Citroen C3 recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 78 safety recalls naming the Citroen C3, launched from 2002 to 2026. Most recalls cover only cars built in certain dates or chassis number ranges, so check a specific car on GOV.UK's recall check.
Citroen C3 recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 78
- 2002 to 2026
- Latest recall
- 30 March 2026
- R/2026/122
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Citroen C3 recall
Newest first. The concern is the part or system affected, the defect is what can go wrong, and the remedy is what the manufacturer does to put it right.
Alarm triggered randomly - BCM software
R/2026/122, launched 30 March 2026. Also covers the C3 Aircross
Defect: On affected vehicles due to a Body Control Module (BCM) software weakness an alarm siren may randomly trigger when the vehicle is locked.
Remedy: Update the BCM software.
Power Steering Wiring Harness.
R/2026/068, launched 10 March 2026, 676 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Affected vehicles may have a power steering harness routed between two screws where minor vibrations could cause harness damage resulting in a possible short circuit. This could lead to a loss of power‑steering assistance and in worst case a fire.
Remedy: Ensure new routing and protection of the harness by replacing the existing clip with a new one and add a cap on the bolt thread.
Alternator protection
R/2026/073, launched 9 March 2026. Also covers the C3 Aircross, C4, C4X
Defect: Affected vehicles may have been assembled with contact or with a reduced clearance between the Gasoline Particulate Filter pipe and the pole protection cap of the 48V Belt Starter Generator. There is a possibility of contact between these components leading to water infiltration and an electrical arch which could trigger a thermal event.
Remedy: Replace the pole protection cap of the 48V Belt Starter Generator. Check the distance between the Gasoline Particulate Filter pipe and the pole protection cap of the 48V Belt Starter Generator and re‑position or replace the pipe if required.
Citroen C3 Front Camera Software versions update.
R/2026/058, launched 2 February 2026, 1,180 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Affected vehicles equipped with a multifunctional front camera module may face a non-compliance to regulatory requirements due to incorrect front camera module calibration.
Remedy: Update the front camera module software and the vehicle software configuration.
Citroen C3 v5 Autonomous telematics box cannot connect to server
R/2025/487, launched 19 December 2025, 1,572 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles there may be a software bug in the Body Control Module (BCM) which prevents a connection to the server and affects the speed limit indication system.
Remedy: Update the BCM software.
Citroen C3 C3 Aircross Brake Pedal Bracket Connection.
R/2025/514, launched 21 November 2025. Also covers the C3 Aircross
Defect: On affected vehicles there may be an insufficient brake pedal bracket connection due to a missing or incorrectly assembled pin. If the pin falls out the brake pedal will potentially disengage.
Remedy: Check the brake pedal connection confirm proper assembly and rework it if necessary.
Emission recall – On Board Diagnostics
R/2025/346, launched 18 August 2025. Also covers the Berlingo, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Picasso, C5 Aircross, Dispatch, Relay, SpaceTourer
Defect: Vehicles may be affected by incorrect performance of the On-Board-Diagnostics related to Selective Catalytic Reduction system and/or Diesel Particle Filter. The Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) may not illuminate in the event of a malfunction and therefore does not comply with emission regulations.
Remedy: Update the Engine Control Unit software to ensure compliance to regulations.
Citroen Fuel Pipe
R/2025/283, launched 18 July 2025. Also covers the C4, C4X, C5 Aircross, C5X
Defect: On affected vehicles there there may be loose connections between a high-pressure fuel pipe and the engine fuel rail which potentially could lead to a leak and risk of fire.
Remedy: Retighten the affected connections.
Citroen DV5R Engines Camshaft Chain.
R/2025/247, launched 3 July 2025. Also covers the Berlingo, C3 Aircross, C4, C5 Aircross, SpaceTourer
Defect: Vehicles may be affected by premature wearing of the camshaft drive chain leading to abnormal noise or to a breakage of the chain in the worst case.
Remedy: Update the software to improve oil pressure and reduce wear. Check the engine noise and replace the chain if required. If no problem found change the oil to one with higher viscosity and special anti-wear additives.
Citroen C3 Front seat pretentioner wires inverted.
R/2025/142, launched 9 April 2025, 531 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Affected vehicles may face a front seat belt pretensioner malfunction in the event of a crash due to the inversion of command wires in the Airbag ECU connector.
