French car maker Citroën is recalling thousands of cars in Morocco due to potentially dangerous airbags, according to a report from French media “BFMTV” on Thursday. The decision is part of a global campaign affecting 22 countries.
Dubbed “Stop Drive,” the campaign targets Citroën C3 and DS3 models produced between 2009 and 2019, due to a critical risk posed by defective airbags from Japanese manufacturer “Takata.”
Citroën’s recall in Morocco involves approximately 4,799 vehicles, making it one of the largest in the region.
The defective airbags have been linked to uncontrolled activation issues that can cause serious injuries or even death.
Citroën is advising all owners of the affected vehicles to immediately cease driving them until the airbags can be replaced.
The recall is part of a larger campaign that includes several other countries in Southern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Morocco is one of the top five countries affected by this recall, in addition to Algeria with 7,484 vehicles, and Tunisia with 4,440 vehicles
In Morocco, as in other regions, the risk is heightened in “hot and humid” climates, which can accelerate the degradation of the airbag’s components.
The “Stop Drive” campaign was first launched in France in April 2024 and has since expanded to include Morocco, Tunisia, and 20 other countries.
Citroën has urged vehicle owners to schedule appointments at authorized workshops for immediate airbag replacements. The company is covering the full cost of the replacements and is offering mobility solutions to affected customers while their vehicles are being serviced.
In total, Citroën’s recall impacts over 530,000 vehicles globally, with 246,000 in France alone. The recall also extends to other countries in Southern Europe and the Middle East, including Italy, Spain, and Turkey.