Experts are warning that motorists around the country could be impacted by a "nightmare scenario" as a result of unresolved vehicle recalls.
New estimates suggest that more than half of dealer databases often contain outdated customer details and that one in five lapsed customers may be driving cars with outstanding safety recalls.
According to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA), more than five million cars could be impacted.
Experts from ADS state that franchise dealers are losing contact with their customers, meaning they fail to respond to initial recall notices.
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Drivers are being warned that their vehicles could be part of an outstanding recall
THE CAR EXPERT/PA
The data suggests that more than 2.7 million cars were part of vehicle recall notices in 2021, but fewer than 800,000 were rectified by dealers.
Fleet News reported that one manufacturer has already partnered with ADS to address the backlog of unresolved safety recalls to ensure drivers remain safe behind the wheel.
Jon Sheard, operations director at ADS, said: "Successive Governments have had a poor track record on decision-making and responsible communications that avoid causing chaos for the automotive industry, so it is wise to get ahead of this problem immediately."
He suggested that the Government is considering introducing new rules to integrate outstanding recall notices into MOT testing criteria, although it is unclear when Labour plans to do this.
Many are expecting the Department for Transport to launch a new Road Safety Strategy this year which could see information about recalls included on MOTs to ensure vehicles are safe.
Sheard said any implementation of these rules could lead to dealers becoming "overwhelmed by unforeseen demands for new parts and workshop time".
This may have a knock-on effect for drivers and businesses with large fleets of vehicles as they will be waiting longer for repairs and may even be forced off the road.
ADS reported that a senior executive at a major franchise dealer group said: "If this change happens suddenly, we'll be overwhelmed by backlog just clearing MOT failures - let alone routine servicing.
"But this is also an opportunity to reconnect with customers who haven't visited us in years, encouraging them to book recall repairs and servicing at the same time, which will strengthen relationships and ensure future business."
The DVSA has made small changes to MOT certificates to help motorists get more information about their vehicle in case it has an outstanding recall.
The certificate will now show whether the vehicle is part of a recall and tell the driver to contact their nearest DVSA dealership.
From here, they will be able to get more information about the recall when they can then arrange a free repair to take place.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Experts have warned that a high volume of vehicle recalls could cause a backlog in repairs
PEXELSWhen motorists know their vehicle is part of a recall notice, they will need to contact their vehicle manufacturer to find out what the fault is and how to remedy the issue.
