Citroën DS 3 recalls

37 official safety recalls for the Citroën DS 3 from NHTSA (United States), DVSA (United Kingdom) and the EU Safety Gate, newest first. Recall repairs are normally free at the maker’s dealers.

Whether your car is affected and still needs the repair depends on its VIN or registration. Check it on the official site for your country:

United States: nhtsa.gov/recalls
United Kingdom: check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk

Airbag inflator may rupture
Reported March 7, 2025Model years 2008–2019DVSA recall R/2025/021154,690 vehicles affected
Airbag chemicals may deteriorate over time, causing the inflator to rupture and potentially cause serious injury. Stop using the vehicle when safe until the recall is completed. The airbag modules will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
Citroen C3 DS3 Driver and Passenger Airbag (Takata)
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.
Airbag inflator may rupture
Reported December 10, 2024Model years 2008–2019DVSA recall R/2025/02275 vehicles affected
The chemicals in the airbags may deteriorate over time, causing an inflator to rupture and potentially cause serious injury. Affected airbag modules will be exchanged as a precaution.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
Citroen C3 DS3 Driver and Passenger Airbag (Takata)
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.
Timing belt debris may affect brake assistance
Reported December 13, 2022Model years 2017DVSA recall R/2023/0464,564 vehicles affected
Ageing engine oil may cause timing belt material to detach and affect the brake vacuum pump, risking reduced or lost braking assistance. Software will be updated to warn earlier; the belt will be checked and replaced if needed, along with other brake assistance parts and the vacuum pump as required.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
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.
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.
Timing belt material may affect the brake vacuum pump
Reported December 13, 2022Model years 2017–2018DVSA recall R/2023/036109,920 vehicles affected
Material detaching from the timing belt as engine oil ages may affect the brake vacuum pump. A software update will improve vacuum diagnosis to warn earlier about possible loss or reduction of braking assistance.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
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.
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).
Timing belt material may affect brake vacuum pump
Reported June 23, 2021Model years 2016–2017DVSA recall R/2021/238EU Safety Gate A12/01042/2112,404 vehicles affected
Material detaching from the timing belt may affect brake vacuum pump operation and braking assistance. The belt and related braking assistance components, including the pump, will be checked and replaced if needed; service schedules will also be adjusted according to usage.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
THE OPERATION OF THE BRAKE VACUMN PUMP MAY BE AFFECTED DUE TO MATERIAL DETACHING FROM THE TIMING BELT
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.
Timing belt material may affect brake vacuum pump
Reported January 20, 2021Model years 2013–2017DVSA recall R/2020/327169,808 vehicles affected
Material detaching from the timing belt may affect the brake vacuum pump. Detection software will be updated, and the pump and timing belt will be inspected and replaced if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
THE BRAKE VACUUM PUMP MAY BE AFFECTED BY MATERIAL DETACHING FROM THE TIMING BELT
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.
Urea injector may block
Reported December 2, 2020Model years 2019–2020DVSA recall R/2020/359168 vehicles affected
A defect may cause the urea injector to block, allowing NOx emissions to exceed regulatory limits. The ECU software will be updated to prevent blockage.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
THE UREA INJECTOR MAY BLOCK AND LEAD TO NOX EMISSIONS OUT OF REGULATORY LIMITS
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 airbag igniters may not deploy correctly
Reported September 17, 2020Model years 2009–2017DVSA recall R/2019/3395,400 vehicles affected
Front airbag igniters may not deploy correctly. Check the affected front airbags and replace them if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
FRONT AIR BAG IGNITERS MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY
Defect
Front air bag igniters may not deploy correctly.
Remedy
Check and if necessary replace the affected front airbags.
Rear brake pipes may fail
Reported February 12, 2020Model years 2019DVSA recall R/2020/03715 vehicles affected
Incorrect routing of the rear brake pipes could cause them to fail. The remedy is to check the pipes and replace them if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
THE ROUTING OF THE REAR BRAKE PIPES MAY NOT CONFORM TO SPECIFICATION
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
Fuel tank may allow fuel to seep
Reported October 23, 2019Model years 2019DVSA recall R/2019/3571,090 vehicles affected
A manufacturing issue may allow fuel to seep from the tank. The tank will be checked and replaced if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
POSIBLE SEEPAGE OF FUEL FROM FUEL TANK
Defect
Possible non-conformity in the fuel tank manufacturing process could result in fuel seepage
Remedy
Check and change fuel tank if necessary
Engine software calibration may cause excess NOx emissions
Reported September 26, 2019Model years 2013–2016DVSA recall R/2019/32931,740 vehicles affected
Engine management software calibration could cause NOx emissions to exceed regulatory limits. The engine management software will be updated.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
DUE TO THE CALIBRATION OF THE ENGINE MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE NOX EMISSIONS MAY NOT COMPLY WITH REGULATORY LIMITS
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
Front axle assembly may disconnect from steering
Reported April 13, 2018EU Safety Gate A12/0625/18
If the front wheel axle assembly is not tightened correctly, the steering could become disconnected from the axle, potentially causing an accident. The remedy is to recall the product from end users.
Official EU Safety Gate text
Component
Injuries
Defect
The front wheel axle assembly may be incorrectly tightened. This may lead to a loss of connection between the steering and the front wheel axle, resulting in an accident causing injury to vehicle occupants or other road users..
Remedy
Recall of the product from end users
Notes
Notified by France
Engine component may cause loss of performance
Reported December 15, 2017Model years 2017DVSA recall R/2017/339EU Safety Gate A12/1345/17675 vehicles affected
An engine component may be out of specification, causing loss of performance or stalling and potentially engine failure. In very unlikely circumstances, speed may increase briefly without warning. The engine will be checked and replaced if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ENGINE COMPONENT MAY NOT BE TO SPECIFICATION
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.
Rear axle fixing screws may loosen
Reported November 17, 2017EU Safety Gate A12/1727/17
The rear axle fixing screws may not be tightened correctly and could loosen, causing a loss of vehicle control. The product is recalled from end users.
Official EU Safety Gate text
Component
Injuries
Defect
null The fixing screws of the wheel axles on the rear cross member may not be tightened correctly. As a result, they could loosen leading to a loss of vehicle control while driving.
Remedy
Recall of the product from end users
Notes
Notified by France
Suspension and steering fixings may be loose
Reported November 3, 2017Model years 2017DVSA recall R/2017/300EU Safety Gate A12/1671/17127 vehicles affected
Some suspension and steering fixings may not be tightened to the correct torque. The specified fixings will be checked, damaged ones replaced, and relevant fixings tightened correctly.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
SUSPENSION AND STEERING FIXINGS MAY NOT BE TIGHTENED TO THE CORRECT TORQUE
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 may affect gear selection
Reported April 7, 2017Model years 2016DVSA recall R/2017/126EU Safety Gate A12/0481/1764 vehicles affected
