Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert issues urgent alert to 120,000 drivers

A warning has been issued to 120,000 motorists by the team at Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert website following a major car recall announcement. The recall affects second-generation Citroen C3 and first-generation DS3 models made between 2009 and 2016, as well as DS3 Automobile DS3s produced from 2016 to 2019.

Due to safety concerns with the Takata airbag system installed in these vehicles, owners are advised not to drive the cars. The warning comes after a fatal incident involving an airbag in a 2014 Citroen C3 in Reims, France, last year, although no such incidents have been reported in the UK.

Citroen's parent company, Stellantis, is offering free repairs for the affected cars, but owners will be without their vehicles until the fix is completed. Those with affected cars should expect to receive a notification letter, reports the Mirror

MoneySavingExpert.com advised: "If you've not heard from Stellantis and you're worried your vehicle may be affected, you can check by entering your 'vehicle identification number (VIN)' into the tool at the bottom of the recall page on Citroen's website."

They added: "Your VIN can be found in your vehicle log book – it's 17 characters long and will start with either VR7 or VF7. If you don't have your log book, you can look for your VIN through the front windscreen of the vehicle, in the left or right hand bottom corner, on the doorframe, near the door catch [or] within the engine compartment."

Owners of particular Citroën C3 (second generation) and DS3 (first generation) models are being notified to sign up their vehicles online for an essential repair job. For those unable to access the internet service, MSE advises calling the recall helpline on 0800 917 9285.

Stellantis said: "Stellantis UK announces an immediate stop-drive action for all Citroën C3 (second generation) and DS3 (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.

"Whilst there have been no reported instances in the UK, Stellantis has decided to deploy a stop-drive order for all impacted vehicles across Europe including the UK. This decision underscores the Company's unwavering commitment to customer safety."