IRISH car owners of a popular motor brand have been warned to “stop driving their vehicle” – as a major recall has been issued.
Citroen C3 and DS 3 cars have been issued a recall notice.
Citroën has issued a recall notice of its C3 and DS 3 models[/caption]
Both models have safety issues surrounding their air bags[/caption]
The Road Safety Authority shared the warning on X after Gowan Distributors Limited, which imports Citroen and DS vehicles, issued an urgent stop-drive recall.
The recall affects certain Citroen C3, C-Zero and DS 3 models as their Takata airbags could burst with excessive force if they deploy in a crash.
The RSA said: “Important notice for owners of a Citroen C3 and DS 3.
“Citroen/DS Ireland have asked vehicle owners of certain Citroen C3 and DS 3 models to stop driving their vehicle until the airbags have been replaced by a dealership.”
Safety bosses explained that chemicals inside these airbags can deteriorate over time, especially when the cars are exposed to warm and humid conditions.
This deterioration could make the inflator explode more violently than intended, leading to pieces of metal striking the driver or passengers.
The RSA said this fault can cause serious or even fatal injuries if the airbag goes off during an accident.
They said: “Takata airbags may deteriorate over time, particularly in warm, humid climates.
“This could cause the airbag to burst with too much force in the event of an accident, which could lead to serious or even fatal injuries in the worst-case scenario.”
Citroen Ireland confirmed that all 1,162 Citroen vehicles produced between 2008 and 2017 are impacted by this recall.
DS Ireland also said there are 707 DS 3 cars affected, which were built between 2016 and 2019.
Both companies have requested that all owners stop driving these vehicles immediately and arrange for the airbags to be replaced by an authorised dealership.
The recall applies only to specific models and years, so drivers should check carefully using their Vehicle Identification Number.
Anyone who has already replaced their airbags in the past should still confirm that their car is safe to drive as the RSA said it should not be ignored under any circumstances.
Safety bosses have warned that even if a car seems to be working fine, the airbags could fail unpredictably if there is an impact.
Citroen and DS owners are now advising motorists not to drive the vehicles to the dealership themselves, but instead to contact their dealer to discuss safe transport arrangements.
Anyone who thinks their car might be included in the recall can phone DS Automobiles Ireland on 01 409 2400 for help and instructions.
Gowan Distributors will also be sending letters directly to owners with details on how to book a free repair appointment.
The RSA added: “Gowan Distributors Limited (DS Automobiles Ireland) will be writing directly to those consumers affected by this recall.
“If you believe your vehicle may be affected by this recall, you can contact DS Automobiles Ireland on 01 409 2400.”
An urgent recall alert has been issued to Irish drivers[/caption]
