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Citroen C3 recalls

DVSA has published 69 safety recalls that name the Citroen C3 since 2002, 15 of them since 2020. Between them they cover at least 280,345 UK vehicles of this model.

Is your C3 affected? Check the exact vehicle

How the Citroen C3 does at the MOT: Citroen C3 MOT pass rate and common failures.

The latest 40 Citroen C3 recalls

  1. C3, C3 AIRCROSS · alarm triggered randomly - bcm software

    30 Mar 2026 · R/2026/122

    On affected vehicles due to a Body Control Module (BCM) software weakness an alarm siren may randomly trigger when the vehicle is locked.

    Fix: Update the BCM software.

    4,457 vehicles · built 15 Jan 2025 to 9 Feb 2026

  2. C3, C3 AIRCROSS, C4, C4X · alternator protection

    9 Mar 2026 · R/2026/073

    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.

    Fix: 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.

    1,694 vehicles · built 22 Nov 2024 to 22 Dec 2025

  3. C3 · citroen c3 v5 autonomous telematics box cannot connect to server

    19 Dec 2025 · R/2025/487

    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.

    Fix: Update the BCM software.

    1,572 vehicles · built 4 Jun 2024 to 7 May 2025

  4. C3, C3 AIRCROSS · citroen c3 c3 aircross brake pedal bracket connection.

    21 Nov 2025 · R/2025/514

    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.

    Fix: Check the brake pedal connection confirm proper assembly and rework it if necessary.

    962 vehicles · built 15 May 2025 to 1 Nov 2025

  5. BERLINGO, C3, C3 AIRCROSS, C4, C4 PICASSO, C5 AIRCROSS, DISPATCH, RELAY III, SPACETOURER · emission recall – on board diagnostics

    18 Aug 2025 · R/2025/346

    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.

    Fix: Update the Engine Control Unit software to ensure compliance to regulations.

    50 vehicles · built 12 Sep 2017 to 28 Nov 2020

  6. C3, C4, C4X, C5 AIRCROSS, C5X · citroen fuel pipe

    18 Jul 2025 · R/2025/283

    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.

    Fix: Retighten the affected connections.

    1,002 vehicles · built 23 Mar 2024 to 23 Apr 2025

  7. C3 · citroen c3 front seat pretentioner wires inverted.

    9 Apr 2025 · R/2025/142

    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.

    Fix: Replace the affected PINS in the airbag ECU connector.

    531 vehicles · built 16 Nov 2024 to 25 Feb 2025

  8. C3, DS3 · citroen c3 ds3 driver and passenger airbag (takata)

    7 Mar 2025 · R/2025/021

    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.

    Fix: 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.

    55,166 vehicles · built 24 Sep 2008 to 21 Feb 2017

  9. C3 · citroen c3 jet cooling nozzle failure

    19 Feb 2025 · R/2025/074

    On affected vehicles the engine is at risk of becoming damaged because of an inadequate oil supply from an oil jet cooling nozzle.

    Fix: Replace the engine oil and filter.

    10,574 vehicles · built 7 Oct 2022 to 20 Jun 2024

  10. C3, DS3 · citroen c3 ds3 driver and passenger airbag (takata)

    10 Dec 2024 · R/2025/022

    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.

    Fix: Exchange affected airbag modules as a precautionary measure.

    21 vehicles · built 24 Sep 2008 to 21 Feb 2017

  11. C3, C3 AIRCROSS, C4, C4 PICASSO, C5 AIRCROSS · cross carline engine software

    13 Mar 2024 · R/2024/136

    On affected vehicles below 12500 miles under certain conditions engine emissions may lead to a non-compliance to regulatory requirements.

    Fix: Check the mileage of the vehicle and update the ECU (Engine Control Unit) calibration on vehicles below 12500 miles.

    569 vehicles · built 3 Jan 2022 to 9 Oct 2022

  12. C3 · 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.

    23 Nov 2023 · R/2023/335

    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.

