Warning for motorists driving these 21 cars in South Africa

Stellantis has issued an urgent recall affecting 21 different cars in South Africa across five of its marques.

The recall applies to selected models from Stellantis-owned brands, including Citroën, DS, Chrysler, Jeep, and Opel.

This is part of the ongoing Takata airbag safety campaign, which has affected several manufacturers worldwide.

“Takata airbag inflators have been shown to deteriorate over time, particularly when exposed to hot and humid climates,” said Stellantis.

“Under these conditions, the inflators may explode when the airbags deploy and project metal fragments which could cause serious injury or even death.”

The carmaker said that it is actively recalling all affected vehicles across its brands to change the airbags for its customers.

All owners are urged to immediately stop driving their vehicles and contact Stellantis to have the required repairs carried out.

The service will be done free of charge.

The company has also launched an online VIN Check tool, which can be access at https://www.recall.stellantis.com/#/takata, allowing vehicle owners to verify if their car is affected by the recall simply by entering their vehicle identification number.

Customers can also phone Stellantis on 0860 738 472.

The models affected by the recall are as follows:

Citroën:

• Citroën C3 Phase 2 (24.09.2008 – 21.02.2017)
• Citroën C4 (02.02.2010 – 20.05.2018)
• Citroën DS3 (05.12.2008 – 30.05.2019)
• Citroën DS4 (05.05.2010 – 3.02.2017)
• Citroën DS5 (30.06.2010 – 09.02.2018)
• Citroën C Zéro (10.2010 – 02.2017)

DS

• DS 3 (05.12.2008 – 30.05.2019)
• DS 4 (05.05.2010 – 03.02.2017)
• DS 5 (30.06.2010 – 09.02.2018)

Chrysler

• Chrysler 300 (2004 – 2016)
• Chrysler Aspen (2007 – 2009)
• Chrysler Crossfire (2007 – 2008)

Jeep

• Jeep Wrangler (2007 – 2016)

Opel

• Opel Signum (16.02.2005 – 19.06.2008)
• Opel Astra (03.01.2005 – 11.06.2014)
• Opel Cascada (08.05.2012 – 22.08.2018)
• Opel Meriva (05.02.2009 – 24.03.2017)
• Opel Mokka (15.12.2011 – 06.06.2018)
• Opel Vectra (04.07.2003 – 10.10.2008)
• Opel Zafira (25.02.2011 – 26.07.2016)
• Opel Astra 10 (24.02.2009 – 23.08.2018)

Toyota warns about a lack of compliance

Toyota is another manufacturer that has issued a recall over the Takata airbag issue this year, launching a safety and awareness campaign called Don’t Risk It, Fix It.

It applies to models across its Toyota, Lexus, and Hino brands, including:

• 2002-2017: Corolla
• 2003-2005: RAV4
• 2005-2015: Fortuner
• 2004-2015: Hilux
• 2005-2017: Yaris
• 2006-2008: Toyota Avensis
• 2007-2013: Auris
• 2002-2007: RunX
• 2006-2012: Lexus IS
• 2008: Lexus SC
• 2016: Lexus RX
• 2011-2017: Hino 300 Series

The Japanese automaker noted that South Africa has a low compliance rate when it comes to vehicle recalls, as many owners do not take the risks seriously.

Despite the risks, only 39% of Toyota models identified with the safety issue have been fixed.

It acknowledged that these notices are inconvenient, but that they are vitally important to the safety of road users.

“I encourage all our customers to heed the call for this proactive safety critical measure with urgency. Additionally, we ask for all stakeholder’s support to help us reach our 100% target,” said Toyota South Africa Motors CEO Andrew Kirby.