Citroën is once again in the spotlight following a new recall of Takata airbags in the C3 and DS 3. However, it is not just the Chevrolet brand that is affected, as a large number of vehicles are affected. This recall highlights Citroën's efforts to guarantee the safety of its customers, even if this may be at the expense of the brand's image.
A widespread problem
The Takata airbag scandal is nothing new. For more than a decade, many car brands around the world have been recalling models equipped with these defective airbags. The problem started in the United States and quickly spread around the world. The Japanese manufacturer, Takata, has supplied airbags to almost all major car manufacturers, including Citroën.
Citroën is not the only brand affected by this scandal. Honda, for example, launched its first recalls in 2013. Of the 66,652 vehicles affected in France, more than 92% have already had their airbags replaced. Despite these efforts, thousands of vehicles remain to be found.
What sets Citroën apart is its proactive approach. While other brands are content with standard recalls, Citroën has decided to call for a "stop drive", asking owners to stop using their vehicles until the airbags have been replaced. This measure, although costly in terms of image, demonstrates the brand's commitment to the safety of its customers.
An exemplary response
The Ministry for Energy Transition has confirmed that Citroën has asked 236,900 owners of C3 and DS3 cars in the north of France not to use their vehicles. These models, registered between 2008 and 2013, are equipped with airbags that can cause serious injuries. The ministry also pointed out that these airbags have already caused several deaths, particularly in mainland France and overseas territories.
This recall covers a wide range of makes and models. Here is the full list of vehicles affected with their production dates:
Audi : A3 (2006-2013), A4 (2005-2008), A4 CABRIO (2007-2009), A5 (2010-2011), A5 CABRIO (2010-2011), A6 (2005-2011), Q5 (2009-2012), R8 (2016-2017), TT (2015-2017)
BMW : Série 1 (2004-2013), Série 2 (2013-2017), Série 2 Active Tourer (2014-2017), M2 (2015-2017), Série 3 (1997-2013), M3 (2014-2017), Série 4 (2013-2017), M4 (2013-2017), Série 5 (2000-2017), Série 6 (2010-2017), X1 (2009-2016), X3 (2003-2017), X4 (2014-2017), X5 (2000-2017), X5 M (2014-2017), X6 (2007-2017), X6 M (2014-2017)
Cadillac : BLS (2006-2008), Escalade (2007-2014)
Chevrolet : Aveo T300 (2011-2016), Orlando (2011-2016), Cruze (2008-2017), Trax (2012-2015), Avalanche (2007-2013), Silverado (2007-2013), Suburban (2007-2013), Tahoe (2007-2013)
Chrysler : 300 (2004-2016), Aspen (2007-2009), Crossfire (2007-2008)
Citroën : C3 II (2008-2017), C4 II (2010-2018), C Zéro (2010-2017)
Daihatsu : Charade (NSP90)
Dodge : CHALLENGER (2008-2014), CHARGER (2006-2015), DAKOTA (2005-2011), DURANGO (2004-2009), MAGNUM (2005-2008), RAM 1500 (2005-2008), RAM 1500/2500 (2006-2009), RAM 1500/2500/3500 (2003-2004), RAM 2500/3500 (2005), RAM 3500 (2006-2009), RAM 3500 CAB (2007-2010), RAM 4500/5500 (2008-2010), SPRINTER (2007-2009)
DS : DS 3 I (2008-2019), DS 4 I (2010-2018), DS 5 (2010-2018)
Ferrari : California (2008-2014), California T (2014-2018), 458 Italia (2009-2015), 458 Spider (2011-2015), 458 Speciale (2014-2016), 458 Speciale A (2015-2016), 488 GTB (2015-2018), 488 Spider (2015-2018), FF (2011-2016), F12 Berlinetta (2012-2017), F12 tdf (2016-2018), GTC4 Lusso (2016-2018), GTC4 Lusso T (2018), 812 Superfast (2018)
Ford : Everest (2004-2014), Ranger (2004-2011), Mondeo (2006-2017), Mustang (2004-2014), GT (2004-2006), P 150 Ranger (2004-2006), P 150 Ranger (2007-2011), Fusion (2006-2012), Milan (2006-2011), MKZ / Zephyr (2006-2012), Edge / MKX (2007-2010)
