Takarta Airbag Recall Documentary

[GiveMeABreak]

Given the number of 'After-sales campaign' notices concerning Takarta Airbags I have been made aware of when looking up parts from PSA for members, I thought I would post a link to the following documentary that may be informative concerning the issue with these igniters.

According to Takata, the chemicals in the airbags’ explosive charge can degrade and become more volatile over time, especially in hot and humid conditions. If this happens, the metal charge can disintegrate on detonation, sending shards of sharp metal flying at drivers and passengers.

Although the documentary deals with the USA, Takarta also supplied airbags to a huge number of automotive manufacturers, including Citroen, Peugeot and DS Automobiles, Vauxhall etc.

The documentary focusses on John Keller, a former Takarta Airbag Inflator Engineer and his personal crusade to get these ticking timebombs replaced.

I hope you find it as informative as I did.

I can only suggest that if you have concerns that you try checking with your dealership, or via

DVSA Recall Check (https://www.check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk)
The Motor Ombudsman (https://www.themotorombudsman.org/)

Please note that owners of early Citroen-badged DS vehicles (DS3, DS4 or DS5) should also check under both DS, DS Automobiles and Citroen marques to ensure you check thoroughly as they do not always have these models under the correct categories!

Please also be aware that as I understand it, these recalls are being staggered, so a recall may not be flagged in one year, but suddenly will show up later. I have an example of this where a DS5 from 2012 has a recall dated 17/09/2020, but is also now showing up with another recall via Citroen's site dated February 2025, so this may involve more than one recall! Please also check frequently, as it may take some time for the data to be updated on the websites.



and below, a victim of one of these, Air Force officer Stephanie Erdman:

Warning - Graphic Depiction of Injury - Discretion Advised

[Rhothgar]

Very interesting although I have not watched the video in full as yet. I did watch the discretion advised one though... OUCH!

I'll catch up on the main video when on holiday.

I did call Peugeot but they are currently not aware of it and the Motor Ombudsman have said safety recalls are not in the remit or jurisdiction.

Thanks for bringing this to everyone's attention, Marc.

[GiveMeABreak]

The recalls for these are vehicle and build date specific and won’t have anything to do with the ombudsman, only the DVSA and the manufacturer. So the dealers will not themselves necessarily be aware until flagged up when booked in for some work when they’ll see it on the database. If it’s a major issue, then DVSA will provide manufacturers with current owner details in order to write to them.