A new drastic action has been announced regarding Takata airbags. The transport minister, Philippe Tabarot, decided on Tuesday, June 24, to further expand both the recall and driving ban for cars equipped with the notorious airbags, which pose fatal explosion risks, especially under conditions of high temperatures and humidity.

The ministry has therefore called for a general recall of vehicles with Takata airbags, regardless of model, brand or vehicle age. In addition, it has extended immobilization – the so-called "stop drive" measure – to all cars equipped with Takata airbags, across all brands, in overseas departments and territories. This also includes cars in Corsica and, for vehicles manufactured before 2012, in mainland France (excluding Corsica).

The general recall now affects 2.5 million vehicles (600,000 more than previously), and among them, the "stop drive" order (until "the defective equipment is replaced") now applies to 1.7 million vehicles. Previously, 900,000 vehicles were banned from circulation – which means that 800,000 additional cars have now been immobilized. A detailed list of the more than 30 affected brands and the vehicles targeted is available on the transport ministry's website.

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