News
Car recalls: What they are and what you should do
Why manufacturers sometimes 'recall' cars to address faults and what you need to know if it happens to you
Words by: Andrew Woodhouse
Published on 8 July 2025 | 0 min read
Recalls are designed to protect drivers, passengers, and other road users by preventing accidents and breakdowns caused by known defects.
A car recall does not always mean your car is unsafe to drive. Often, a manufacturer identifies a fault with safety or performance and issues a recall to fix the problem free of charge. In this guide, we’ll explain what car recalls are, how to find out whether your vehicle is affected, and what to do next.
A car recall does not always mean your car is unsafe to drive. Often, a manufacturer identifies a fault with safety or performance and issues a recall to fix the problem free of charge. In this guide, we’ll explain what car recalls are, how to find out whether your vehicle is affected, and what to do next.
What is a car recall?
Manufacturers will pro-actively issue a safety recall when they’ve identified a defect that could prove dangerous.
The official recall scheme is overseen by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), working closely with car manufacturers and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Around a million vehicles are recalled for safety checks or repairs every year, most commonly for identified issues with brakes, fuel, airbags, steering, risk of fire, or seat belts. Recalls can also apply to specific parts, such as child car seats or tyres.
The official recall scheme is overseen by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), working closely with car manufacturers and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). Around a million vehicles are recalled for safety checks or repairs every year, most commonly for identified issues with brakes, fuel, airbags, steering, risk of fire, or seat belts. Recalls can also apply to specific parts, such as child car seats or tyres.
Examples of significant recalls
Several Citroën and DS models are being recalled (from July 2025) due to Takata airbag inflators that may deteriorate over time and could rupture in a crash.
The following models are subject to a 'stop drive' notice, which means you should not drive the car until it has been fixed, and immediately schedule an appointment for airbag replacement. We’ve included Stellantis’ full statement below. The models being recalled are: • Citroën C3 (2009–2016) • Citroën C4 (2010–2018) • DS3 (2009–2019) • DS4 (2010–2017) • DS5 (2010–2018) Owners are urged to check their vehicle’s VIN for recall status, stop driving immediately if affected by the 'stop drive' notice, and contact their dealer to arrange free airbag replacement as soon as possible. Other significant recalls in recent years include: • The Vauxhall Astra, produced between 1991 and 1999, underwent a major recall due to a design flaw where water could enter the engine bay and mix with brake fluid. This required bonnet modifications and fluid replacement in 636,000 vehicles. • Mercedes-Benz has recalled over 337,000 passenger cars in 2024, including models up to six years old. • BMW had almost 650,000 owners recalled in 2024. Over half a million recalls were due to the same Takata airbag problem, especially for cars fitted with accessory ‘M Sport’ steering wheels.
The following models are subject to a 'stop drive' notice, which means you should not drive the car until it has been fixed, and immediately schedule an appointment for airbag replacement. We’ve included Stellantis’ full statement below. The models being recalled are: • Citroën C3 (2009–2016) • Citroën C4 (2010–2018) • DS3 (2009–2019) • DS4 (2010–2017) • DS5 (2010–2018) Owners are urged to check their vehicle’s VIN for recall status, stop driving immediately if affected by the 'stop drive' notice, and contact their dealer to arrange free airbag replacement as soon as possible. Other significant recalls in recent years include: • The Vauxhall Astra, produced between 1991 and 1999, underwent a major recall due to a design flaw where water could enter the engine bay and mix with brake fluid. This required bonnet modifications and fluid replacement in 636,000 vehicles. • Mercedes-Benz has recalled over 337,000 passenger cars in 2024, including models up to six years old. • BMW had almost 650,000 owners recalled in 2024. Over half a million recalls were due to the same Takata airbag problem, especially for cars fitted with accessory ‘M Sport’ steering wheels.
How does a car recall work?
When a safety issue is discovered, either by the manufacturer or following investigation by the DVSA, it is reported to the DVSA’s vehicle recall database.
The manufacturer then begins contacting registered owners of the affected vehicles, usually by letter or email. If your vehicle is still under warranty, you may be contacted through the dealership network. Manufacturers are legally required tell owners about their affected vehicles. Under the UK’s General Product Safety Regulations, manufacturers must also provide a fix at no cost, regardless of whether the vehicle is still within its warranty period. In most cases, the problem will require a visit to a dealership or authorised garage for repairs or part replacements. If you’re notified about a recall, you should act quickly. You may not be at immediate risk but ignoring it could put your safety and even your insurance coverage at risk.
The manufacturer then begins contacting registered owners of the affected vehicles, usually by letter or email. If your vehicle is still under warranty, you may be contacted through the dealership network. Manufacturers are legally required tell owners about their affected vehicles. Under the UK’s General Product Safety Regulations, manufacturers must also provide a fix at no cost, regardless of whether the vehicle is still within its warranty period. In most cases, the problem will require a visit to a dealership or authorised garage for repairs or part replacements. If you’re notified about a recall, you should act quickly. You may not be at immediate risk but ignoring it could put your safety and even your insurance coverage at risk.
