Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
Car recalls have tripled in France since 2016, leaving some drivers struggling
Car recalls in France have tripled since 2016, according to an independent count covering brands on the market.
Recalls are meant to fix defects, some of which can pose serious safety risks.
A data journalist counted 172 recalls for serious risks in 2025, compared with 50 in 2016.
One reason for the increase may be that carmakers use the same production platforms across several models, so one defect can affect many vehicles.
Owners can still face problems getting a repair, especially when the manufacturer is no longer operating in France.
A couple with a Saab fitted with a Takata airbag say they must pay for the replacement and related costs themselves.
The French government is now asking vehicle inspection centers to reject cars with serious outstanding recalls and inform their owners.
The number of car recall campaigns in France has tripled since 2016, according to an independent count.
The count recorded 172 recalls for serious risks in 2025, up from 50 in 2016.
Recalls aim to fix defects that can be dangerous, but drivers can struggle to arrange repairs.
Some owners face added difficulties when a manufacturer can no longer support its vehicles in France.
The French government now asks vehicle inspection centres to fail vehicles with serious recalls and inform drivers.
- Who
- Drivers in France affected by vehicle recalls, including owners of a Renault Mégane RS and a Saab.
- What
- Car recall campaigns have tripled since 2016, and some drivers face difficulties getting repairs.
- When
- The increase is measured since 2016; the independent count recorded 172 recalls for serious risks in 2025.
- Where
- France, including Vanves in Hauts-de-Seine and Brittany.
- Why
- The data journalist says shared production platforms can spread a defect across several models. The article also cites increasingly complex vehicles.
Independent data journalist Nina Godart
Stellantis
Cause and meaning of recalls
Independent data journalist Nina Godart
Godart says shared production platforms can cause a defect to affect multiple models.
Stellantis
Stellantis says a recall campaign shows manufacturers’ responsibility to customers and that safety is its first priority.
The independent count recorded 50 recalls for serious risks.
The independent count recorded 172 recalls for serious risks.
Stellantis has carried out 470 recall campaigns.
A Saab-owning couple received a letter telling them to replace their Takata airbag.
- Change in recall campaigns
- Tripled in France since 2016
- Serious-risk recalls in 2016
- 50
- Serious-risk recalls in 2025
- 172
- Stellantis campaigns
- 470 since 2016
- Saab airbag price quoted
- 475 euros, excluding labour and travel costs
What people are saying
It's mainly for very dangerous reasons, for 90% of recalls.
Stellantis considers a recall campaign a sign of manufacturers' responsibility toward their customers. Safety is our first priority.
It's a huge hassle because, on top of that, they're talking about 475 euros, but that's the price of the airbag.
You have a lot of them because vehicles are much better equipped.
Sources
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