Opel: Stop-Drive Order for Astra H, Vectra and Signum Over Takata Airbag

The carmaker Stellantis has extended its stop-drive order (“Stop Drive”) over dangerous Takata airbags across Europe. It covers certain Opel Astra H (2005–2014) as well as Vectra and Signum (2005–2008). If you receive a driving-ban notice, leave the vehicle parked immediately.

How many Opel vehicles are affected?

The KBA lists the Takata recalls at Opel in three campaigns: the base campaign 15712R (code KU3, production period 19 January 2005–6 November 2017; 8,990 vehicles in Germany, 901,364 worldwide), the 1st extension 16105R (8,705 vehicles in Germany) and the 2nd extension 17132R (since 12 October 2026; 61,680 vehicles in Germany). The figure “more than 900,000 worldwide” comes from ADAC; the KBA record for 16105R gives no worldwide figure – the KBA worldwide figure of the base campaign is comparable.

The figures of the three campaigns have not been checked for overlap and must not be added together.

Stop-drive: originally southern Europe, now Germany as well

The stop-drive order (“Stop Drive”, code KU3) originally concerned vehicles in several southern European countries. The KBA now lists the campaigns with vehicles in Germany. Only the VIN check shows whether a driving-ban notice applies to your vehicle; in addition, some vehicles were re-imported to Germany as used cars.

Which Opel models are in the recall?

In the recall the driver airbag is replaced. For campaign 16105R ADAC gives these build periods per model (the KBA itself only names the group period 2005–2017):

• Astra H: 01/2005 to 06/2014 (Opel gives 3 January 2005 as start of production; the stop-drive order applies to certain vehicles)
• Astra 10: 02/2009 to 08/2018 (Opel designation; ADAC does not name the model series)
• Cascada: 05/2012 to 08/2018
• Meriva: 02/2009 to 03/2017
• Mokka: 12/2011 to 06/2018
• Vectra: 07/2003 to 10/2008
• Zafira: 02/2011 to 07/2016
• Signum: 02/2005 to 06/2008

What owners should do now

1. Check your VIN: enter the vehicle identification number on the Opel website.
2. If it matches: register and book an appointment with an Opel service partner for the free airbag replacement.
3. If you receive a driving-ban notice: do not move the vehicle and contact your dealer immediately. Affected owners in Germany were also written to by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).
4. Keep your address up to date: if the address on your registration certificate is wrong, have it changed at the registration office – otherwise the recall letter will not reach you.

Who pays for transport to the workshop?

Following a landmark ruling by the Federal Court of Justice (BGH), a mere recommendation not to drive gives no entitlement to have the manufacturer reimburse transport costs to the workshop. Ask your dealer beforehand whether a collection service is offered.