Where to check for car recalls
You should receive a letter or email if your vehicle has been recalled, but you can also check yourself for free.
The UK government offers a free online recall checker at gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall. Simply enter your car’s registration number (VRM), and they’ll tell you whether any outstanding recalls apply. You can also check directly with your manufacturer, or by using industry-backed tools like the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Vehicle Safety Recall Service at smmt.co.uk/vehicle-safety-recall-service. Another helpful source is The Motor Ombudsman’s Vehicle Recalls Checker. You can enter your vehicle make and model to see whether it has ever been recalled and whether the issue was resolved.
The UK government offers a free online recall checker at gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall. Simply enter your car’s registration number (VRM), and they’ll tell you whether any outstanding recalls apply. You can also check directly with your manufacturer, or by using industry-backed tools like the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Vehicle Safety Recall Service at smmt.co.uk/vehicle-safety-recall-service. Another helpful source is The Motor Ombudsman’s Vehicle Recalls Checker. You can enter your vehicle make and model to see whether it has ever been recalled and whether the issue was resolved.
What should you do if your car is recalled?
If your car has been recalled, contact your nearest authorised dealer or manufacturer’s service centre. They will confirm the details of the recall and arrange a date for the repair. You might be asked for your vehicle identification number (VIN), which is usually found at the base of your windscreen or inside the driver-side door frame.
Don’t delay, repairs linked to recalls are urgent for a reason and continuing to drive the car could be dangerous. In extreme cases, some recalls come with a warning to stop driving the vehicle immediately. Most, however, can be resolved quickly and with minimal disruption. Keep any paperwork you receive from the dealership after the repair, as this serves as proof that the recall work was completed and can be useful if you sell the car.
Don’t delay, repairs linked to recalls are urgent for a reason and continuing to drive the car could be dangerous. In extreme cases, some recalls come with a warning to stop driving the vehicle immediately. Most, however, can be resolved quickly and with minimal disruption. Keep any paperwork you receive from the dealership after the repair, as this serves as proof that the recall work was completed and can be useful if you sell the car.
What if you missed a recall?
The DVSA holds recall data for all UK-registered vehicles, and manufacturers are required to maintain recall information for at least 10 years.
Even if the recall was issued years ago, you are still entitled to have the fault repaired at no cost. Just provide your vehicle’s details and VIN when you contact the dealer. It’s wise to run a quick recall check if you’ve recently purchased a used car or haven’t heard from the manufacturer in a while.
Even if the recall was issued years ago, you are still entitled to have the fault repaired at no cost. Just provide your vehicle’s details and VIN when you contact the dealer. It’s wise to run a quick recall check if you’ve recently purchased a used car or haven’t heard from the manufacturer in a while.
Are car recalls common?
Recalls are more common than many people think. In the UK, thousands of recalls are issued each year across all makes and models, but there’s no need to panic. A recall doesn’t mean your vehicle is unsafe to drive immediately, unless the manufacturer says otherwise. It usually just means a potential risk has been identified and a fix is available. In most cases, the repair is straightforward and can be done in a single visit to a garage.
Car recalls might seem inconvenient or scary, but they’re a crucial part of keeping our roads safe. Make it a habit to check for recalls, and if your car is recalled then book the free repair and get back on the road with confidence.
Car recalls might seem inconvenient or scary, but they’re a crucial part of keeping our roads safe. Make it a habit to check for recalls, and if your car is recalled then book the free repair and get back on the road with confidence.
Stellantis’ statement on the Citroen and DS recall (2025)
Stellantis UK announces an immediate stop-drive action for all Citroën C3 (second generation) and DS 3 (first generation) vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2019 equipped with Takata airbags. Owners of such vehicles should immediately cease using their vehicle when safe to do so.
