In June 2025, Stellantis issued an urgent stop‑drive order for Citroën C3 (2009–2019) and DS3 (2009–2019) models across Europe, including the UK. Safety was rightly prioritised, but chaos ensued.
Owners rushed to garages, but shortages of replacement airbags have left many with unusable cars. As a result, Citroën has faced intense backlash for poor communication and repair delays, with some drivers left stranded waiting for replacement parts.
One driver told the BBC she couldn’t get a repair slot until January next year.
The hidden financial toll
With no viable transport options, some have been forced to rent cars, rely on friends, or take expensive taxis. Thousands of customers find themselves in limbo, out of pocket and out of options.
And it’s not just about getting from A to B. Missed work, disrupted medical appointments, cancelled holidays, and the ongoing stress of having a car you can’t use are all part of the picture.
What all this means for Citroën drivers
The stop‑drive order was essential, but the ongoing scramble for parts and repair slots has created a real-world crisis of cost, disruption and stress for vulnerable drivers.
Citroën has not offered compensation in the UK, but class-action legal action abroad suggests that drivers could be entitled to claim for:
- Depreciation in vehicle value. Cars under a stop-drive order are very difficult to sell, even once repaired.
- Loss of use. Many owners have been left unable to drive for weeks or months.
- Hire or transport costs: Drivers are left having to fork out for rental cars, taxis, or alternative travel expenses.
- Missed work or lost income: For some people, not having access to transport has affected employment.
- Emotional distress: Many drivers are now incredibly stressed, particularly where the disruption has affected medical care, family obligations or caused long-term anxiety.
At Join the Claim, we’re watching developments closely. If legal action becomes possible in the UK, we’ll make sure affected drivers are first in line to join.
What Citroën drivers should do now
If you’ve been affected by the Citroën airbag recall, it can be hard to know what to do next, especially when guidance feels vague and support is patchy. But there are some simple, practical steps you can take right now to protect your safety, manage the disruption, and prepare in case a legal route opens up in the UK.
- Safety first: Do not drive your affected vehicle.
- Prepare for delays: Repair backlogs may take weeks, or even months.
- Track costs: Keep records of every out‑of‑pocket expense and damaged appointment.
- Seek support: Reach out to local dealerships, the Citroën recall helpline, or consumer groups.
- Stay updated: If legal action arrives in the UK, solid documentation will be key.
Join the Claim
While the UK hasn’t yet seen legal action, things are moving fast elsewhere. In Italy, a civil court has admitted a class action against Stellantis over the same faulty airbags. Similar action is already under way in France.
If you’re a Citroën driver, check your eligibility and register your interest now to stay in the loop about a future UK group action claim.
