Citroen C3 Picasso: Citroen recall 20k to stop the passenger braking

Citroen C3 Picasso Brake Recall - passengers can control the brakes

Citroen is recalling more than 20,000 UK Citroen C3 Picasso models after it was discovered a fault – revealed by BBC Watchdog – could let the passenger apply the brakes

My dad, who was at one point in his career a police driving instructor, could never be just a passenger in a car,  whoever was driving. As a passenger he did everything he did with his feet when he was driving. And with his eyes. He almost had to sit on his hands to stop from steering too.

But if dad had still been around he could have discovered Citroen’s problem with the RHD Citroen C3 Picasso the first time he was driven in it.

Because it’s been discovered – by BBC Watchdog – that the conversion from LHD to RHD in the C3 Picasso comes a bit unstuck if the passenger is inclined to push against the floor when being driven.

Because the cable attaching the original LHD brake linkage to the new RHD brake pedal runs under the passenger carpet and can, if you press hard where the brake pedal would have been in a LHD C3 Picasso, work the brakes for real. Which dad would have loved.

Unfortunately for Citroen, very few of their customers are going to be quite so impressed by this fundamental cock-up as my dad would have been. In fact, apart from my dad and driving instructors, it seems likely most will be less than impressed that this can happen.

So Citroen are recalling around 22,000 UK C3 Picassos to fit them with a brake isolator to stop front seat passengers being able to apply the brakes.

It’s either that or sort out a bulk sale to BSM.

Note: If you’re concerned that your car is affected you can contact Citroën Contact Centre on 01753 475862.

Source: BBC