Vehicles included in this new stop-drive action in the UK, were already part of an ongoing comprehensive recall campaign that started over one year ago, first in Southern Europe and then expanded northwards. Recall decisions, especially stop-drive actions, are based on multiple factors, including airbag specifications, vehicle age and usage, climate conditions, and notifications from regulatory authorities. Whilst there have been no reported instances in the UK, Stellantis has decided to deploy a stop-drive order for all impacted vehicles across Europe including the UK. This decision underscores the Company’s unwavering commitment to customer safety. All affected customers will be notified by letter. Customers can also check if their vehicle is affected and what actions are advised by using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check tool on the Citroën UK website below. If impacted, they should register their vehicle to enable the processing of their repair as soon as possible. If you are unable to register online, owners can contact our Recall Helpline on 0800 917 9285. Citroën Customer Care can also be contacted on 0800 093 9393. Vehicles included in this action are the second-generation Citroën C3, manufactured between 2009 and 2016, Citroën DS 3 manufactured between 2009 and 2016 and DS Automobiles DS 3 manufactured between 2016 and 2019. Images of these vehicles can be found in this link: https://www.media.stellantis.com/uk-en/corporate-communications/media-library/press-images/623151 It is of paramount importance that owners of vehicles who may have changed either their address or contact details keep their information updated with the DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Authority) so that they can be reached in a timely and efficient manner. Stellantis UK is mobilising its full network of suppliers, retailers and manufacturing plant to support this action and ensure the fastest, safest and most convenient solution for each customer. Stellantis remains fully committed to acting swiftly, transparently, and responsibly in addressing this issue. IS YOUR VEHICLE AFFECTED? Recalls of airbag inflators from the company Takata are ongoing and affect vehicles from many automotive brands and manufacturers worldwide. The chemicals in these Takata airbag inflators may deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to hot and humid climatic conditions. Which may cause some inflators to rupture in case of a crash leading to airbag deployment, capable of causing serious injury or even fatality, in a worst-case scenario. Citroën is recalling all affected vehicles with a staggered approach, to ensure safety first and service all customers in the fastest and most efficient way. It means that we are recalling the affected cars step by step, with prioritization for the oldest vehicles because of the behaviour of the chemical components overtime in the Takata airbags. • Citroën C3 second generation (from 24.09.2008 to 21.02.2017) • Citroën C4 (from 02.02.2010 to 20.05.2018) • DS3 first generation (from 2009 - 2019) • DS4 (from 05.05.2010 to 03.02.2017) • DS5 (from 30.06.2010 to 09.02.2018) With VIN check below you can easily find out if your car is affected. Please note that certain Citroën C3 and DS3 first generation models are subject to a 'stop drive' notice. You can identify the affected vehicles using the recall code "NQ3" (2009–2019), which is displayed after checking the VIN. If your vehicle is affected, we ask that you do not drive it and immediately schedule an appointment for airbag replacement.
Vehicles included in this new stop-drive action in the UK, were already part of an ongoing comprehensive recall campaign that started over one year ago, first in Southern Europe and then expanded northwards. Recall decisions, especially stop-drive actions, are based on multiple factors, including airbag specifications, vehicle age and usage, climate conditions, and notifications from regulatory authorities. Whilst there have been no reported instances in the UK, Stellantis has decided to deploy a stop-drive order for all impacted vehicles across Europe including the UK. This decision underscores the Company’s unwavering commitment to customer safety. All affected customers will be notified by letter. Customers can also check if their vehicle is affected and what actions are advised by using the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check tool on the Citroën UK website below. If impacted, they should register their vehicle to enable the processing of their repair as soon as possible. If you are unable to register online, owners can contact our Recall Helpline on 0800 917 9285. Citroën Customer Care can also be contacted on 0800 093 9393. Vehicles included in this action are the second-generation Citroën C3, manufactured between 2009 and 2016, Citroën DS 3 manufactured between 2009 and 2016 and DS Automobiles DS 3 manufactured between 2016 and 2019. Images of these vehicles can be found in this link: https://www.media.stellantis.com/uk-en/corporate-communications/media-library/press-images/623151 It is of paramount importance that owners of vehicles who may have changed either their address or contact details keep their information updated with the DVLA (Driver & Vehicle Licensing Authority) so that they can be reached in a timely and efficient manner. Stellantis UK is mobilising its full network of suppliers, retailers and manufacturing plant to support this action and ensure the fastest, safest and most convenient solution for each customer. Stellantis remains fully committed to acting swiftly, transparently, and responsibly in addressing this issue. IS YOUR VEHICLE AFFECTED? Recalls of airbag inflators from the company Takata are ongoing and affect vehicles from many automotive brands and manufacturers worldwide. The chemicals in these Takata airbag inflators may deteriorate over time, especially when exposed to hot and humid climatic conditions. Which may cause some inflators to rupture in case of a crash leading to airbag deployment, capable of causing serious injury or even fatality, in a worst-case scenario. Citroën is recalling all affected vehicles with a staggered approach, to ensure safety first and service all customers in the fastest and most efficient way. It means that we are recalling the affected cars step by step, with prioritization for the oldest vehicles because of the behaviour of the chemical components overtime in the Takata airbags. • Citroën C3 second generation (from 24.09.2008 to 21.02.2017) • Citroën C4 (from 02.02.2010 to 20.05.2018) • DS3 first generation (from 2009 - 2019) • DS4 (from 05.05.2010 to 03.02.2017) • DS5 (from 30.06.2010 to 09.02.2018) With VIN check below you can easily find out if your car is affected. Please note that certain Citroën C3 and DS3 first generation models are subject to a 'stop drive' notice. You can identify the affected vehicles using the recall code "NQ3" (2009–2019), which is displayed after checking the VIN. If your vehicle is affected, we ask that you do not drive it and immediately schedule an appointment for airbag replacement.