Citroën UK (now part of Stellantis) has issued an urgent stop-drive notice for 2009-2019 Citroën C3 (2nd generation) and DS 3 (1st generation) models fitted with Takata front-driver airbags.
If the recall code NQ3 appears when you run your VIN through the official checker (see here), you must immediately park the car and arrange a free air-bag replacement.
“Roadworthy” isn’t optional – it’s a policy condition
Most UK motor policies make cover conditional on you keeping the vehicle safe to drive. Three of the biggest brands spell it out:
| Insurer | Policy wording |
|---|---|
| Aviva | “Your vehicle must be maintained in a roadworthy condition.” aviva.co.uk |
| AXA | “You must… keep [your car] in a roadworthy condition and maintain your car in roadworthy condition.” axaconnect.co.uk |
| Direct Line | “Make sure your car is roadworthy.” assets.directline.com |
Admiral and Hastings also include similar conditions. If you ignore a stop-drive recall and continue to use the car, the insurer could argue it wasn’t roadworthy, limit or even refuse a claim – especially for your own damage.
What owners should do now
- Check your VIN. Use Citroën’s online tool (see here) – it only takes a minute.
- If “NQ3” appears, do not drive. Citroën will arrange recovery and a courtesy vehicle while parts are on back-order. Keep all emails/texts as evidence that you followed the instructions.
- Tell your broker/insurer. Logging the recall and the fact that you’ve complied shows “reasonable care” under the policy.
- Update your MOT & servicing. Even after the air-bag fix, insurers still expect normal maintenance records.
Why we’re raising this
Takata inflator ruptures have already caused fatalities worldwide. According to UK consumer groups they call the Stellantis action one of the “most serious recalls in a decade”.
As your broker, our job is to keep you protected – and that starts with making sure a recall doesn’t accidentally invalidate your cover.