Remedy: Replace the affected PINS in the airbag ECU connector.
Citroen C3 DS3 Driver and Passenger Airbag (Takata)
R/2025/021, launched 7 March 2025. Also covers the DS3
Defect: On affected vehicles the chemicals in the Takata airbags may deteriorate over time which may cause the inflator to rupture and lead to serious injury.
Remedy: Owners of affected vehicles should immediately cease using their vehicle when safe to do so until the recall action has been completed. Affected vehicles will have the airbag modules replaced.
Citroen C3 Jet cooling nozzle failure
R/2025/074, launched 19 February 2025, 10,574 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the engine is at risk of becoming damaged because of an inadequate oil supply from an oil jet cooling nozzle.
Remedy: Replace the engine oil and filter.
Citroen C3 DS3 Driver and Passenger Airbag (Takata)
R/2025/022, launched 10 December 2024. Also covers the DS3
Defect: On affected vehicles the chemicals in the Takata airbags may deteriorate over time which may cause the inflator to rupture and lead to serious injury.
Remedy: Exchange affected airbag modules as a precautionary measure.
Cross carline Engine software
R/2024/136, launched 13 March 2024. Also covers the C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Picasso, C5 Aircross
Defect: On affected vehicles below 12500 miles under certain conditions engine emissions may lead to a non-compliance to regulatory requirements.
Remedy: Check the mileage of the vehicle and update the ECU (Engine Control Unit) calibration on vehicles below 12500 miles.
On affected vehicles the fuel tank is not to specification due to a deviation in the manufacturing process which could lead to a potential risk of fuel seepage.
R/2023/335, launched 23 November 2023, 17 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles the fuel tank is not to specification due to a deviation in the manufacturing process which could lead to a potential risk of fuel seepage.
Remedy: Replace fuel tank.
Affected vehicles may have been fitted with a rear axle crossmember that was not manufactured according to specifications.
R/2023/220, launched 21 July 2023, 372 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3 Aircross
Defect: Affected vehicles may have been fitted with a rear axle crossmember that was not manufactured according to specifications.
Remedy: Check and replace the rear axle crossmember if necessary.
On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.
R/2023/046, launched 13 December 2022, 652 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Berlingo, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, DS3
Defect: On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.
Remedy: To rectify this issue a software update will be downloaded which will improve the vacuum diagnosis (in order to warn earlier about the risk of loss or reduction of braking assistance). The timing belt will be checked and if needed replaced with other components of the braking assistance system and the vacuum pump.
On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.
R/2023/036, launched 13 December 2022, 13,740 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Berlingo, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, DS3, DS4
Defect: On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil.
Remedy: To rectify this issue a software update will be downloaded which will improve the vacuum diagnosis (in order to warn earlier about the risk of loss or reduction of braking assistance).
VEHICLES MAY HAVE AN INCORRECT TIGHTENING TORQUE ON SEVERAL REAR AXLE COMPONENT FIXINGS
R/2022/042, launched 10 February 2022, 1 vehicle affected across the models it covers
Defect: Vehicles may have an incorrect tightening torque on several rear axle component fixings.
Remedy: Check and retighten all fixings to the correct torque settings.
THE RIGHT-HAND SIDE DRIVE SHAFT OUTER JOINT MAY BREAK
R/2021/418, launched 2 December 2021, 19 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C-Elysee
Defect: The right-hand side drive shaft outer joint may break due to incorrect hardening of the joint pinion during manufacturing.
Remedy: Check and if necessary replace the right-hand side driveshaft depending on the production time stamp.
THE FRONT LOWER BALL JOINT LOCATING BOLT AND FIXING NUT MIGHT HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED OR NOT FITTED CORRECTLY
R/2021/214, launched 9 June 2021, 8 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The front lower ball-joint locating bolt and fixing nut might have been incorrectly tightened or not fitted correctly.
Remedy: Replace the bolts and fixing nuts that attach both of the front lower ball joints to the front hub assemblies.
THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY BE AFFECTED BY MATERIAL DETACHING FROM THE TIMING BELT
R/2020/327, launched 20 January 2021, 21,226 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Berlingo, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, DS3, DS4
Defect: The brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt.
Remedy: Update detection software inspect and if necessary replace vacuum pump and timing belt.
FRONT AIR BAG IGNITERS MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY
R/2019/339, launched 17 September 2020, 1,080 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C4, DS3, DS4, DS5
Defect: Front air bag igniters may not deploy correctly.
