Vauxhall Issues Stop-Drive Order for 82,000 Defective Airbags

Vauxhall has issued a stop-drive order for up to 82,000 vehicles equipped with defective Takata airbag inflators. The order targets owners of the Astra 5th gen/H, Astravan 5th gen/H, Astra Twin Top, Vectra, and Signum manufactured between 2005 and 2018 who have ignored previous recall notices. Stellantis, the parent company, warned that these inflators can degrade in high heat and humidity, potentially exploding with excessive force during a crash and causing serious injury or death.

While the stop-drive order is limited to the most critical cases, a broader recall affects an estimated 320,000 vehicles, including the Astra J, Astra GTC, Meriva B, Mokka, Cascada, and Zafira C. Stellantis reports that over four million vehicles across its European brands had Takata airbags replaced as of August 2026. The company is providing free repairs and mobility solutions for affected customers.

In response to the safety crisis, the law firm Bond Turner has begun investigating potential claims for motorists. The firm is looking into legal responsibility for financial losses, including the cost of alternative transport, replacement vehicle hire, and loss of earnings experienced by those unable to use their cars.