A new recall raises concerns for drivers: several very recent models must return to the workshop due to a technical issue related to the engine. If you are affected, it is urgent to check your vehicle.
🚨 An Official Announcement From The Government
On April 11, the official site Rappel Conso, part of the French government, issued a warning regarding several recently produced models of Citroën, directly affecting a large number of drivers. Unlike other recalls previously announced by the manufacturers themselves, this alert comes from a government source, emphasizing its serious and urgent nature.
This recall concerns a software defect affecting the engine, which could cause a sudden breakdown while driving. If left unaddressed, this flaw may compromise the safety of passengers and other road users.
🔎 Which Vehicles Are Affected?
Here are the models and manufacturing periods affected:
- Berlingo: produced between 05/06/2022 and 04/03/2023
- C4 III: produced between 05/03/2022 and 03/15/2023
- C4X: produced between 08/18/2022 and 03/02/2023
- Spacetourer & Jumpy (electric or high-voltage hybrid versions): produced between 12/14/2022 and 03/02/2023
These Citroëns are among the best-selling in France due to their reliability and versatility. Thus, this announcement could impact a significant number of users, whether they are private individuals or professionals (deliverers, craftsmen, rental companies, etc.).
Owners of vehicles produced during these periods must necessarily check if their vehicle is affected, as the mentioned breakdown can occur without warning.
🚓 A Risk Of Engine Failure While Driving
The detected defect originates from a software designed to stabilize the engine at startup and send information to customer service. Unfortunately, this system is not functioning as intended. Here’s what Rappel Conso states:
“The software designed to prevent the engine from stopping suddenly and to send data to customer service is not working correctly. This may result in the ‘Ready’ mode being unavailable after startup, a loss of acceleration power, and engine failure while driving.”
This type of breakdown is particularly dangerous on highways or during overtaking, increasing the risk of accidents due to sudden loss of power or assistance. If the engine suddenly shuts down, the driver could lose power steering or the ability to brake effectively, jeopardizing the safety of everyone.
🚙 What To Do If You Are Affected?
If in doubt, the first step is to contact your dealer with your vehicle’s details (VIN number). They can inform you if your model is part of the affected lot.
If your vehicle is indeed affected, the remedy is free, and a software update or technical fix will be applied at no cost.
An official dedicated platform also allows you to check online by simply entering your registration number or VIN (visible on the registration card). In the meantime, avoid long trips or high-traffic areas, especially if you have already experienced starting issues or loss of power.
This recall is part of a context where new onboard technologies, although advanced, also pose new challenges in terms of electronic reliability. Therefore, these alerts should always be taken seriously.
🛠️ A Worrying Trend In The Automotive Industry?
This recall adds to a growing list of technical alerts observed in recent months within the automotive sector. More and more vehicles, sometimes just rolled off the assembly line, are recalled for electronic or software issues. The shift towards increasingly connected and electrified models complicates production chains and raises the risks of technical failures.
According to some industry experts, this highlights a need to strengthen quality controls prior to commercialization, especially on embedded systems. Consumers, for their part, must remain informed and responsive, as an electronic failure can now have consequences as severe as a mechanical failure.
Manufacturers, under pressure, will need to redouble efforts to ensure the safety and reliability of their vehicles in this new technological context.
