Thousands of Citroën drivers across the UK have been left in limbo after a stop-drive notice was issued for second-generation Citroën C3 vehicles made between 2009 and 2019. The warning follows urgent safety concerns linked to the Takata airbag system installed in these models, which could cause airbags to explode without warning – posing serious risk of injury or death. Stellantis, Citroën’s parent company, has responded by urging affected owners to cease driving their vehicles immediately.
But what does this mean for you if you’re one of the estimated 120,000 UK drivers affected? Can you claim compensation, get a hire car, or recover travel costs while you wait for repairs?
Free repairs – but at what cost?
First and foremost, Stellantis has confirmed that it will cover the cost of repairing the defective airbags. Affected owners should expect to receive a recall notice by post and are advised to check their vehicle’s recall status via the Citroën UK Safety Recall Checker. However, given parts shortages and garage backlogs, some drivers have been told they could be without their vehicle for weeks – or even months.
One of our Howden colleagues has been affected, and shared her experience so far:
“The first letter I received informed me about the recall and said that the repair would take a couple of hours, free of charge. But the stop-drive order arrived a few days later.
“I’ve been directed to a Stellantis helpline, which connects you with local garages that can do the repair work. A couple said that they couldn’t book me in until September. Another said they would order the parts from France but couldn’t book me in until the delivery arrived.
“Local garages will of course prioritise their paid bookings, but unfortunately, I’m now left with a car I can’t drive until mid-August. Not only that, but I’m also still paying all the running costs like insurance and tax, with no guarantee that I’ll get anything reimbursed. It’s so frustrating, as I’ve done nothing wrong, and the sheer volume of repairs needed across Europe is just staggering!”
Can I get a hire car?
Stellantis has stated that complimentary hire vehicles may be available to affected owners, but the reality appears to vary. Group litigation firm Bond Turner, which is exploring a potential group legal action, says many drivers have been left stranded without a courtesy vehicle. Others report being asked to pay for collection and delivery services, or simply told no loan cars are available due to limited supply.
If you’re affected, it’s worth contacting Citroën customer services directly to request a hire car or compensation. Keep copies of any correspondence.
What about other costs – will I be reimbursed?
If you’re unable to secure a hire vehicle, you may be entitled to claim reasonable travel expenses during the time your car is off the road. However, whether these costs are reimbursed by Citroën or Stellantis is currently unclear. Our colleague was told: “An alternative solution for your mobility needs will also be considered.” Not exactly reassuring…
Bond Turner has also suggested that drivers might also be able to claim for lost wages, particularly if they’re unable to commute to work or carry out their jobs due to the stop-drive order. For example, if you’re self-employed or rely heavily on your vehicle for income, you could be entitled to compensation for lost earnings. Though again, this would likely require a legal route.
Keep all receipts and document any impact on your income or routine, in case you’re able to submit a claim later.
Is your insurance still valid?
One of the most troubling aspects of the recall is its implications for insurance. Ignoring a stop-drive order is a big no-no; not only is it incredibly unsafe, but it could also lead to a fine, a driving ban or points on your licence. It also means your insurance policy is invalid and you will not be covered if you need to make a claim.
It also means you can’t drive your car to the garage to be fixed. Stellantis has said that arrangements will be made on a case-by-case basis once your recall has been logged. In some cases, dealerships may offer mobile repairs carried out at your home. Alternatively, some are providing vehicle collection services so you don’t need to drive the car yourself.
What next?
The situation is still evolving, with many Citroën drivers facing frustrating delays, uncertainty, and unexpected costs. While Stellantis is responsible for the recall and repairs, we know how disruptive this situation is for those affected.
If your vehicle is impacted, we recommend following the manufacturer’s instructions, keeping a detailed record of any extra expenses, and checking your insurance policy carefully.
Sources: MSE, National Express, This Is Money.
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This is a marketing blog by Howden Insurance.