affected motorists may have to wait a while to get their car fixed, wth some already told repairs could take "months” to organise. 

Money Saving Expert warned: “Stellantis told us that waiting times vary across the country and wouldn't give any specific timeframes. However, we've seen reports from motorists who aren't sure when their car will be repaired, or who have been told it'll be months before it's fixed.

“Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, repairs for faulty goods must be completed in a "reasonable" length of time, though the law doesn't get any more specific.

“If you feel you're being asked to wait an unreasonable length of time for your repair, you might want to consider asking for some form of reimbursement.”