Citroen DS3 recalls
Recalls to 31 Oct 2026, from DVSA's file. Each recall shows its own launch date.
DVSA lists 37 safety recalls naming the Citroen DS3, launched from 2010 to 2025. 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 DS3 recalls at a glance
- Recalls
- 37
- 2010 to 2025
- Latest recall
- 7 March 2025
- R/2025/021
Source: DVSA RecallsFile.csv, recalls launched from 1992 to October 2026, downloaded 31 October 2026. Open Government Licence v3.0.
Every Citroen DS3 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.
Citroen C3 DS3 Driver and Passenger Airbag (Takata)
R/2025/021, launched 7 March 2025. Also covers the C3
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 DS3 Driver and Passenger Airbag (Takata)
R/2025/022, launched 10 December 2024. Also covers the C3
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.
There is an error in the software calibration of the traction battery control unit which could result in a loss of propulsion when driving.
R/2023/010, launched 17 January 2023, 1,254 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Berlingo, C4, C4X Electric
Defect: There is an error in the software calibration of the traction battery control unit which could result in a loss of propulsion when driving.
Remedy: Update the software of the traction battery control unit.
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, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso
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, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, 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).
THE HIGH VOLTAGE HARNESS FITTED MIGHT NOT BE TO CORRECT SPECIFICATION
R/2022/202, launched 13 July 2022, 11 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C4, Dispatch, SpaceTourer
Defect: The High Voltage Harness might not be to the correct specification.
Remedy: Check the harness conformity and replace it if necessary.
THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE VACUMN PUMP MAY BE AFFECTED DUE TO MATERIAL DETACHING FROM THE TIMING BELT
R/2021/238, launched 23 June 2021, 3,101 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3 Picasso, C4, DS4
Defect: The operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected due to material detaching from the timing belt.
Remedy: Check and if necessary replace the timing belt and other components of the braking assistance system including the vacuum pump. Additionally alter servicing schedules depending on usage.
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, C3, C4, C4 Cactus, C4 Picasso, 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.
THE UREA INJECTOR MAY BLOCK AND LEAD TO NOX EMISSIONS OUT OF REGULATORY LIMITS
R/2020/359, launched 2 December 2020, 168 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: On affected vehicles there may be a defect in the operation of the urea injector which may become blocked leading to NOx emissions exceeding regulatory limits.
Remedy: Update the ECU software to avoid the blockage of the urea injector
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 C3, C4, DS4, DS5
Defect: Front air bag igniters may not deploy correctly.
Remedy: Check and if necessary replace the affected front airbags.
THE ROUTING OF THE REAR BRAKE PIPES MAY NOT CONFORM TO SPECIFICATION
R/2020/037, launched 12 February 2020, 15 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: The routing of the rear brake pipes may not be correct and could cause them to fail.
Remedy: Check and replace affected pipes if necessary
POSIBLE SEEPAGE OF FUEL FROM FUEL TANK
R/2019/357, launched 23 October 2019, 1,090 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Possible non-conformity in the fuel tank manufacturing process could result in fuel seepage
Remedy: Check and change fuel tank if necessary
DUE TO THE CALIBRATION OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE NOX EMISSIONS MAY NOT COMPLY WITH REGULATORY LIMITS
R/2019/329, launched 26 September 2019, 5,290 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Picasso, DS4, DS5
Defect: The calibration of the engine management software could result in emissions of NOx which do not comply with the regulatory limits.
Remedy: Download new engine management software
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, C3 Aircross, C4, C4 Picasso, 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.
SUSPENSION AND STEERING FIXINGS MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT TORQUE
R/2017/300, launched 3 November 2017, 127 vehicles affected across the models it covers
Defect: Due to a deviation in the production process certain suspension and steering fixings may not have been tightened to the correct torque.
Remedy: On affected vehicles check fixings as indicated by the manufacturer. Replace any damaged fixings and tighten all relevant fixings to correct torque.
GEARBOX ACTUATOR AY NOT BE TO SPECTIFICATION
R/2017/126, launched 7 April 2017, 16 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the Berlingo, C4 Cactus, DS5
Defect: A component in the gearbox actuator may not be to the correct specification which may affect gear selection.
Remedy: On affected vehicles replace the gearbox actuator
LOSS OF CONTROL
R/2016/229, launched 17 October 2016, 787 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C-Elysee, C3, C4
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, C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Picasso, 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 C3
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 C3
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 C3
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, C3 Picasso, C4, C4 Picasso
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 C3
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, C3, 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.
WHEEL BOLTS MAY BECOME LOOSE
R/2012/123, launched 24 October 2012, 129 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3
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, C3 Picasso
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, C3 Picasso
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 C3
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.
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
R/2012/005, launched 25 January 2012, 1,276 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3
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 C3
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 C3
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 C3
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, C3 Picasso
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.
FUEL MAY LEAK
R/2010/146, launched 22 September 2010, 44 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3
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 C3
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.
FRONT AXLE MAY DETACH
R/2010/076, launched 7 July 2010, 36 vehicles affected across the models it covers. Also covers the C3
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 C3
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
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 DS3, 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.