The recall of Citroën vehicles announced last month is experiencing difficulties in the Netherlands. Appointments are being rescheduled because replacement airbags are not in stock. The safety system must be replaced due to a dangerous manufacturing defect.
Mother company Stellantis recently recalled over 33,000 Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles in the Netherlands. The cars are no longer allowed on the road because the airbags may explode after being activated.
Owners throughout Europe must have the airbags replaced. This is causing supply problems, a Stellantis spokesperson told press agency ANP. “We are dependent on the distribution of airbags across Europe, and that is a daily process in which the Netherlands receives its ‘fair share’,” he says.
“Unfortunately, we do not have the required number on the shelf at once, but we can assure you that we are trying to help customers as quickly as possible in consultation with our partners and our dealer network.”
Car concern Van Mossel, a large Citroën dealer, is also struggling with the situation. “We do not have it under control. It depends entirely on Stellantis,” says a spokesperson. “We have people ready to help our customers, but we are dependent on delivery by Stellantis.”
Large crowds at garages
The airbags are installed as quickly as possible when they arrive at Citroën dealers, but busy Dutch car garages complicate this process.
Other countries are also struggling with this. For example, some Citroën customers in Great Britain have to wait until January 2026 for their replacement airbag, reports BBC News.
The airbags are from the Japanese manufacturer Takata. Since 2014, millions of cars with Takata airbags have been recalled. The airbags can explode due to a manufacturing defect, which has already caused several drivers to die worldwide. The chance of airbag problems is greater in warm weather.