    Fix: Replace fuel tank.

    17 vehicles · built 24 Oct 2023 to 30 Oct 2023

  13. C3, C3 AIRCROSS · affected vehicles may have been fitted with a rear axle crossmember that was not manufactured according to specifications.

    21 Jul 2023 · R/2023/220

    Affected vehicles may have been fitted with a rear axle crossmember that was not manufactured according to specifications.

    Fix: Check and replace the rear axle crossmember if necessary.

    372 vehicles · built 24 May 2022 to 15 Jun 2022

  14. C3, C4, DS3, DS4, DS5 · front air bag igniters may not deploy correctly

    17 Sep 2020 · R/2019/339

    Front air bag igniters may not deploy correctly.

    Fix: Check and if necessary replace the affected front airbags.

    1,080 vehicles · built 2 Sep 2009 to 12 Apr 2017

  15. C3 · the steering geometry could be incorrectly set

    26 May 2020 · R/2020/165

    The steering geometry could be incorrectly set due to an incorrectly calibrated setting rig in the manufacturing plant.

    Fix: Check the steering alignment and adjusting if set incorrectly. If the front tyres are worn these will also be replaced.

    10 vehicles · built 12 Sep 2019 to 18 Mar 2020

  16. C-ELYSEE, C3, C3 AIRCROSS · the calibration of the engine management software could result in emissions of nox which do not comply with the regulatory limits

    18 Oct 2019 · R/2019/353

    Engine management software issue could result in incorrect emission levels.

    Fix: Update the engine management software.

    16,144 vehicles · built 1 Feb 2017 to 12 Apr 2019

  17. C3 · the steering column universal joint clamp may be incorrectly fitted to the steering column

    14 Jan 2019 · R/2019/009

    The universal clamp fixing bolt is not correctly fitted in the recess at the end of the steering column.

    Fix: Check and if necessary refit the steering column universal joint fixing.

    78 vehicles · built 4 Jul 2018 to 12 Jul 2018

  18. C3 · steering column bearing possibly crimped to the incorrect specification.

    26 Jul 2018 · R/2018/197

    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.

    Fix: The remedy involves checking the crimping on the steering column and replacing the steering column if necessary.

    392 vehicles · built 11 Jan 2018 to 22 Jan 2018

  19. BERLINGO, BERLINGO VU (89), C3, C3 AIRCROSS, C4, C4 PICASSO, DS3, DS4, DS5 · engine component may not be to specification

    15 Dec 2017 · R/2017/339

    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.

    Fix: On affected vehicles carry out a functional diagnostic check of the engine. If necessary replace the engine.

    75 vehicles · built 1 Oct 2017 to 30 Nov 2017

  20. C3 · left hand curtain airbag may not be to specification

    30 Jun 2017 · R/2017/180

    A component within the left-hand curtain airbag may not conform to specification and the air bag may not deploy correctly.

    Fix: On affected vehicles replace the left hand curtain air bag.

    8 vehicles · built 4 Jan 2017 to 22 Feb 2017

  21. C3 · right hand curtain airbag may not conform to specification

    30 Jun 2017 · R/2017/181

    A component within the right-hand curtain airbag may not conform to specification and the air bag may not deploy correctly.

    Fix: On affected vehicles replace the right hand curtain air bag.

    5 vehicles · built 4 Jan 2017 to 22 Feb 2017

  22. C-ELYSEE, C3, C4 CACTUS, C4 PICASSO, DISPATCH IV, SPACETOURER · starter motor may not operate correctly

    24 Apr 2017 · R/2017/139

    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.

    Fix: On affected vehicles check and where necessary replace the starter motor relay.

    3,607 vehicles · built 15 Jun 2016 to 11 Oct 2016

  23. C3 · front airbag may not deploy

    7 Mar 2017 · R/2017/089

    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.

    Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the front seat airbag unit.

