An Italian civil court in Turin has authorized a class action lawsuit against Stellantis regarding potentially defective Takata airbags, as reported on April 14, 2025. The suit, initiated by consumer groups Codacons and Altroconsumo, allows vehicle owners 150 days to join the case, with a hearing set for November 21. The consumer groups estimate potential compensation claims could reach €285 million ($323 million).
The affected airbags, used in Citroen and DS vehicles produced between 2009 and 2019, pose serious risks as their chemicals may degrade under hot and humid conditions, potentially causing violent deployment. Stellantis launched a major “Stop Drive” recall campaign last year, targeting hundreds of thousands of vehicles across 24 countries in Southern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Stellantis acknowledged the court’s ruling, emphasizing it pertains only to the suit’s admissibility and not the company’s liability or the damages, which will be assessed later. The company stated it is working “tirelessly” on its recall campaign and reserves “the right to consider any appropriate initiative in the context of the ongoing proceedings.”
This legal development underscores the increasing scrutiny automakers face regarding product safety and the importance of proactive measures in addressing potential defects. As the case progresses, it may set a precedent for how similar issues are handled in the automotive industry, particularly concerning consumer rights and corporate accountability.
