Takata Airbag Crisis: Over 2.3 Million Vehicles in France Still Unrepaired
Airbags Pose Significant Safety Risk
More than 2.3 million vehicles in mainland France have yet to replace their faulty Takata airbags, the government announced on Friday evening. The disclosure comes amidst growing concerns over the dangerous airbags and follows similar immobilization campaigns by Citroën and Volkswagen.
The defective airbags, manufactured by Takata, can rupture unexpectedly, sending shrapnel into the vehicle’s interior and potentially causing severe injuries. In France, at least one person has died due to a Takata airbag malfunction, while 11 others have been injured in overseas territories.
Government Initiatives to Inform Car Owners
To alert vehicle owners, the Ministry of Transport will include a note on all technical inspection reports starting in early March, alerting drivers to any outstanding airbag recall campaigns. This measure aims to ensure that all affected vehicles are identified and repaired promptly.
Volkswagen Recall Affects Over 250,000 Cars
In a related development, Volkswagen has issued a "stop drive" recall for over 250,000 vehicles in France due to hazardous Takata airbags. The recall affects Audi (A3, A4, A5, etc.) and Volkswagen (Fox, Up, Crafter, and Polo) models manufactured between 2006 and 2013.
Volkswagen had previously announced a standard recall for these models in 2024. However, the severity of the airbag issue prompted the automaker to issue an urgent "stop drive" order in France and overseas territories in January.
Previous Recall Campaigns by Other Manufacturers
Takata airbags have been the subject of massive recall campaigns by several automakers worldwide. Nissan, BMW, Toyota, and others have recalled millions of vehicles equipped with the defective airbags. Many of these campaigns are still ongoing today.
Citroën Immobilizes 236,900 Vehicles in Northern France
Citroën initiated a large-scale immobilization of approximately 236,900 vehicles in northern France on Monday. This action followed an earlier recall campaign launched in 2024 in southern Europe.
Immediate Action Urged
The Ministry of Transport strongly urges owners of affected vehicles to take immediate action. Drivers are advised to:
- Check the Takata recall website (https://www.economie.gouv.fr/dgccrf/securite-des-produits/rap... to determine if their vehicle is affected.
- Contact their vehicle manufacturer or dealership to schedule an appointment for airbag replacement.
- Cease driving their vehicle if it is subject to a "stop drive" recall.
Ongoing Efforts to Ensure Safety
The government and automakers are working diligently to ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. Regular recalls, technical inspections, and public awareness campaigns play a crucial role in identifying and mitigating dangerous defects. By taking the necessary precautions, we can help prevent further tragedies and ensure the well-being of all road users.