A gearbox actuator component may be out of specification and affect gear selection. The actuator will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
GEARBOX ACTUATOR AY NOT BE TO SPECTIFICATION
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
Hydraulic brake block may allow a wheel to lock
Reported October 17, 2016Model years 2016DVSA recall R/2016/229EU Safety Gate A12/1363/163,148 vehicles affected
During emergency braking or an ESP regulation phase, the hydraulic block may fail to prevent a wheel locking, which could affect vehicle control. The braking system hydraulic block will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
LOSS OF CONTROL
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
Turbocharger oil leak may damage the engine
Reported March 10, 2016Model years 2016DVSA recall R/2016/042102 vehicles affected
A faulty retaining bolt may cause an oil leak at the turbocharger lubrication union. Dealers will replace the bolt and seals.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
OIL LEAK MAY DAMAGE ENGINE
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.
Front suspension mounting bolts may loosen
Reported March 13, 2015Model years 2014DVSA recall R/2015/06148 vehicles affected
Front subframe or suspension wishbone bolts may loosen or fall out, affecting handling or causing loss of control. The bolts will be checked and retorqued.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE AFFECTED
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.
Front subframe mounting may fail
Reported July 24, 2014Model years 2014DVSA recall R/2014/08356 vehicles affected
Damage to the left-hand front subframe mounting may worsen over time and cause the mounting to fail, affecting attached components and vehicle control. The remedy is to check the subframe and replace it where necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
VEHICLE CONTROL MAY BE LOST
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.
Front suspension wishbone bolts may break
Reported May 14, 2014Model years 2013DVSA recall R/2014/0476,184 vehicles affected
Front suspension wishbone mounting bolts may be incorrectly made and could break, causing noise and poor directional control. The bolts will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL MAY BE COMPROMISED
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 rail pipes may leak and create a fire risk
Reported February 26, 2014Model years 2014DVSA recall R/2014/0251,674 vehicles affected
High-pressure fuel rail pipes may not be tightened to specification, causing fuel to leak onto the engine. Vapour contacting a hot component could cause an engine bay fire. The pipes will be retightened to specification.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
FUEL MAY LEAK AND CREATE FIRE RISK
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 seal may allow the screen to become loose
Reported June 7, 2013Model years 2013DVSA recall R/2013/06838 vehicles affected
A rear screen seal may be out of specification, allowing water into the boot and, in extreme cases, making the screen insecure. The seal will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
REAR SCREEN MAY DETACH
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 due to faulty bearings
Reported November 14, 2012Model years 2010DVSA recall R/2012/1294,676 vehicles affected
Con-rod shell bearings may wear prematurely and could cause engine failure. Dealers will replace the bearings.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ENGINE MAY FAIL
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 loosen
Reported October 24, 2012Model years 2012DVSA recall R/2012/123258 vehicles affected
Left-hand wheel bolts may not be tightened to specification, causing noise or vibration and potentially wheel detachment and loss of control. Check the bolts and retighten them if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
WHEEL BOLTS MAY BECOME LOOSE
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.
Battery earth cable may break, cutting out the engine
Reported July 9, 2012Model years 2010–2011DVSA recall R/2012/076369 vehicles affected
The battery earth cable may break because its dimensions are incorrect, causing the engine to cut out. The battery negative cable will be replaced with one of the correct length and terminal specification.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
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 block may affect ABS and stability control
Reported July 6, 2012Model years 2011–2012DVSA recall R/2012/0742,889 vehicles affected
An ABS block that does not meet specification could affect ABS and stability control when those systems activate. The hydraulic block will be checked and replaced if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ABS/ESP MAY NOT OPERATE CORRECTLY
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.
Battery earth cable may break and stop the engine
Reported May 1, 2012Model years 2010–2011DVSA recall R/2012/0621,962 vehicles affected
A dimensional defect may cause the battery earth cable to break, making the engine cut out. The cable will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
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.
Battery earth cable may fail and cut out engine
Reported January 25, 2012Model years 2010DVSA recall R/2012/0052,552 vehicles affected
The battery earth return cable may fail during operation, causing the engine to cut out. The cable will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
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.
Front suspension joint bolt may loosen
Reported December 9, 2011Model years 2011DVSA recall R/2011/16514 vehicles affected
If the lower swivel joint clamp bolt loosens, the joint may separate and affect directional control. The bolt tightening torque will be checked and corrected if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
SUSPENSION FIXINGS MAY LOOSEN
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.
Battery earth cable may break
Reported November 24, 2011Model years 2010DVSA recall R/2011/1561,178 vehicles affected
The battery earth cable may be too short and break, causing the electrical circuit to fail and the engine to cut out. The cable will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
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.
Driver airbag may not deploy correctly
Reported October 11, 2011Model years 2011DVSA recall R/2011/13750 vehicles affected
The driver airbag may not conform and could deploy poorly in a collision. The driver airbag will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY CORRECTLY
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
Reported September 2, 2011Model years 2011DVSA recall R/2011/12027,525 vehicles affected
The battery earth return cable may be too short and fail at its gearbox mounting, causing the engine to cut out. The cable will be replaced.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
ENGINE MAY CUT OUT
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.
Loose fuel tank bolts may cause a fuel leak
Reported September 22, 2010DVSA recall R/2010/14688 vehicles affected
Incorrectly torqued fuel tank mounting bolts may loosen, stress the fuel pipes and lead to a fuel leak. The bolts will be checked and retorqued if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
FUEL MAY LEAK
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 lock bolts may be loose
Reported September 16, 2010Model years 2009–2010DVSA recall R/2010/136134 vehicles affected
Loose bonnet lock fixing bolts may cause noise and vibration and, rarely, leave the bonnet insecure. The bolts will be checked and tightened to specification if needed.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
BONNET MAY BE INSECURE
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 fixings may loosen
Reported July 7, 2010Model years 2010DVSA recall R/2010/07672 vehicles affected
The front axle fixings may not be tight enough, which could make the axle insecure and impair directional control. The fixings will be checked and tightened to specification if needed.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
FRONT AXLE MAY DETACH
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.
Front right drive shaft may fail
Reported April 19, 2010DVSA recall R/2010/043228 vehicles affected
The front right drive shaft may fail, causing loss of drive. It will be checked and replaced if necessary.
Official DVSA recall text
Component
LOSS OF DRIVE
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

