Our motoring expert explains why some Citroen owners need to have their airbags replaced urgently and how to arrange a free repair
The safety crisis centres on defective airbags, used in millions of vehicles worldwide and manufactured by the now-bankrupt Japanese firm, Takata. Stock photo: Getty
What exactly is the Takata airbag issue?
The safety crisis centres on defective airbags, used in millions of vehicles worldwide and manufactured by the now-bankrupt Japanese firm, Takata. These airbags contain ammonium nitrate, a volatile compound that can degrade over time or when exposed to moisture, potentially turning airbags into dangerous explosives. To date, this defect has caused at least 35 deaths worldwide, including one in France in June 2025, and over 400 serious injuries.