Opel: Stop-Drive Order for Astra H, Vectra and Signum Over Takata Airbag
Stellantis has extended the Europe-wide stop-drive order over defective Takata airbags to certain Astra H as well as Vectra and Signum. In Germany, 8,705 Opel vehicles are covered by the recall.
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 underlying recall (KBA reference 16105R) covers more than 900,000 vehicles worldwide. According to ADAC, 8,705 vehicles are affected in Germany. The actual stop-drive recall (“KU3”) applies to vehicles in several southern European countries – Germany is not directly covered. However, some of these vehicles were re-imported to Germany as used cars.
Update: On 12 October 2026 the KBA published the 2nd extension (17132R, code KU3) covering 61,680 potentially affected vehicles in Germany. The figures for 16105R (8,705) and 17132R have not been checked for overlap and must not be added together.
Which Opel models are in the recall?
In the recall the driver airbag is replaced. According to ADAC, these build periods are affected:
- Astra H: 03/2005 to 06/2014 (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
- Check your VIN: enter the vehicle identification number on the Opel website.
- If it matches: register and book an appointment with an Opel service partner for the free airbag replacement.
- 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).
- 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.
Sources
- ADAC: Rückruf bei Opel – Gefahr durch Airbag von Takata
- ADAC: Auto-Rückruf Takata-Airbags
- auto motor und sport: Rückruf wegen Takata-Airbag – Opel weitet Fahrstopp aus
Research as of 4 November 2026. Only information from the manufacturer and the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) is binding. The linked sources are mostly in German.