Remedy: Check and if necessary replace the affected front airbags.
THE STEERING GEOMETRY COULD BE INCORRECTLY SET
R/2020/165, launched 26 May 2020, 10 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The steering geometry could be incorrectly set due to an incorrectly calibrated setting rig in the manufacturing plant.
Remedy: Check the steering alignment and adjusting if set incorrectly. If the front tyres are worn these will also be replaced.
THE CALIBRATION OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE COULD RESULT IN EMISSIONS OF NOx WHICH DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE REGULATORY LIMITS
R/2019/353, launched 18 October 2019, 16,144 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C-Elysee, C3 Aircross
Defect: Engine management software issue could result in incorrect emission levels.
Remedy: Update the engine management software.
THE STEERING COLUMN UNIVERSAL JOINT CLAMP MAY BE INCORRECTLY FITTED TO THE STEERING COLUMN
R/2019/009, launched 14 January 2019, 78 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The universal clamp fixing bolt is not correctly fitted in the recess at the end of the steering column.
Remedy: Check and if necessary refit the steering column universal joint fixing.
STEERING COLUMN BEARING POSSIBLY CRIMPED TO THE INCORRECT SPECIFICATION.
R/2018/197, launched 26 July 2018, 392 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On the affected vehicles the crimping preventing lateral movement of the steering column bearing may not be correct to specification. This may result in noise and play in the steering. Ultimately it could lead to steering malfunction.
Remedy: The remedy involves checking the crimping on the steering column and replacing the steering column if necessary.
ENGINE COMPONENT MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION
R/2017/339, launched 15 December 2017, 75 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Berlingo, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Picasso, DS3, DS4, DS5
Defect: An engine component may not be to specification which could result in loss of engine performance. This may lead to the engine stalling and potentially causing an engine failure. In very unlikely circumstances the vehicle speed may increase without warning but will stop on its own after a few seconds.
Remedy: On affected vehicles carry out a functional diagnostic check of the engine. If necessary replace the engine.
RIGHT HAND CURTAIN AIRBAG MAY NOT CONFORM TO SPECIFICATION
R/2017/181, launched 30 June 2017, 5 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: A component within the right-hand curtain airbag may not conform to specification and the air bag may not deploy correctly.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the right hand curtain air bag.
LEFT HAND CURTAIN AIRBAG MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION
R/2017/180, launched 30 June 2017, 8 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: A component within the left-hand curtain airbag may not conform to specification and the air bag may not deploy correctly.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the left hand curtain air bag.
STARTER MOTOR MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY
R/2017/139, launched 24 April 2017, 3,607 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C-Elysee, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, Dispatch, SpaceTourer
Defect: A possible nonconformity of an internal component of the starter motor relay could affect the control of the starter motor. This could adversely affect the starting operation and damage the starter motor due to overheating and in extreme cases there is a risk of fire.
Remedy: On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace the starter motor relay.
FRONT AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY
R/2017/089, launched 7 March 2017, 65 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The ignition module which triggers the front seat airbag may not deploy in the event of an impact. There is no indication to the driver the unit is faulty.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front seat airbag unit.
LOSS OF CONTROL
R/2016/229, launched 17 October 2016, 787 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C-Elysee, C4, DS3
Defect: In the event of emergency braking or during an ESP regulation phase (e.g. avoiding manoeuvre) the hydraulic block may not prevent the locking of a wheel which could affect control of the vehicle.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the braking system hydraulic block
OIL LEAK MAY DAMAGE ENGINE
R/2016/042, launched 10 March 2016, 17 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Picasso, DS3, DS4
Defect: An oil leak could develop at the turbocharger lubrication union retaining bolt due to a non-conformity of this part.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the turbocharger lubrication union bolt and its seals.
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE AFFECTED
R/2015/061, launched 13 March 2015, 24 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: It is possible that the front subframe and suspension wishbones mounting bolts may not have been torqued to the correct specification. This could result in the mounting bolt working loose and falling from the vehicle plus the possibility of the insecurity of the subframe or the front suspension wishbone. This can cause an issue with the handling or even loss of control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles to check and retorque the front subframe and suspension wishbone mounting bolts.
