2 days ago
Major car manufacturer issues ANOTHER huge recall weeks after thousands of Brits warned to ‘stop driving' Citroen models
A MAJOR car manufacturer has issued another significant vehicle recall - just weeks after a previous recall involving Citroen and DS models.
Stellantis recently sent out a 'stop driving' alert to British motorists.
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Their urgent airbag recall involved cars by both Citroen and DS, both under the Stellantis umbrella, specifically the Citroen C3 (2009-2019), DS3 (2009-2019), Citroen C4 (2010-2011), DS4 (2010-2011) and DS5 (2010-2013), which all require repairs and will impact some 130,000 vehicles.
The recall was prompted by concerns over airbags supplied by the now-defunct Japanese manufacturer Takata, whose components have been linked to fatal accidents.
In one recent incident, a driver in France was killed after a minor collision resulted in metal shrapnel from a faulty airbag hitting them - prompting an immediate reaction from the company.
But things are now even worse for the multinational corporation, as a fault has since been discovered in motors from another one of their famous brands, Peugeot.
Specifically, Peugeot 308 models, manufactured between 12 October 2015 and 1 December 2019, are the subject of a recall over concerns were raised regarding the seat belt anchorage on the second row of seats.
It is believed there's a potential risk of rupture in the event of a crash - which is serious enough for Stellantis to deem the repair work "essential".
'The rear seat belt anchors may not be able to withstand the force of the impact sufficiently', according to official recall site RappelConso.
'This could limit the belt's ability to restrain a passenger in the event of an accident resulting in injuries.'
Customers who believe they own a Peugeot 308 model from this production period have been advised to contact their service centre to arrange a free repair.
Car Dealer Mag believe approximately 250,000 vehicles worldwide may be affected - although the exact number of UK drivers impacted remains unclear.
WHO ARE STELLANTIS?
'UNACCEPTABLE'
Consumer protection organisation, Which?, recently slammed Stellantis for their "chaotic" handling of their Citroen/DS recall - calling on them to make urgent improvements.
Thousands of customers across the country have been left unable to drive their cars, with many having no alternative modes of transport.
No incidents are yet to be reported in the UK, but the consumer group has expressed its concern for the lack of clarity around available compensation for customers.
They outlined how "major upheaval" had been caused for customers who were reliant on their cars.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander also expressed "serious concerns" over Stellantis and their handling of the airbag recall.
She said their customer support has been inadequate, with a lack of transparency and disruption to motorists.
In a message to the firm, she wrote: 'I am writing to you to express serious concerns about the customer impact of the stop-drive recall currently affecting Citroen and DS Automobiles cars in the United Kingdom.
'While I acknowledge and commend the pace at which Stellantis has initiated and progressed the recall programme, I must make clear that the level of disruption experienced by UK motorists - particularly the most vulnerable - is unacceptable.
'I have received numerous reports from Members of Parliament and their constituents detailing distressing experiences, lack of clear guidance and inadequate support for alternative transport arrangements.'
Stellantis is ranked as the world's fifth-largest automaker by global sales volume.
Fiat, Jeep, Maserati and Vauxhall.
