A recent investigation by Which? has uncovered something alarming: hundreds of potentially unsafe cars are being listed for sale on popular UK car websites without any warning to buyers.
That includes Citroën C3 and DS3 models affected by a serious stop-drive airbag recall.
Despite being told not to drive their vehicles, many owners are now learning, too late, that their car has a life-threatening fault.
Selling cars under recall: not just wrong, but illegal
Under the General Product Safety Regulations, selling a car with a known recall may be a criminal offence. But the Which? report shows that many dealers are still doing just that. Some even gave incorrect information when asked about a car’s safety status.
In fact, out of 16 Citroën C3s listed by dealers online, 12 had unresolved safety recalls. Not one of those listings clearly flagged the issue.
That’s 12 cars that could cause serious harm. All sold without warning.
Faulty airbags, real-world consequences
The recall involves potentially deadly airbags, which can rupture on deployment and send shrapnel flying inside the car. Several global deaths have already been linked to this defect.
The recall is so serious that Stellantis — which owns Citroën — has told drivers not to use affected vehicles at all until the airbag is replaced.
However, replacement parts are scarce. Many owners report repair wait times extending into autumn or even 2026, with dealership slots fully booked. Making matters worse, Citroën’s helpline is experiencing long hold times, often exceeding an hour with no resolution.
In the meantime, some dealers are still shifting affected cars without checking, or without being honest when asked.
Where are the warnings?
After being contacted by Which?, AutoTrader did act fast, placing a general warning on Citroën C3 listings. But many other sites still hadn’t taken any similar action by the date the report was published. And vehicle history reports, which many drivers rely on before buying, are no better. One service called a stop-drive recall a “minor” issue. Another claimed the car was “all clear”.
For consumers, it’s a minefield. Unless you know exactly what to ask for, and how to check for yourself, you could end up buying a car you’re not even allowed to drive.
How to protect yourself
If you’re thinking of buying a used car, especially a Citroën C3 or DS3 from 2009 to 2019, here’s what you should do:
- Use the government’s free MOT and recall checker.
- Ask the dealer for the vehicle’s VIN number, and use the manufacturer’s own recall checker.
- Get confirmation in writing that the car has no outstanding recalls before you buy.
Drivers deserve better
You should be able to buy a car in full confidence that it’s roadworthy and safe. And that any serious recall has been sorted.
At Join the Claim, we believe this recall should never have been allowed to fly under the radar. So we’re helping drivers stay informed about potential legal action with our trusted partner firms.
Join the Claim connects consumers with SRA-regulated lawyers. Visit the claim page to check your eligibility if a claim is open with one of our trusted legal partners. If a group action has not yet been launched, you can register your interest and we’ll keep you informed if a partner firm decides to take a claim forward.
