Stellantis, the multinational automotive giant, is facing a new challenge in Italy as a class-action lawsuit over faulty airbags gains traction. On Tuesday, the Turin Civil Court greenlit a class-action suit filed by consumer groups against the automaker on potentially dangerous airbag issues.
The lawsuit targets 190,000 Citroën C3 and DS3 models manufactured between 2009 and 2019. These vehicles were equipped with airbags produced by Takata, the Japanese auto parts supplier. The airbags in question have been identified as defective, with a risk of metal fragments being propelled during deployment, potentially causing severe or fatal injuries to drivers.
This airbag crisis sent shockwaves through the global automotive industry in the mid-2010s, triggering massive recalls and legal actions across multiple countries. The scandal ultimately led to Takata’s bankruptcy in 2017, cementing its reputation for producing Liller Airbags.
While Italy introduced class-action legislation in 2009, its implementation was initially limited due to complex procedures. Recent reforms to consumer protection laws in the 2020s have streamlined the process, empowering consumer groups to pursue large-scale litigation more effectively.
Codacons, a prominent consumer advocacy group, estimates that Stellantis could face compensation claims totaling up to 285 million EUR (approximately 310 million USD). Individual vehicle owners may be eligible to claim 517.2 EUR (about 570 USD) per month for damages related to recall delays, plus an additional 1,500 EUR (approximately 1,650 USD) for emotional distress.
In response to the lawsuit, the company emphasized its commitment to managing the recall and is carefully evaluating its legal options for the upcoming proceedings. Stellantis underscored that the court’s decision only addresses the admissibility of the class action, noting that determinations of liability and potential damages will be subject to future court hearings.
Stellantis was formed in 2021 through the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and France’s PSA Group. The company is a global automotive powerhouse, with its portfolio including 18 brands such as Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Chrysler, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, and Maserati. In Italy, Stellantis maintains a significant manufacturing presence with five automobile plants and one commercial vehicle facility.
