UK vehicle recalls up tenfold in 30 years
UK vehicle recalls are 10 times higher than they were in 1994, according to analysis of figures from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Almost 1.1 million cars and 1.2 vehicles in total have been recalled by the DVSA in the first eight months of 2024, representing 41 brands.
At the current rate, The Car Expert predicts 260 recalls could issued by the end of the year, affecting up to 1.8 million cars. This compares to just 27 passenger recalls in 1994.
In the UK, the DVSA only issues recalls for safety concerns, but non-safety issues can also lead to voluntary recalls.
Vehicle recalls
Stuart Masson, editorial director at The Car Expert, said: “Recalls in the UK are a serious matter because the DVSA only issues them when there are safety concerns. This means the potential risks to drivers and passengers are significant if the recall isn’t remedied immediately.
“With the number of recalls increasing year by year, it’s more important than ever for drivers to be informed about the process. Clear, accessible advice is essential so that vehicle owners understand not only the nature of the recall but also the steps they need to take to address the issue. Educating drivers on how to promptly book their vehicles in for repairs and ensuring these problems are resolved swiftly can greatly reduce the risks to road safety.
“At The Car Expert, we’re constantly looking at ways to help drivers navigate vehicle ownership – whether it’s updating them about their current vehicle, or providing insights on new vehicles, to assist in the car buying process. That’s why we’ve added DVSA recall information to our award-winning Expert Rating Index for each model of car.”
