Citroën C1, C3, DS3 And 1 More Recall R/2012/129: Engine May Fail, Who Is Affected And What To Do
- Low
- How serious
- 14 Nov 2012
- Launched
- 1,169
- vehicles in the UK
- MQM
- Manufacturer’s campaign code
Citroën recalled C1, C3, DS3 and 1 more vehicles built between 26 May 2010 and 26 August 2010. It has been established that the con-rod (big end) shell bearings may not have been manufactured to specification. The dealer will replace con-rod shell bearings. You won't usually pay for it.1
What’s Wrong
It has been established that the con-rod (big end) shell bearings may not have been manufactured to specification. This could lead to premature deterioration of the shells and if not identified it could result in engine failure.
DVSA's Original Wording
Concern: ENGINE MAY FAIL Defect: It has been established that the con-rod (big end) shell bearings may not have been manufactured to specification. This could lead to premature deterioration of the shells and if not identified it could result in engine failure. Remedy: Recall affected vehicles and replace con-rod shell bearings.
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
The Risk
If the fault occurs, the recall notice says it could lead to premature deterioration of the shells and if not identified it could result in engine failure.
The Fix
The dealer will replace con-rod shell bearings.
Are You Affected?
C1, C3, DS3 and 1 more built between 26 May 2010 and 26 August 2010 may be included. Citroën estimates 1,169 vehicles in the UK. Enter your registration to check, then confirm by VIN with Citroën, because not every car in the date range may be included.
Which Car Is It?
Choose the make and model so we can match recalls to your car.
What To Do Now
- Check your car by registration above, then by VIN with Citroën.
- Book with any franchised Citroën dealer, quoting the campaign code MQM or the DVSA reference R/2012/129. See how to get a Citroën recall fixed.
- Follow the letter's instructions until the repair is done. See can you drive a car with a recall?.
Related Recalls
| Launched | Vehicle and fault | Severity | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| C3, C3 AircrossAlarm triggered randomly: BCM software | Low | R/2026/122 | |
| C3, C3 Aircross, C4, C4XAlternator protection | Urgent | R/2026/073 | |
| C3Citroen C3 v5 Autonomous telematics box cannot connect to server | Low | R/2025/487 | |
| C3, C3 AircrossCitroen C3 C3 Aircross brake pedal bracket connection | Urgent | R/2025/514 | |
| Berlingo, C3, C3 Aircross, C4 and 5 moreOn board diagnostics | Low | R/2025/346 |
This is one of 414 Citroën recalls in DVSA’s data. The Citroën recall launched before it was R/2012/134 on 7 Nov 2012, for directional control may be lost. The one launched after it was R/2013/002 on 15 Jan 2013, for braking assistance may be reduced. You can also see every Citroën recall and all recalls launched in 2012.
Source: DVSA recall R/2012/129, launched 14 November 2012. Data updated 15 October 2026. How we grade urgency.
Sources
- The Code does not itself say repairs are free. GOV.UK guidance says "You will not usually have to pay for any repairs or parts under a safety recall." gov.uk Checked 15 Oct 2026.