Gowan Distributors Limited (Citroën Ireland) has announced an urgent stop-drive recall for certain Citroën C3 and C-Zero vehicles fitted with defective Takata airbags.
The recall, issued in June 2025, affects 1,162 vehicles in Ireland produced between 2008 and 2017.
Owners of affected vehicles are advised to stop driving immediately until the airbags have been replaced.
Affected Vehicles
- Models: Citroën C3, Citroën C-Zero
- Production Years: 2008 – 2017
- Units Affected in Ireland: 1,162
Details of the Fault
This recall relates to the long-running Takata airbag defect, which has impacted millions of vehicles worldwide.
In affected Citroën C3 and C-Zero vehicles:
- The chemical propellant inside the airbag inflators can deteriorate over time, especially in warm and humid conditions
- This degradation can cause the inflator to explode with excessive force during airbag deployment
- Instead of cushioning the impact, the airbag may burst violently, propelling sharp metal fragments into the cabin
Risks
- Serious or fatal injuries to the driver or passengers if the airbag deploys abnormally
- Increased risk due to ageing vehicles and prolonged exposure to varying climates
- Risk persists until the defective airbags are replaced
What Owners Should Do
Citroën Ireland has issued a stop-drive instruction for all affected vehicles. Owners must:
- Stop driving the vehicle immediately
- Contact an authorised Citroën dealership to arrange free airbag replacement
- Follow official guidance until the repair is completed
How to Check if Your Car is Affected
Owners can confirm if their Citroën C3 or C-Zero is affected by:
- Visiting the Citroën Ireland official website
- Contacting Citroën Ireland customer care
- Checking with an authorised Citroën dealer using their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
Official Sources
- Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) – Recall Notices
- Citroën Ireland – Official Website
FAQs
Which Citroën models are affected?
This recall applies to Citroën C3 and Citroën C-Zero vehicles manufactured between 2008 and 2017.
How many cars are affected in Ireland?
A total of 1,162 vehicles are impacted.
Why is this a stop-drive recall?
Because of the serious risk of fatal injuries, Citroën Ireland has instructed owners to stop driving immediately until repairs are carried out.
Is the airbag replacement free?
Yes. The repair is carried out at no cost to owners at authorised Citroën dealerships.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. For official details, owners should consult Citroën Ireland or the CCPC recall notice.
