There are increasing concerns that the public is not acting on manufacturer recalls.

Nearly three-quarters of cars in the UK recalled for safety or mechanical issues remain on the roads.

Analysis from the vehicle history checking service reveals that potentially dangerous problems or unknown statuses are left unresolved.

Unresolved

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 in Portugal, Greece and Spain.

Complications

“As cars become increasingly modern and incorporate more electrical components, recalls are becoming more common,” says Matas Buzelis, at carVertical.

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

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

If the vehicle is not serviced by small independent garages rather than manufacturer dealerships, recalls can be left unknown, potentially posing a road safety issue.

Not just hot air

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.

Matas adds: “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.

“When purchasing a used car, it’s crucial to go beyond simply checking a vehicle history report. With the increasing complexity of vehicle technology, buyers must take proactive steps to ensure safety. This includes leveraging online databases to track recall history, verify repairs, and check with both manufacturers and authorised dealers to confirm that any defects have been addressed.

“Overlooking unresolved recalls or neglecting to verify repairs can jeopardise safety and lead to serious mechanical failures over time.”