Vauxhall issues stop-drive warning over defective airbags

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 8 Nov, 08:18 · Archive

Vauxhall has told thousands of drivers to stop using certain vehicles fitted with Takata airbags due to a safety risk.

Stellantis UK, Vauxhall's parent company, has issued a stop-drive instruction for certain Vauxhall models fitted with Takata airbags. Vauxhall says the airbag inflator can degrade over time in high heat and humidity and may explode with excessive force in a crash, causing serious injury or death.

Law firm Bond Turner estimates the recall affects 320,000 vehicles and is investigating potential claims over motorists' losses. The firm's estimate is not a confirmed count of vehicles currently subject to the stop-drive instruction.

Vauxhall has advised drivers who receive a stop-drive warning to stop using the vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Five models are subject to the stop-drive action: Astra Hatch (2005 to 2015), Astra Van (2006 to 2013), Astra Twin Top (2006 to 2015), Vectra (2005 to 2008) and Signum (2005 to 2008).

Not every vehicle in those model ranges is necessarily affected. Owners should check their vehicle identification number (VIN) to see whether their car is included and what action is advised.

Vauxhall says the only exception to the stop-drive instruction is a direct journey, without stops, to a pre-booked recall repair appointment, provided the vehicle can be driven there lawfully. Repairs are free.

Other models are subject to the recall but not the stop-drive instruction, and their owners should still take action as soon as possible. These include the Astra J and Astra GTC (2010 to 2018), Meriva B (2010 to 2017), Mokka and Mokka X (2013 to 2018), Cascada (2013 to 2018) and Zafira C (2012 to 2016). Drivers can use Vauxhall's vehicle recall checker to verify their vehicle's status and register for repair.

How it is being reported

• Thousands of Vauxhall owners warned 'stop driving' over safety issueCheck which Vauxhall models are affected by the Takata airbag recall, how the stop-drive advice works and how to book a free repair.Cumberland News · 8 Nov, 07:38
• Thousands of Vauxhall owners warned 'stop driving' over safety issueCheck which Vauxhall models are affected by the Takata airbag recall, how the stop-drive advice works and how to book a free repair.Whitehaven News · 8 Nov, 07:38
• Thousands of Vauxhall owners warned 'stop driving' over safety issueCheck which Vauxhall models are affected by the Takata airbag recall, how the stop-drive advice works and how to book a free repair.Westmorland Gazette · 8 Nov, 07:38
• Thousands of Vauxhall owners warned 'stop driving' over safety issueCheck which Vauxhall models are affected by the Takata airbag recall, how the stop-drive advice works and how to book a free repair.NW Evening Mail · 8 Nov, 07:38

In this story: Vauxhall · Stellantis UK · Takata · Bond Turner

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