VEHICLE CONTROL MAY BE LOST
R/2014/083, launched 24 July 2014, 28 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: Front subframes on affected vehicles may show signs of damage to the left hand mounting point caused during the manufacturing process. Over time this may affect durability and cause the mounting to fail. This can affect security of components attached to the subframe and may affect control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Prior to failure the driver should notice excessive noise from this area. As a safety measure affected vehicles should be checked and where necessary the subframe replaced.
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE COMPROMISED
R/2014/047, launched 14 May 2014, 3,092 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: The front suspension wishbone mounting bolts might not have been manufactured to the correct specification potentially causing a risk of these parts breaking. Broken mounting bolts can be noticed by the driver through noises and poor directional control.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the front suspension wishbone mounting bolts.
FUEL MAY LEAK AND CREATE FIRE RISK
R/2014/025, launched 26 February 2014, 279 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Berlingo, C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Picasso, DS3
Defect: It has been established that the high pressure fuel rail pipes on the engine have not been torqued to the correct specification. This can result in poor sealing of the rail which can cause as fuel leak onto the engine. If the vaporised fuel comes into contact with a hot engine component there can be a risk of an engine bay fire.
Remedy: Recall all the affected vehicles and retorque the high pressure fuel rail pipes.
REAR SCREEN MAY DETACH
R/2013/068, launched 7 June 2013, 19 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: It has been identified that it is possible that the rear screen seal may not be to specification. This could lead to water ingress into the boot area which in extreme cases could cause the rear screen to become insecure in its housing.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the rear screen seal.
ENGINE MAY FAIL
R/2012/129, launched 14 November 2012, 1,169 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C1, DS3, Nemo
Defect: It has been established that the con-rod (big end) shell bearings may not have been manufactured to specification. This could lead to premature deterioration of the shells and if not identified it could result in engine failure.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace con-rod shell bearings.
BRAKE EFFICIENCY COULD BE REDUCED
R/2012/126, launched 2 November 2012, 49 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The nearside front brake hose may not be properly secured and could chafe. If not noticed the chafing could cause loss of brake fluid and the warning lamp to illuminate. Additionally it is possible the braking efficiency could be adversely affected.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary correctly secure the nearside front brake hose or replace the hose.
WHEEL BOLTS MAY BECOME LOOSE
R/2012/123, launched 24 October 2012, 129 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: It is possible that the left hand wheel bolts may not have been torqued to the correct specification. This could lead to noise or vibration from the wheels and if not rectified it could result in wheel detachment and loss of control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles to check and if necessary re-torque the wheel bolts.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2012/076, launched 9 July 2012, 123 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3 Picasso, DS3
Defect: The battery earth cable dimensions are incorrect and may cause the cable to break. This will then cause the engine to cut out.
Remedy: Replace the battery negative cable with a new dimension cable. (length and terminal)
ABS/ESP MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY
R/2012/074, launched 6 July 2012, 963 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3 Picasso, DS3
Defect: The ABS block may not conform to manufacturer specification. This could affect the operation of the ABS/ESP systems on the rare occasions that they are activated.
Remedy: The hydraulic ABS/ESP block will be checked and if necessary replaced.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2012/062, launched 1 May 2012, 981 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: The engine may cut out as a dimensional nonconformity of the earth cable could lead to it breaking.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the battery earth cable.
THE AMOUNT OF POWER STEERING ASSISTANCE MAY VARY
R/2012/033, launched 19 March 2012, 2 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: There is a possibility that a component internal to the steering mechanism may not be manufactured to the correct specification which over time can cause the steering to become either stiff or easier to operate.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the steering mechanism.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2012/022, launched 7 March 2012, 2,712 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The battery earth return cable is not to the correct specification which during vehicle operation may cause it to fail. This could result in the engine cutting out.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicle and replace the battery earth return cable.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2012/005, launched 25 January 2012, 1,276 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: The battery earth return cable is not to the correct specification which during vehicle operation may cause it to fail. This could result in the engine cutting out.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicle and replace the battery earth return cable.
SUSPENSION FIXINGS MAY LOOSEN
R/2011/165, launched 9 December 2011, 7 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: The front suspension lower swivel joint may not be tightened correctly. If the bolt slackens the joint may separate. This could adversely affect the directional control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and where necessary correct the tightening torque of the lower swivel joint clamp bolt.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2011/156, launched 24 November 2011, 589 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: The earth cable for the battery may be too short and could break. If this happens the vehicle electrical circuit will fail. This could cause the engine to cut out.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the battery earth cable.
AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY
R/2011/137, launched 11 October 2011, 25 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag nay not be of conformity. This non-conformity could lead to poor deployment of the airbag in the event of a collision.
Remedy: Replace drivers airbag
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2011/120, launched 2 September 2011, 9,175 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3 Picasso, DS3
Defect: The battery earth return cable maybe too short which during vehicle operation may cause it to fail at its gearbox mounting point. This could result in the engine cutting out.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicle and replace the battery earth return cable.
TAILGATE MAY NOT SECURE CORRECTLY
R/2011/113, launched 30 August 2011, 34 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The tailgate may fall from the open position because of a potentially faulty ball joint to strut link.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check and if necessary replace the tailgate struts.
MAY CAUSE DAMAGE TO DRIVE BELTS
R/2011/104, launched 11 August 2011, 1,057 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The fixing bracket of the air unit on the engine may break under the effect of vibration. This could affect some of the surrounding components.
Remedy: Remove the bracket and replace with washers
PARKING BRAKE MAY NOT APPLY FULLY
R/2011/087, launched 14 July 2011, 3,773 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: A component within the parking brake assembly may not meet conformity this could result in a lengthening of the handbrake travel which could have an affect on the parking brake efficiency.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles and replace the non-conformity components.
BRAKE SERVO MAY NOT CONFORM TO SPECIFICATION
R/2011/062, launched 20 May 2011, 22 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On the affected vehicles an internal component of the braking assistance circuit amplifier may not be in conformity. This could result in reduction of braking over time.
Remedy: Replacement of the amplifier (Servo).
REAR SEAT SECURITY MAY FAIL IN AN IMPACT
R/2011/003, launched 17 January 2011, 38 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Possible nonconformity of the welding between the cross rail under the floor and its end piece. This possible nonconformity may mean that the rear seats are not held correctly in place in the event of a serious impact.
Remedy: Checking of the assembly and repair if necessary.
ENGINE MAY FAIL
R/2010/192, launched 5 November 2010, 72 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C1, Nemo
Defect: Due to incorrect machining it is possible that the crankshaft is not to the correct specification which can lead to insufficient lubrication of the crankshaft and subsequent engine failure.
Remedy: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the engine.
LIGHTS MAY FAIL WITHOUT WARNING
R/2010/155, launched 5 October 2010, 12,950 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C2, C8, Dispatch
Defect: It has been identified that the position of the exterior lighting control ring may not be detected by the lighting management system and the lights may switch off without warning.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the lighting management software updated.
FUEL MAY LEAK
R/2010/146, launched 22 September 2010, 44 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: The fuel tank mounting bolts may have been incorrectly torqued this may cause the mountings to become loose which can lead to stress on the fuel pipes and subsequently a fuel leak.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles to check and if necessary retorque of the mounting bolts.
BONNET MAY BE INSECURE
R/2010/136, launched 16 September 2010, 67 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: The bonnet lock fixing bolts may not be fully secure which can result in noise and vibration and in rare cases insecure holding by the bonnet catch and lock.
Remedy: On recalled vehicles the tightness of the bonnet lock fixing bolts will be checked and where necessary tightened to specification.
INCORRECT SUBFRAME BOLT TORQUE MAY AFFECT VEHICLE HANDLING
R/2010/132, launched 9 September 2010, 16 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The bolts securing the engine cradle to the chassis may not be fully secure. There is a possibility that the bolts may loosen which will result in noise vibration and in rare cases an alteration in vehicle handling.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace all the securing bolts and tighten them to the correct specification.
LOSS OF BRAKING EFFICIENCY
R/2010/086, launched 7 July 2010, 7,760 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: It has been established that on some C3's the rigid section of the front brake hose may be deformed or twisted. This could result in a deterioration of the braking efficiency.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles and inspect the brake hose for distortion and replace if required.
FRONT AXLE MAY DETACH
R/2010/076, launched 7 July 2010, 36 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: The front axle fixings may not have been tightened sufficiently. This may result in the front axle becoming insecure which may in rare cases if not corrected cause directional control to become impaired.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the front axle fixings and where necessary tighten them to specification.
LOSS OF DRIVE
R/2010/043, launched 19 April 2010, 114 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the DS3
Defect: The front right hand drive-shaft may fail.
