Sadly, These New Cars Have Already Faced the Ultimate Blow: Recalls
Some shiny new cars are already heading back to the dealer. After telling nearly 100,000 Citroën owners to park up over deadly airbags, Stellantis is now recalling 72,000 UK cars for a fire risk. The recalls cover 28 models across 7 brands. Stay with us as we look at these new cars that are already facing recalls.
Peugeot 208
The stylish little 208 is turning heads; it’s also turning up in recall lists. Some 2023–2025 models with the 1.2-litre mild-hybrid engine have an under-bonnet fire risk due to a faulty alternator connection. Not exactly the kind of “hot hatch” Peugeot had in mind. Owners? Keep those recall notices handy.
Peugeot 308
Peugeot’s family hatch and estate aren’t immune to drama. The same alternator defect that’s haunting its siblings could leave the 308 smouldering for all the wrong reasons. Built between 2023 and 2025, these cars need a trip to the dealer, not just for a service, but possibly a fire prevention makeover.
Peugeot 408
The Peugeot 408 tried to stand out with its funky, crossover-meets-coupe styling. Unfortunately, it’s now standing out on the recall list. The alternator issue means a rare but real fire risk. It’s the sort of headline no car wants unless you’re going for “smoking hot” in the literal sense.
Peugeot 2008
Peugeot’s mini SUV may be perfect for the school run, but certain 2023–2025 mild-hybrid versions come with a not-so-perfect alternator connection. Left unchecked, it could cause an engine bay fire. And no, this isn’t the kind of “warm family car” marketing teams dream of.
Peugeot 3008 (Mk2)
The Mk2 3008 helped Peugeot reinvent itself as a premium-ish SUV contender. But now, it’s sharing the family alternator problem that’s sparked recalls across the range. Models from 2023–2025 are affected, so if you’re driving one, swap that café pit stop for a service bay visit just to be safe.
Peugeot 5008 (Mk2)
The Mk2 5008 has space and style, but it also has a habit of needing to go back to the dealer. Recalls have targeted the safety systems and electronics, which is awkward for a family car meant to instill confidence. If your school run is interrupted by a warning light, you’re not alone; it’s practically a 5008 owner initiation ritual.
Peugeot 5008 (Mk3)
The Mk3 brought a new design and tech upgrades, but it also inherited Peugeot’s talent for early teething problems. Electrical gremlins and component faults have triggered recalls, so some buyers are wondering if they should have waited for the “fixed” batch. At least it’s pretty while it’s in the service center.
Citroen C3 Aircross
The fun C3 Aircross was meant to bring charm to the compact SUV scene, but recalls are dampening the mood. Issues have ranged from software glitches to mechanical checks, so you’ll be having an unplanned reunion with the dealership coffee machine. At least the colourful interiors make waiting less boring.
Citroen C3
Citroen’s little C3 is big on personality but has already had its share of recall letters. Owners have reported airbag and electronics issues, which are things you’d like working at all times. A quick trip for repairs might fix it, but it’s not the debut many buyers were expecting.
Citroen C4
The C4’s French styling is chic, but some units are being recalled for mechanical faults. Drivers have reported braking system and electrical gremlins that can pop up out of nowhere. It’s like buying a baguette and finding it’s hollow inside.
Citroen C4 X
The C4 X promised stylish comfort but is now being recalled for all the wrong reasons. Safety issues with its components have prompted recall notices, reminding owners that not every French car is as serious about reliability as the metro timetable in Paris. Or maybe that is the problem.
Citroen C5 Aircross (Mk1)
The first-gen C5 Aircross was plush and SUV practical. Unfortunately, early recall notices suggest some parts are feeling the strain sooner than expected. It’s like a five-star hotel room where the lights flicker; you’ll enjoy it, but you’ll also be on edge.
Citroen C5 Aircross (Mk2)
This facelifted C5 Aircross was meant to correct some of the last model's eccentricities, but recalls show that old habits die hard. Owners have reported some technical problems that may inhibit performance and affect safety.
Citroen C5 X
The C5 X is a melding of SUV, wagon, and sedan. Unfortunately, notices of recalls let you know that some of that brashness comes with a degree of mechanical risk. It’s the automotive equivalent of a trendy restaurant with amazing decor, but the kitchen keeps closing “temporarily” for maintenance.
DS 3 Crossback
The DS 3 Crossback has got the style and the French flair, but is not without drama. Early models have been recalled for airbags and electrical problems. Not ideal for a premium small SUV. Owners love the styling, but worries about reliability mean some are keeping the breakdown recovery number on speed dial.
DS 4
The DS 4 mixes avant-garde looks with luxury features. However, a few of them have been recalled for hiccups in their safety system. When your fancy tech goes haywire, it’s less of a luxury experience and more of an "I'm definitely visiting my dealer again" experience. Well, at least recalls mean free repairs.
Vauxhall Astra
The Astra’s recent makeover turned heads, but a few models are already being recalled for brake system problems. That’s definitely not something you want to discover on a highway.
Vauxhall Corsa
Britain's most popular small hatch is not immune to a few growing pains. Some 2024 Corsas have been recalled for problems with the steering column, which is hardly what you want in a car designed for cruising around town.
Vauxhall Frontera
The new Frontera brings back a familiar nameplate with bold SUV styling. However, it’s concerning that early buyers have been hit with recalls related to safety sensors. It’s a reminder that first-year models often come with “bonus” dealer visits.
Vauxhall Grandland X
The Grandland X offered spacious practicality, but early builds have been recalled for fuel system issues. That isn't a great look for a family SUV. Drivers buy these for peace of mind, not having to stop for a surprise visit to the dealer.
Vauxhall Mokka
The Mokka is a stylish compact crossover developed for city driving. However, it’s been recalled for steering and brake system problems, which is not great for a vehicle that is designed to be agile and fun to drive. While owners still love the looks, it shows that even trendy crossovers can stumble when it comes to long-term reliability.
Vauxhall Grandland
Although the facelifted Grandland loses the “X,” it hasn’t lost any of its recall headaches. Owners have found that “smart” features aren’t always so smart when software problems affecting driver assistance systems crop up.
Fiat 600
The new Fiat 600 brings retro charm to the EV space, but it has been recalled due to issues with its battery management system. A glitchy EV is not what you want to deal with when you’re already experiencing range anxiety.
Fiat Grande Panda
The new Panda is cute, boxy, and practical, but it’s already been recalled for airbag problems. Safety issues are a big no-no in a family car. But the Panda’s got personality, and owners love it even if the debut hasn’t been quite the smooth return Fiat had hoped for.
Fiat Tipo
The Tipo is affordable and spacious; however, some batches had recalls for issues with the brakes. That’s not a great start for a budget family car. But it is a quick fix, though it’s something owners wished had not happened at all.
Peugeot 3008 (Mk3)
Peugeot’s new 3008 looks great, but some owners are having the honeymoon cut short by early recall notices. Faulty electronics and build quirks have been found, so a trip back to the dealer is guaranteed. Not the end of the world, but not the stress-free new car ownership you wanted.
Alfa Romeo Junior
The exciting new Junior from Alfa brings classic Italian flair in a compact package, but it's already been recalled for electrical issues with driver's assistance tech. Nothing says Alfa Romeo like passion and a little unreliability.
Jeep Avenger
The Jeep Avenger is a fun-sized SUV for city streets, but recalls for faulty charging components in EV versions have left some owners unhappy. Fortunately, repairs are in the works, though it does take some shine off Jeep’s new one.
