Building on plans by the UK, France’s transport ministry has dropped a bombshell. This is why they are aggressively recalling over 2.5 million vehicles with Takata airbags because of life threatening safety concerns. This single recall comes on the heels of numerous other tragic events. In France and its territories, 18 died from Takata airbag defects.
The recall affects Citroën C3 and DS3 models produced in 2009 through 2016. It covers specific DS3 models manufactured through 2019. The disadvantageous and tragic death of a woman in France contributed to the quick choice to put out a “stop drive” notice. This incident is a tragic reminder of the imminent hazards created by these defective airbags.
By 2014, Takata had learned that their airbags posed a deadly hazard. This understanding only came after news began to break of airbags exploding in the United States. After these admissions, Takata went looking for someone to guarantee that their airbags in European cars were not dangerous. Unfortunately, the issue worsened spilling over to the much larger recall throughout mainland Europe last year and most recently here in the US. As of last month, more than 30 deaths worldwide had been caused by the malfunctioning airbags, with hundreds of others injured due to their presence.
For one, owners of affected vehicles never received clear warning that driving their cars was dangerous while waiting for repairs. This failure to communicate may well have led countless drivers to underestimate the life-or-death stakes of their predicament. In light of the recall making headway on its own, all of the affected airbags will be replaced by this October.
Recalled vehicle drivers also risk unintentional consequences if they take to the road in their vehicles. In the UK these penalties are up to £2,500, and offenders can be banned from operating any vehicle they consider dangerous. Nonetheless, many owners have indicated challenges in scheduling a repair appointment or experience long delays to receive required part replacements.
Stellantis — the parent company of Citroën — is admitting that the lengthy recall is a hurdle too tough to overcome. A spokesperson stated, “It is inevitable, with such a large number of vehicles affected, that customers will be inconvenienced in the short term.” The company has been working to respond to these concerns. It was dedicated to making the replacements as fast as possible.
To address the issues, Stellantis is already working on solutions such as establishing additional airbag replacement hubs and devising home repair alternatives. They’ve failed to offer demonstrative guidance on how drivers should transport their disabled vehicles to repair centers.
The Takata airbag debacle has had a big human toll all across the world in the last ten years. More than 100 million cars have been recalled worldwide for this defect. As authorities and manufacturers strive to rectify these safety issues, affected drivers are urged to remain vigilant and take appropriate actions regarding their vehicles.