Sources: NHTSA (US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), DVSA (UK Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) and the EU Safety Gate (European Commission) recall data. Each recall covers vehicles sold in that market; models sold elsewhere may differ.

Back to the Citroën DS 3

Airbag inflator may rupture

Airbag inflator may rupture

Timing belt debris may affect brake assistance

Timing belt material may affect the brake vacuum pump

Timing belt material may affect brake vacuum pump

Timing belt material may affect brake vacuum pump

Urea injector may block

Front airbag igniters may not deploy correctly

Rear brake pipes may fail

Fuel tank may allow fuel to seep

Engine software calibration may cause excess NOx emissions

Front axle assembly may disconnect from steering

Engine component may cause loss of performance

Rear axle fixing screws may loosen

Suspension and steering fixings may be loose

Gearbox actuator may affect gear selection

Hydraulic brake block may allow a wheel to lock

Turbocharger oil leak may damage the engine

Front suspension mounting bolts may loosen

Front subframe mounting may fail

Front suspension wishbone bolts may break

Fuel rail pipes may leak and create a fire risk

Rear screen seal may allow the screen to become loose

Engine may fail due to faulty bearings

Wheel bolts may loosen

Battery earth cable may break, cutting out the engine

ABS block may affect ABS and stability control

Battery earth cable may break and stop the engine

Battery earth cable may fail and cut out engine

Front suspension joint bolt may loosen

Battery earth cable may break

Driver airbag may not deploy correctly

Engine may cut out

Loose fuel tank bolts may cause a fuel leak

Bonnet lock bolts may be loose

Front axle fixings may loosen

Front right drive shaft may fail