Stellantis issues stop-drive order for Opel, Citroën, and DS vehicles over Takata airbags

Stellantis has expanded its stop-drive measure for several vehicle models due to potentially life-threatening Takata airbag defects. The manufacturer is instructing owners of certain Opel, Citroën, and DS Automobiles models to cease driving their vehicles immediately until the airbags are replaced.

The defect involves Takata airbag inflators that can degrade due to age, heat, and humidity. In the event of deployment, the inflator may rupture, sending metal fragments into the vehicle cabin and causing serious injury or death.

In the Netherlands, approximately 10,510 Opel models, along with Citroën and DS vehicles, are affected by the immediate driving ban. Affected Opel models include specific versions of the Astra H, Vectra, and Signum. In Denmark, owners of seven older models are being asked to stop driving, while in France, Stellantis has implemented a preventive stop-drive for 46,370 vehicles. In Germany, the action covers an additional 8,705 cars.

Replacement of the faulty components is free of charge at authorized workshops. Owners are encouraged to check their vehicle status using their chassis number on the manufacturer's website.