Citroen DS3 recalls
DVSA has published 33 safety recalls that name the Citroen DS3 since 2010, 7 of them since 2020. Between them they cover at least 164,919 UK vehicles of this model.
Is your DS3 affected? Check the exact vehicle
How the Citroen DS3 does at the MOT: Citroen DS3 MOT pass rate and common failures.
All Citroen DS3 recalls, newest first
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.
99,524 vehicles · built 5 Dec 2008 to 30 May 2019
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.
54 vehicles · built 5 Dec 2008 to 30 May 2019
BERLINGO V3, C3 AIRCROSS V2, C3 V4, C4 CACTUS, C4 PICASSO, C4 V2, DS3, DS4 · 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.
13 Dec 2022 · R/2023/036
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.
Fix: 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).
13,740 vehicles · built 3 Apr 2017 to 4 Jul 2018
BERLINGO V3, C3 AIRCROSS V2, C3 V4, C4 CACTUS, C4 PICASSO, C4 V2, DS3 · 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.
13 Dec 2022 · R/2023/046
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.
Fix: 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.
652 vehicles · built 2 Mar 2017 to 1 Apr 2017
C3 PICASSO, C4 V2, DS3, DS4 · the operation of the brake vacumn pump may be affected due to material detaching from the timing belt
23 Jun 2021 · R/2021/238
The operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected due to material detaching from the timing belt.
Fix: 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.
3,101 vehicles · built 17 Mar 2016 to 15 Mar 2017
BERLINGO V3, C3 V3, C3 V4, C4 CACTUS, C4 PICASSO, C4 V2, DS3, DS4 · the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt
20 Jan 2021 · R/2020/327
The brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt.
Fix: Update detection software inspect and if necessary replace vacuum pump and timing belt.
21,226 vehicles · built 20 Mar 2013 to 1 Apr 2017
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
DS3 · posible seepage of fuel from fuel tank
23 Oct 2019 · R/2019/357
Possible non-conformity in the fuel tank manufacturing process could result in fuel seepage
Fix: Check and change fuel tank if necessary
1,090 vehicles · built 14 May 2019 to 14 Sep 2019
C3 PICASSO, C4, C4 PICASSO, DS3, DS4, DS5 · due to the calibration of the engine management software nox emissions may not comply with regulatory limits
26 Sep 2019 · R/2019/329
The calibration of the engine management software could result in emissions of NOx which do not comply with the regulatory limits.
Fix: Download new engine management software
5,290 vehicles · built 25 Sep 2013 to 15 May 2016
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
DS3 · suspension and steering fixings may not be tightened to the correct torque
3 Nov 2017 · R/2017/300
Due to a deviation in the production process certain suspension and steering fixings may not have been tightened to the correct torque.
Fix: On affected vehicles check fixings as indicated by the manufacturer. Replace any damaged fixings and tighten all relevant fixings to correct torque.
127 vehicles · built 16 Aug 2017 to 20 Sep 2017
BERLINGO, C4 CACTUS, DS3, DS5 · gearbox actuator ay not be to spectification
7 Apr 2017 · R/2017/126
A component in the gearbox actuator may not be to the correct specification which may affect gear selection.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the gearbox actuator
16 vehicles · built 26 Apr 2016 to 29 Aug 2016
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
C3, DS3 · engine may cut out
24 Nov 2011 · R/2011/156
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.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicles and replace the battery earth cable.
589 vehicles · built 7 Apr 2010 to 21 May 2010
C3, DS3 · airbag may not deploy correctly
11 Oct 2011 · R/2011/137
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.
Fix: Replace drivers airbag
25 vehicles · built 19 Jul 2011 to 19 Jul 2011
C3, C3 PICASSO, DS3 · engine may cut out
2 Sep 2011 · R/2011/120
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.
Fix: Recall all affected vehicle and replace the battery earth return cable.
9,175 vehicles · built 7 Jan 2011 to 23 May 2011
C3, DS3 · fuel may leak
22 Sep 2010 · R/2010/146
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.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles to check and if necessary retorque of the mounting bolts.
44 vehicles
C3, DS3 · bonnet may be insecure
16 Sep 2010 · R/2010/136
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.
Fix: On recalled vehicles the tightness of the bonnet lock fixing bolts will be checked and where necessary tightened to specification.
67 vehicles · built 23 Dec 2009 to 23 Jun 2010
C3, DS3 · front axle may detach
7 Jul 2010 · R/2010/076
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.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected to check the front axle fixings and where necessary tighten them to specification.
36 vehicles · built 5 Jan 2010 to 2 Jun 2010
C3, DS3 · loss of drive
19 Apr 2010 · R/2010/043
The front right hand drive-shaft may fail.
Fix: Recall the affected vehicles to check and if necessary replace the right hand drive-shaft
114 vehicles
Other Citroen models
- C3 69
- C4 53
- Spacetourer 49
- Berlingo 45
- Dispatch 34
- C4 Picasso 34
- Relay 31
- Dispatch IV 24
- C5 24
- C8 20
- DS4 19
- C5 Aircross 16
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.