Honda : Accord (1998-2014), Civic (1996-2011), CR-V (1997-2012), FR-V (2005-2009), Insight II (2010-2013), Jazz (2002-2015), Legend (1999-2008), Stream (2001-2005), Shuttle (1998-1999), Logo (1999)
Jaguar : XF (2007-2015)
Jeep : Wrangler (2007-2016)
Lancia : Thema (2012-2014)
Land Rover : Discovery Sport (2014-2016), Range Rover LM (2006-2012)
Lexus : IS (2003-2018), SC430 (2001-2009)
Mazda : 2 (2007-2014), 6 (2002-2010), B Series / BT 50 (1999-2014), CX-7 (2006-2012), CX-9 (2007-2012), RX-8 (2003-2010), Xedos 9 (1996-1999)
Mercedes : Classe A II (2004-2016), Classe C II et III (2004-2016), Classe E IV (2004-2016), Classe M II (2004-2016), Classe R (2004-2016), GL I (2004-2016), SLK II (2004-2016), SLS (2004-2016), GLK (2004-2016), G (2014-2018), Vito / V (2005-2018), Sprinter (2005-2018)
Mitsubishi : Pajero (2007-2017), L200 (2007-2016), iMiev (2010-2015), Lancer (1996-2000), Lancer SW (1996-2000), Lancer (1996-2000), Colt (1996-2000), Pajero Pinin (1996-2000), Space Runner (1996-2000), L400 Space Gear (1996-2000), Pajero (1996-2000)
Nissan : Almera (2001-2008), Almera Tino (2001-2005), Maxima QX (2000-2003), Note (2005-2013), Pathfinder (2001-2004), Patrol V (2001-2008), Pick-Up Navara (2001-2003), Terrano (2003-2006), Teana (2004-2007), Tiida (2007-2014), X-Trail I T30 (2001-2008)
Opel : Astra RHT 04 (2005-2014), Astra 04 H (2005-2014), Cascada 13/A (2012-2018), Meriva 07B (2009-2017), Mokka 12A (2011-2018), Vectra (2003-2008), Zafira 10/C (2011-2016), Astra 10 (2009-2018), Astra GTC 10 (2009-2018), Signum 02/A (2005-2008)
Peugeot : I-ON (2010-2017)
Seat : ALHAMBRA (2011-2017), ALTEA (2010-2015), ALTEA FREETRACK (2013-2015), ATECA (2017), EXEO (2009-2013), IBIZA (2016-2017), LEON 37x (2013-2017), LEON PQ (2010-2014), TOLEDO (2013-2017)
Skoda : CITIGO (2013-2018), FABIA II (2013-2015), FABIA III (2015-2018), KODIAQ EU (2017-2018), OCTAVIA III (2013-2018), RAPID EU (2013-2018), ROOMSTER (2013-2015), SUPERB II (2014-2015), SUPERB III (2015-2018), YETI (2014-2017)
Subaru : Forester (2009-2022), Legacy (2004-2014), Outback (2004-2014), Impreza/WRX/STI (2004-2014), Tribeca (2006-2014), Baja (2003-2006)
Suzuki : Grand Vitara (1998-2000)
Tesla : Model S (2014-2016)
Toyota : Auris (2006-2012), Avensis (2002-2008), Avensis Verso (2002-2003), Corolla (2001-2010), Hilux (2005-2015), Picnic (2003-2005), RAV4 (2003-2005), Yaris (2001-2017)
Volkswagen : Beetle (2012-2018), California T5 (2008-2015), Crafter (2006-2017), EOS (2010-2015), e-UP (2014-2016), Fox (2007-2011), Golf (2009-2013), Golf Cabrio (2012-2016), Golf Plus (2009-2014), Multivan T5 (2008-2015), Passat (2011-2015), Passat CC (2009-2017), Passat Sedan (2006-2010), Passat Wagon (2006-2010), Polo (2010-2014), Sharan (2011-2015), Tiguan (2015-2016), Transporter T5 (2008-2015), UP (2012-2016)
The list is long and reflects the scale of the problem. The Department is urging owners to check if their vehicle is affected by consulting the manufacturer's website using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Citroën is therefore not the only brand affected by the Takata airbag problem; all major car brands are affected to varying degrees. What sets Citroën apart is its commitment to protecting its customers, even at the cost of its image. By introducing a "Stop Drive", Citroën is demonstrating that the safety of its customers is its top priority. This proactive approach is exemplary in the automotive industry, where consumer confidence is paramount.
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