Millions of Faulty Cars and Vans Still Unchecked Despite Safety Recalls, Industry Warns
Motorists across the UK could unknowingly be driving vehicles with serious safety defects, as new data reveals that over 3.2 million cars and vans have not been checked despite being subject to manufacturer safety recalls.
According to Auto Data Solutions (ADS), a significant number of vehicles with outstanding safety recalls remain on the road, posing potential risks to both drivers and the public. The warning comes as ADS highlights the ongoing issue of unrectified recalls that date back as far as 2018, involving critical components like airbags, brakes, steering systems, and electrical faults.
Over Three Million Vehicles Affected
Industry estimates suggest that over three million vehicles on UK roads may be affected by outstanding recalls. These range from minor fixes to serious defects that could lead to injury or even fatalities if not addressed.
Despite manufacturers' legal obligations to inform owners of recall campaigns, ADS data shows that millions of drivers remain unaware - often due to outdated or missing contact information. This gap in communication has prompted concerns across the motor industry, with calls for better recall management and more effective outreach to vehicle owners.
Dealers Urged to Step Up Recall Communication
In response, ADS is urging dealerships and automotive retailers to take a proactive approach to customer communication. Dealers are in a unique position to bridge the gap between manufacturers and drivers, but many are missing opportunities to flag outstanding recalls when customers come in for servicing or MOTs.
"Effective customer contact management is not just a service opportunity, it’s a safety imperative," said an ADS spokesperson. "The industry must do more to ensure drivers are aware of - and act on - recall notices."
Motorists: How to Check if Your Vehicle Has a Recall
If you're concerned about whether your car or van has been recalled, it’s easy to find out. You can:
- Use the DVSA’s vehicle recall checker by entering your vehicle registration.
- Ask your dealership or service centre to check for open recalls.
- Visit manufacturer websites, which often provide recall look-up tools.
- Use MotorEasy's Digital Garage – In your MotorEasy dashboard, you’ll find a recall checker tool that shows whether your car’s make and model has ever been affected by a manufacturer recall. It’s a quick, convenient way to stay informed and keep your vehicle safe.
Importantly, recall repairs are free of charge, as they are covered by the manufacturer.
Why This Matters
Ignoring a recall, whether knowingly or unknowingly, can have serious consequences. In recent years, safety recalls have involved issues such as:
- Exploding airbags linked to global fatalities
- Braking systems that could fail unexpectedly
- Faulty seatbelts and restraint systems
- Fire risks from electrical components
With millions of vehicles potentially affected, the industry is calling for a renewed focus on recall awareness, not just from manufacturers and dealers, but also from drivers.
Stay safe: Log in to your MotorEasy account and check your Digital Garage dashboard to see if your vehicle has any outstanding recalls. For more advice and motoring updates, visit our News and Advice section.