    65 vehicles · built 8 Sep 2016 to 14 Oct 2016

  24. C-ELYSEE, C3, C4, DS3 · loss of control

    17 Oct 2016 · R/2016/229

    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.

    Fix: On affected vehicles replace the braking system hydraulic block

    787 vehicles · built 1 Apr 2016 to 21 Apr 2016

  25. C3, C3 PICASSO, C4, C4 PICASSO, DS3, DS4 · oil leak may damage engine

    10 Mar 2016 · R/2016/042

    An oil leak could develop at the turbocharger lubrication union retaining bolt due to a non-conformity of this part.

    Fix: On affected vehicles replace the turbocharger lubrication union bolt and its seals.

    17 vehicles · built 25 Jan 2016 to 15 Feb 2016

  26. C3, DS3 · directional control may be affected

    13 Mar 2015 · R/2015/061

    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.

    Fix: Recall all affected vehicles to check and retorque the front subframe and suspension wishbone mounting bolts.

    24 vehicles · built 3 Dec 2014 to 3 Dec 2014

  27. C3, DS3 · vehicle control may be lost

    24 Jul 2014 · R/2014/083

    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.

    Fix: 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.

    28 vehicles · built 4 Jun 2014 to 16 Jun 2014

  28. C3, DS3 · directional control may be compromised

    14 May 2014 · R/2014/047

    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.

    Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the front suspension wishbone mounting bolts.

    3,092 vehicles · built 10 Oct 2013 to 19 Nov 2013

  29. BERLINGO, C3, C3 PICASSO, C4, C4 PICASSO, DS3 · fuel may leak and create fire risk

    26 Feb 2014 · R/2014/025

    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.

    Fix: Recall all the affected vehicles and retorque the high pressure fuel rail pipes.

    279 vehicles · built 7 Jan 2014 to 15 Jan 2014

  30. C3, DS3 · rear screen may detach

    7 Jun 2013 · R/2013/068

    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.

    Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the rear screen seal.

    19 vehicles · built 25 Mar 2013 to 26 Mar 2013

  31. C1, C3, DS3, NEMO · engine may fail

    14 Nov 2012 · R/2012/129

    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.

    Fix: Recall affected vehicles and replace con-rod shell bearings.

    1,169 vehicles · built 26 May 2010 to 26 Aug 2010

  32. C3 · brake efficiency could be reduced

    2 Nov 2012 · R/2012/126

    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.

    Fix: 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.

    49 vehicles · built 12 Jul 2012 to 12 Jul 2012

  33. C3, DS3 · wheel bolts may become loose

    24 Oct 2012 · R/2012/123

    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.

    Fix: Recall affected vehicles to check and if necessary re-torque the wheel bolts.

    129 vehicles · built 9 Jul 2012 to 28 Aug 2012

  34. C3, C3 PICASSO, DS3 · engine may cut out

    9 Jul 2012 · R/2012/076

    The battery earth cable dimensions are incorrect and may cause the cable to break. This will then cause the engine to cut out.

    Fix: Replace the battery negative cable with a new dimension cable. (length and terminal)

    123 vehicles · built 21 Oct 2010 to 19 May 2011

  35. C3, C3 PICASSO, DS3 · abs/esp may not operate correctly

    6 Jul 2012 · R/2012/074

    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.

    Fix: The hydraulic ABS/ESP block will be checked and if necessary replaced.

    963 vehicles · built 7 Jun 2011 to 27 Jan 2012

  36. C3, DS3 · engine may cut out

    1 May 2012 · R/2012/062

    The engine may cut out as a dimensional nonconformity of the earth cable could lead to it breaking.

    Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the battery earth cable.

    981 vehicles · built 8 Nov 2010 to 29 Apr 2011

  37. C3 · the amount of power steering assistance may vary

    19 Mar 2012 · R/2012/033

    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.

    Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to replace the steering mechanism.

