Dealers are receiving template-style claims from consumers with no actual vehicle issues following the Stellantis stop/drive notice. DVSA guidance still says pass the MOT with a manual advisory, so most of these demands look speculative, but don’t ignore them.
Some months after Stellantis issued a stop/drive notice, dealers are still receiving what we would describe as ‘ambulance-chasing’ claims from consumers who purchased one of the vehicles listed as part of the notice.
To be clear, these are consumers who have had absolutely no issues with their vehicle. Some are trying to claim against vehicles they purchased five years ago and have been happily and safely driving ever since. Whilst, at Lawgistics, we have not received any follow-ups to the letters we have written on behalf of clients in defence of these claims, we are hearing multiple reports of dealers being sent follow-up threats of court action.
The DVSA’s official advice to MOT testers (MOT special notice 03-25) remains to pass any vehicles listed in the notice and to issue a ‘manual advisory’ with the following text: “This vehicle has an outstanding recall. Contact Citroën for information and to arrange a free repair.”
As the DVSA is the government agency with responsibility for ensuring that drivers and vehicles meet stringent safety standards, and is the body responsible for monitoring recalls, we would suggest that these claims are speculative at best. That is not to say there may not be arguments in some cases, which may explain why some dealers are being pursued. Dealers should still take proper legal advice on receipt of a potential claim to avoid exposure to outrageous credit-hire costs.
If you receive one of these letters, speak to our legal team via the Lawgistics telephone helpline or casework service before you respond.
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