Drivers across the UK are being urged to act immediately following an urgent safety recall issued for two popular car models. Vauxhall and Citroën have identified a critical fault with the passenger airbag in certain vehicles that could have severe consequences.
The recall affects approximately 70,000 vehicles in the UK, specifically the Vauxhall Crossland and Citroën C3 Aircross models produced between 2017 and 2024.
The Nature of the Fault
The serious defect lies within the passenger airbag system. Investigations revealed that the airbag's gas inflator could rupture upon deployment. In the event of a collision, this failure could cause metal fragments to be propelled into the cabin, posing a significant risk of injury to the front-seat passenger.
This type of fault is taken extremely seriously by safety regulators due to the potential for harm from what is supposed to be a protective device.
What Owners Need to Do
If you own one of the affected models, you should expect to be contacted directly by Vauxhall or Citroën. The manufacturers will provide clear instructions on the next steps.
The remedy involves a essential visit to an authorised dealership, where technicians will replace the faulty passenger airbag module free of charge. The process is stated to take approximately two hours to complete.
Owners can also proactively check if their vehicle is involved in the recall by using the official online lookup tools on the Vauxhall or Citroën websites, or by contacting their local dealer with their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).
Official Safety Warning
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has officially published the recall notice. While the solution is straightforward, the agency emphasises the importance of heeding the warning and arranging the repair without delay. The safety of passengers is paramount, and this defect rectification is not a mere recommendation but a critical safety necessity.
This recall is a stark reminder for all drivers to ensure their vehicle's details are up to date with the manufacturer to receive vital safety communications promptly.