Remedy: Recall the affected vehicles to check and if necessary replace the right hand drive-shaft
LIGHTS MAY SWITCH OFF UNEXPECTEDLY
R/2009/113, launched 19 October 2009, 37,086 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C2, Dispatch
Defect: It has been identified that due to incorrect positioning of the exterior lighting control ring by the lighting management system the lights may switch off unexpectedly.
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the lighting management software updated
PARKING BRAKE MAY FAIL
R/2009/096, launched 14 October 2009, 754 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C2
Defect: The parking brake may fail due to the cable not being manufactured to specification.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the parking brakes cables.
WIPERS / LIGHTS/ BATTERY CHARGING MAY BE AFFECTED.
R/2008/199, launched 24 December 2008, 6,031 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Berlingo, C2, C4, C4 Picasso, C5, C6
Defect: An incorrect engine relay unit may have been fitted. This ECU could deteriorate and cause operating faults and perhaps failure of certain equipment
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles check Engine Relay Unit and replace if not correct specification.
FRONT SUSPENSION WISHBONE COULD BECOME LOOSE
R/2008/150, launched 20 October 2008, 4,652 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C2
Defect: The tightening torque for the front suspension wishbone mounting bolts has proved insufficient. This can lead to loosening represented by abnormal noise
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and retorque front suspension wishbone bolts
BRAKING EFFICIENCY MAY REDUCE
R/2006/225, launched 19 December 2006, 4,032 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C2
Defect: If the battery voltage is abnormally low the antilock braking system electronic control unit may not perform to specification which in rare cases may cause a reduction in braking efficiency.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the Electronic Control Unit.
ACCELERATOR PEDAL RETURNS TOO SLOWLY
R/2006/051, launched 28 March 2006, 9,868 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C2, Pluriel
Defect: It has been identified that the accelerator pedal can return too slowly. This can have an effect on the driving of the vehicle
Remedy: Recalled vehicles will have the accelerator pedal replaced.
POSSIBLE LOSS OF BRAKING EFFICIENCY
R/2005/185, launched 15 December 2005, 6,772 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C2, C4, Pluriel
Defect: This concern relates to right hand drive vehicles only. There may cases of the brake linkage lever being defectively assembled which may result in a loss of braking efficiency.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected check and where necessary reposition the brake pedal relay linkage lever.
SUSPENSION SPRINGS MAY BREAK
R/2005/147, launched 26 October 2005, 56,604 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: In the exceptional event of a spring breaking there could be a risk of the spring making contact with the vehicle tyre.
Remedy: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and fit a suspension cup to each side of the front suspension.
THE SECURING NUTS OF THE SUNROOF MAY FAIL
R/2005/020, launched 8 February 2005, 64 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The C3 vehicles concerned are fitted with a panoramic sunroof in respect of which the mobile glass has securing nuts that do not meet the manufacturer's quality requirements.
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace the sunroof securing nuts.
ROOF BARS MAY SLIP
R/2004/022, launched 22 March 2004, 381 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Possibility that roof bars may slip when bulky objects are placed on them
Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace roof bars with modified type.
WATER INGRESS MAY CAUSE ANTI LOCK BRAKE CONTROL UNIT TO MALFUNCTION
R/2003/016, launched 21 January 2003, 5,032 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Water ingress to the ABS ECU connector may cause a malfunction of the anti lock braking system. In the worst case water contamination could cause a short circuit and fire in the ABS control unit.
Remedy: Protect the ABS connector from water ingress. Replace the ABS ECU if found necessary.
PASSENGER AIRBAG MAY NOT COMPLETELY DEPLOY
R/2002/174, launched 13 December 2002, 361 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The front passenger air bag may not fully deploy in an impact.
Remedy: Fit a replacement air bag.
FRONT SUSPENSION BALL JOINT CONCERN
R/2002/121, launched 13 September 2002, 2,828 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The front suspension lower ball joint pinch bolts may not have been fully tightened. In the worst case separation of the ball joint from the suspension arm would affect directional control of the vehicle.
Remedy: Check the ball joint pinch bolts for correct torque and tighten where necessary.
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
What to do next
If you own a Citroen C3, check its registration on GOV.UK and ask a Citroen dealer whether any recall work is outstanding. If you are buying one, ask the seller for proof the work was done, and run a Motoring Insider history check for finance, write-offs and the MOT history.