Takata Airbag Failure Leads to Vehicle Immobilization Order in France After Second Death

Following a fatal accident involving a defective Takata airbag, the French government has ordered the immobilization of Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles subject to a recall. The decision, announced this week, comes after a 37-year-old driver died in Reims on June 11, 2025, due to injuries sustained when her Takata airbag exploded during a highway accident [1].

Urgent Action Taken After Fatal Incident

France’s Minister of Transport, Philippe tabarot, has demanded a “stop drive” order for all Citroën C3 and DS3 models currently under recall to ensure public safety. This action underscores the severity of the risk posed by these deteriorating airbags. The victim was driving a Citroën C3 manufactured in 2014 when the incident occurred [2].

Did You Know? the “stop drive” order means owners of affected vehicles are urged not to operate them until the faulty airbag is replaced.

The Takata Airbag Crisis: A Global Issue

The Takata airbag scandal has impacted the entire automotive industry, with numerous manufacturers worldwide recalling hundreds of thousands of vehicles. The core issue lies in the gas contained within the airbags, which degrades over time, especially in hot and humid conditions. This degradation can lead to explosive deployments, causing severe or fatal injuries to vehicle occupants [3].

Timeline of Events

Stellantis’ response and Recall Progress

Stellantis, the parent company of Citroën, reports that approximately 69.7% (481,000) of the 690,000 affected Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles have been addressed. The company continues to urge owners to respond to recall notices and schedule airbag replacements promptly.

Pro Tip: Vehicle owners can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the manufacturer’s website or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website to see if their car is under recall.

Past Incidents and Global Impact

Prior to the recent fatality, authorities had identified 29 accidents linked to these airbags, resulting in eleven deaths in overseas territories where the hot and humid climate accelerates airbag degradation. One previous death occurred in mainland France in late 2023.

do you own an affected vehicle? What steps will you take to ensure your safety and the safety of others? share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.