Majority of recalled cars remain on the road without being repaired

Almost three-quarters (72%) of cars in the UK recalled for safety or mechanical issues remain on the roads with unresolved problems, analysis from the vehicle history checking service CarVertical reveals.

The study, which reviewed vehicle history reports from January 2023 to September 2024, found that only 28% of recalled vehicles in the UK have had their defects addressed. 

Many of these recalls involve critical safety components such as airbags, brakes, and electrical systems. While many factory defects are minor, some can pose safety risks, making it inadvisable to drive the vehicle.

Despite this, the UK had the lowest recall rate among the 26 countries studied, with just 3.1% of cars being recalled at least once. The highest recall rates were seen in Portugal, followed by Greece and Spain.

Matas Buzelis, a car market expert at CarVertical, said: “As cars become increasingly modern and incorporate more electrical components, recalls are becoming more common.

“Fortunately, these issues are usually resolved during regular vehicle maintenance, causing minimal inconvenience to drivers.”

The study suggests that many UK drivers may be unaware of their vehicle's recall status or the importance of addressing these issues. 

Some defects, like the infamous Takata airbag scandal in 2013, have had serious consequences. 

Despite extensive recalls by manufacturers such as BMW, Ford, Honda, and Toyota, vehicles with these dangerous airbags still appear on the used car market today.

Recall resolution rates vary significantly across countries. For example, 50% of Greek car owners acted on recall notices, compared to 42% in Spain, 43% in Bulgaria, and 49% in Germany.  

Buzelis said: “The fact that 72% of recalled vehicles in the UK remain on the road with unresolved defects is troubling. 

“This isn’t just a statistic — it represents a significant threat to road safety. Ignoring recalls is a risky gamble.”