The urgent recall of Citroën C3 and DS3 models due to dangerous Takata airbags has caused serious disruption for thousands of drivers. But the story doesn’t end there. In parts of Europe, legal action is already under way, with class action lawsuits launched in both Italy and France.
These cases could set an important precedent. If you’re a UK driver affected by the stop-drive order, it’s worth understanding what compensation is being pursued abroad, what that might mean here at home, and whether you can join a UK Citroën airbag claim.
Italy greenlights class action
On 14 April 2025, a Turin civil court approved a classaction suit on behalf of Citroën and DS3 owners produced between 2009–2019. The lawsuit allows owners 150 days to join, with hearings set for 21 November and claims potentially reaching €285 million (~£245m).
France: legal pressure intensifies
In July 2024, A criminal complaint against Citroën was launched. Lawyers accused Stellantis, which owns Citroën, of “endangering the lives of others, deception, and deceptive commercial practices.” A wider class action registered nearly 1,347 people. In June 2025, France’s transport minister requested removal of all C3/DS3 models with the Takata fault from roads.
June 2025 stop-drive
In June 2025, Stellantis issued a rare “stop-drive” alert across Europe, including the UK.
The UK stop-drive covers Citroën C3 (2009–2019) and DS3 (2009–2019) models following a fatality in Reims, France. Owners are being instructed not to drive their vehicles until airbags are replaced. Over 120,000 Citroën vehicles in the UK are affected by this recall.
Many owners report repair wait times extending into autumn or even 2026, with dealership slots fully booked. Making matters worse, Citroën’s helpline is experiencing long hold times, often exceeding an hour with no resolution.
Join the Claim
It is very likely that UK law firms are now exploring a potential group action against Citroën. If you’ve been impacted, check your eligibility, register your interest, and we’ll keep you in the loop.
