Faulty airbags: can I sell my vehicle if it is affected by the recall?

Following the generalisation across mainland France of the "Stop Drive" recall on defective airbags fitted to C3 and DS3 models produced between 2009 and 2017, thousands of drivers can no longer, in theory, use their vehicles.

For these owners, it is a matter of waiting to obtain an appointment for the free repair of the part in question. This can take some time.

Some people, for whom the car is essential, may then ask themselves the question of reselling their vehicle without waiting. Even if it means applying a discount. But can a car affected by such a recall be resold to an individual or a professional?

"Nothing prohibits the sale despite the obvious precautions that must be taken by the seller," Jean-Baptiste Le Dall, a lawyer specializing in automobile law and the Highway Code, explained to BFM Business.

"The latest regulatory development of the Technical Inspection (CT) applicable since February 15, 2025 includes this case. The recall procedure is then clearly notified on the document which is transmitted during the sale", specifies the lawyer.

"There is no legal prohibition on selling a vehicle that is subject to a recall," he continued.

The vehicle is thus sold "as is", the purchaser buys with responsibility. "Of course, the owner will have every interest in notifying the buyer of this, in writing is even better. But once again, the technical inspection is proof. He must also send him the recall letter from the manufacturer and possibly the document justifying the repair if it has been done, to avoid the buyer taking action against the owner".

If the sale is made to a professional, the pattern is the same. "In absolute terms, reselling to a professional is less risky because he will be perfectly aware of the problem with the vehicle and will not be able to claim a hidden defect," adds Jean-Baptiste Le Dall.

The owners of the affected vehicles are nevertheless wondering: the manufacturer is asking them not to drive them because of the deadly danger associated with the airbag. Can we then speak of a "non-rolling vehicle (NRV)" in the administrative sense of the term?

It is in fact forbidden to sell this type of vehicle which is no longer roadworthy to an individual, even in spare parts.

"No," replies Jean-Baptiste le Dall. "The recall procedure is not synonymous with VNR. There is no offence if you drive a vehicle subject to a recall even if the manufacturer instructs its customers not to do so. Moreover, the recall notice on the technical inspection is only informative. There is no specific text prohibiting you from driving a vehicle recalled by its manufacturer," he explains.