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Takata airbag recall: check your vehicle's safety in Italy

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Learn about the Takata airbag recall in Italy affecting 1.6 million vehicles. Check if your car is at risk, understand Stop Drive orders, and schedule free replacements to avoid fines and ensure safety.
Michael Powers, Editor

The Takata airbag scandal continues to be a pressing issue. According to Italy's Ministry of Transport, around 1.6 million vehicles with potentially defective airbags are still on the country's roads. When deployed, these airbags can propel metal fragments into the cabin, posing a serious risk of severe injury or death for drivers and passengers. This danger is heightened in older vehicles and regions with high humidity and temperature fluctuations. Replacement is free of charge and takes only a short time.

To check if a vehicle is subject to the recall, owners can use a dedicated page on the Ministry of Transport's website, which redirects to manufacturer portals. They need to enter the VIN—the 17-character identification number found in registration documents.

In some cases, a Stop Drive order is in effect. This requires immediately ceasing use of the vehicle and contacting an official service center. As of January 7, 2026, Stop Drive measures apply to specific recall campaigns for Citroen/DS, Daimler Truck, Ford, Opel, and Peugeot.

If a recall is confirmed, owners should schedule a free replacement. For Stop Drive cases, free towing and a replacement vehicle may be provided. Ignoring these requirements can result in fines ranging from 173 to 694 euros. For used car owners, checking the recall history is especially crucial to ensure safe operation.