    2 vehicles · built 4 Feb 2010 to 5 Feb 2010

  38. C3 · engine may cut out

    7 Mar 2012 · R/2012/022

    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.

    Fix: Recall all affected vehicle and replace the battery earth return cable.

    2,712 vehicles · built 29 Oct 2010 to 22 Feb 2011

  39. C3, DS3 · engine may cut out

    25 Jan 2012 · R/2012/005

    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.

    Fix: Recall all affected vehicle and replace the battery earth return cable.

    1,276 vehicles · built 2 Nov 2010 to 9 Nov 2010

  40. C3, DS3 · suspension fixings may loosen

    9 Dec 2011 · R/2011/165

    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.

    Fix: 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.

    7 vehicles · built 22 Jun 2011 to 13 Sep 2011

Older Citroen C3 recalls

  1. C3, DS3 · engine may cut out24 Nov 2011 · R/2011/156
  2. C3, DS3 · airbag may not deploy correctly11 Oct 2011 · R/2011/137
  3. C3, C3 PICASSO, DS3 · engine may cut out2 Sep 2011 · R/2011/120
  4. C3 · tailgate may not secure correctly30 Aug 2011 · R/2011/113
  5. C3 · may cause damage to drive belts11 Aug 2011 · R/2011/104
  6. C3 · parking brake may not apply fully14 Jul 2011 · R/2011/087
  7. C3 · brake servo may not conform to specification20 May 2011 · R/2011/062
  8. C3 · rear seat security may fail in an impact17 Jan 2011 · R/2011/003
  9. C1, C3, NEMO · engine may fail5 Nov 2010 · R/2010/192
  10. C2, C3, C3 PLURIEL, C8, DISPATCH III · lights may fail without warning5 Oct 2010 · R/2010/155
  11. C3, DS3 · fuel may leak22 Sep 2010 · R/2010/146
  12. C3, DS3 · bonnet may be insecure16 Sep 2010 · R/2010/136
  13. C3 · incorrect subframe bolt torque may affect vehicle handling9 Sep 2010 · R/2010/132
  14. C3 · loss of braking efficiency7 Jul 2010 · R/2010/086
  15. C3, DS3 · front axle may detach7 Jul 2010 · R/2010/076
  16. C3, DS3 · loss of drive19 Apr 2010 · R/2010/043
  17. C2, C3, C3 PLURIEL, DISPATCH · lights may switch off unexpectedly19 Oct 2009 · R/2009/113
  18. C2, C3 · parking brake may fail14 Oct 2009 · R/2009/096
  19. BERLINGO, C2, C3, C3 PLURIEL, C4, C4 PICASSO, C5, C6 · wipers / lights/ battery charging may be affected.24 Dec 2008 · R/2008/199
  20. C2, C3, C3 PLURIEL · front suspension wishbone could become loose20 Oct 2008 · R/2008/150
  21. C2, C3 · braking efficiency may reduce19 Dec 2006 · R/2006/225
  22. C2, C3, PLURIEL · accelerator pedal returns too slowly28 Mar 2006 · R/2006/051
  23. C2, C3, C4, PLURIEL · possible loss of braking efficiency15 Dec 2005 · R/2005/185
  24. C3 · suspension springs may break26 Oct 2005 · R/2005/147
  25. C3 · the securing nuts of the sunroof may fail8 Feb 2005 · R/2005/020
  26. C3 · roof bars may slip22 Mar 2004 · R/2004/022
  27. C3 · water ingress may cause anti lock brake control unit to malfunction21 Jan 2003 · R/2003/016
  28. C3 · passenger airbag may not completely deploy13 Dec 2002 · R/2002/174
  29. C3 · front suspension ball joint concern13 Sep 2002 · R/2002/121

Other Citroen models

Source: DVSA recalls register, check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk, copy dated 6 Sep 2026, Open Government Licence v3.0. A recall is listed here when DVSA names this model in it; the build dates on each recall say which cars it covers, and a registration check confirms your own.