Major car brands set to issue 260 vehicle recalls this year as millions of drivers could be impacted
Drivers have seen the number of vehicle recalls spike in recent years
THE CAR EXPERT
Drivers are being warned that vehicle recalls are 10 times more likely in 2024 than they were three decades ago, with motorists at risk of having issues with their cars.
New analysis has found that the rate of vehicle recalls has surged more than tenfold compared to rates from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) in 1994.
In the first eight months of 2024, around 1.1 million cars and almost 1.2 million vehicles in total have been subject to a recall notice by the DVSA.
In 1994, only 27 passenger car recalls were issued, compared to the current rate which experts predict could result in 260 recalls issued including 1.8 million cars by the end of the year.
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Around 260 vehicle recalls are expected to take place this year
THE MOTOR OMBUDSMANThe DVSA only issues recalls for safety concerns, although manufacturers may issue voluntary recalls for non-safety issues.
While the majority of vehicle recalls concern passenger cars, they can also include vans, trucks, motorcycles, motorhomes and accessories like car seats.
The analysis, from The Car Expert, has prompted the organisation to include DVSA recall data into its Expert Rating Index which helps see how reliable the vehicle is.
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."
One of the most recent recalls concerned BW Group which unveiled a global recall of around 1.5 million vehicles for a potential braking problem.
So far this year, 41 different car manufacturers have issued vehicle recalls, ranging from budget brands like Dacia to ultra-luxury marques including Rolls-Royce, The Car Expert highlighted.
Masson added: "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."
In comparison, the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) dealt with 1,000 recall notices in 2023, impacting nearly 35 million vehicles.
The NHTSA advises vehicle owners to check for open recalls at least twice a year, with deputy administrator Sophie Shulman suggesting this could be done at the same time when clocks change.
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Tesla has issued a number of global vehicle recalls this year already
GETTYShe added: "When you change your clocks, check for recalls. And if you have an open recall, call your dealership immediately to schedule a free repair."