Motoring experts have warned drivers to stop driving immediately if they receive a Stop Drive Recall letter.
Recently, Citroën C3 and DS3 owners across the UK were told to stop driving their cars immediately due to a stop-drive safety recall.
The affected models were fitted with Takata airbags that could pose a life-threatening risk if deployed. These car models were the following:
- Citroën C3 cars manufactured between 2009 and 2019
- Citroën DS3 cars manufactured between 2009 and 2016
- DS Automobiles DS3 cars manufactured between 2016 and 2019
While no injuries have been reported in the UK, a fatal incident in France involving a 2014 C3 prompted Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën and DS, to issue a stop-drive recall notice for around 120,000 vehicles across the UK.
What is a Stop Drive Recall?
Jay Kennedy from tyre specialists Blackcircles, explains: “A stop drive recall is a type of safety recall issued when a vehicle is found to have a defect that poses a significant safety risk, requiring owners to stop driving it immediately.
"This could be due to a fault from the vehicle manufacturer, a component supplier, or an issue discovered during routine inspections or consumer reports. These defects are usually severe, affecting critical systems like brakes, steering, or airbags, and could lead to serious injury or accidents if the vehicle continues to be driven.
"Stop-drive recalls are not just recommendations; they are urgent directives. The vehicle should not be driven under any circumstances until it has been repaired, even if it appears to be functioning normally.”
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What should drivers do if they receive a stop drive recall?
“Stop-drive recalls aren’t just routine warnings – they signal a serious safety risk that must be addressed immediately," says Jay.
"If you receive a stop drive recall, you should contact your local dealership or manufacturer promptly and schedule a repair. You should also contact your insurance company and follow their instructions.”
“Driving a stop drive safety received car is extremely dangerous, and can cost you up to £2,500 in fines. The DVSA enforces the rule, and drivers can also receive three points on their license and a driving ban depending on the severity of the offence.”
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