A “do not drive” order has been issued for certain Citroen and DS cars due to a fault with the engine that can cause a fire. The UK’s Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has issued the order, which affects around 40,000 vehicles. If you own one of these cars, here’s what you need to know about your rights.
The problem affects certain models of Citroen C3, C4, and DS 3 cars that were manufactured between 2015 and 2019. The fault is with the engine’s timing belt, which can fail and cause a fire. The DVSA has deemed the issue a “serious safety defect” and has ordered the manufacturer to take action.
If your car is affected, you should receive a letter from Citroen or DS informing you of the issue and what you need to do. You will be required to take your car to a dealership or authorized repair center to have the fault fixed. The repair will be done free of charge, and you will not have to pay for any parts or labor.
In the meantime, the DVSA is advising owners of affected cars not to drive them until the fault has been fixed. This is because of the risk of a fire, which could put you and other road users at risk. If you need to use your car, you may be able to get a courtesy car or alternative transportation from the manufacturer.
As a car owner, you have certain rights under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. If your car is found to have a fault, you are entitled to have it fixed free of charge. You may also be entitled to a refund or replacement if the fault cannot be fixed. Additionally, if you have been affected by the “do not drive” order, you may be able to claim compensation for any inconvenience or loss you have suffered.
It’s worth noting that the manufacturer has a responsibility to ensure that their cars are safe and fit for purpose. If they fail to do this, they can be held liable for any damages or injuries that occur as a result. In this case, Citroen and DS have taken steps to address the issue and ensure that their cars are safe for owners to drive.
If you’re concerned about your car or have questions about the “do not drive” order, you should contact Citroen or DS directly. They will be able to advise you on what to do and provide you with more information about the fault and the repair process. You can also contact the DVSA or a consumer rights organization for further guidance and support.