The French transport ministry has ordered Toyota and Mercedes to take 20 models off the road, due to faulty airbags that could explode and seriously injure drivers.
The recall involves 20 models sold between 2001 and 2018 – including the Toyota Yaris (2001–2017), Toyota Corolla (2001–2010), Mercedes A-Class II (2004–2016) and C-Class II and III (2004–2016).
Drivers are being advised not to use affected vehicles until the airbags are replaced.
“Toyota and Mercedes will have to identify and recall these models soon,” the ministry said in a statement.
Around 2.3 million vehicles need airbag replacements in mainland France, according to the transport ministry.
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A Toyota spokesperson confirmed to French news agency AFP that a recall campaign would begin soon in mainland France, following one already launched in the French overseas territories.
Owners can check if their vehicle is affected by using the identification number on their registration papers and entering it on the manufacturer's website.
The ministry also said that some Chevrolet models – which are less common in France – are “under special surveillance following reports” of possible defects.
Risk of explosion
The issue involves airbags produced by Japanese supplier Takata, which have been at the centre of a global safety scandal since 2014. A gas used to inflate the airbags can degrade over time, increasing the risk of an explosion that could send metal fragments into the car’s interior.
In France, 29 accidents linked to these airbags have been recorded. Eleven of these caused deaths in the French overseas territories, and one resulted in a death in mainland France, the ministry said.
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To speed up the process, the French government is threatening car manufacturers with heavy fines if they fail to locate and repair the remaining vehicles. According to an order sent to dealerships on 7 April and seen by AFP, companies could face penalties of up to €1 million for each day of delay.
The order requires manufacturers to “send a new letter to all owners of affected vehicles, asking them to stop driving their vehicle and to change their airbag”.
They must also create “a centralised information system allowing for tracking of affected vehicles” until each airbag has been replaced.
In 2024, car maker Stellantis recalled nearly 247,000 Citroën C3 and DS3 vehicles due to the same airbag fault.
