France in Focus

Not for the first time since 2014, Takata airbags are making headlines, now once again in the French news. And even the French government cannot escape using a word borrowed from the English language. By way of introduction, the following:

" De nombreux véhicules construits entre 1998 et 2019 sont équipés d’airbags de la marque Takata pouvant occasionner des blessures graves voire mortelles au conducteur et au passager avant. Le ministère chargé des Transports et les préfets d'outre-mer lancent une campagne d’information à destination des automobilistes, pour inciter les conducteurs concernés à faire changer leurs airbags Takata sans tarder. Un geste de prévention rapide et gratuit. "

Another information campaign of the French government. Do something about it. Practical problems: so many vehicles, 1,7 mln, see your local garagist? Make an appointment? Components, workload, waiting list?

For more official information about models, production years see the included links below.

Rappel airbag Takata : quelles marques sont concernées ?

So Renault is not on that list. Seems odd, but since we have a Renault, I'll - so far - count us lucky.

Lucky you, in the past, in 2015, knock on wood, not too many problems.

" The Takata airbag episode is back to haunt the car makers as Renault plans to recall 646 cars over faulty units "

The timeline: " The problems with Takata airbags in the US started to surface in the early 2010s, with the first major recalls occurring around 2013 and 2014. However, the issues with the faulty airbags can be traced back further, with evidence suggesting problems began in the late 1990s when Takata started using ammonium nitrate as a propellant in their airbag inflators. "

Technicalities: air bag inflators made with phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant without a desiccant (a drying agent) don't like humidity in combination with high temperatures. Risk of an uncontrolled explosion.

Thanks for that heads up - I've just checked and my Citroen C3 is not up for recall. Phew!

@ Demi, there are also many websites where you can input your unique car VIN number, a 17 digit code (sometimes 18), to get a very precise answer. This one is for Citroën.

@RobertArthur Thanks , that's just where I found the info.

Seems like Mme's C4 has the things but not up for immediate recall.
Due for Citroen dealer service tomorrow so hopefully she'll mention it.

In this recent press release more information:

" The Minister does not rule out taking other measures in the coming weeks, particularly in the light of the report of the inspection mission currently underway.

The Minister points out that these measures are designed to protect motorists, not to penalise them. For vehicles affected by the request to stop driving immediately (‘stop drive’), each motorist concerned must be able to benefit from a solution for getting around, until the airbag or airbags concerned have been replaced. "

My advice: before going to the Contrôle Technique, please check the status of recalls and new announcements of Paris. You don't want to go twice to the CT.

L Austin France wrote: ↑Thu Jun 26, 2025 10:05 am Seems like Mme's C4 has the things but not up for immediate recall.
Due for Citroen dealer service tomorrow so hopefully she'll mention it.

Dealer said they'd let her know if & when her car is subject to a recall.

How does this relate if you haven't purchased you car new from a dealer that has your contact details and has no motivation to find out who owns it now?