The rate of vehicle recalls has surged tenfold in the last 30 years, according to data from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) analysed by The Car Expert.
It found that nearly 1.2 million vehicles from 41 different manufactures have been recalled to date this year.
Of these, almost 1.1 million are passenger cars and if the rate continues The Car Expert predicts that 260 recalls will be issued this year.
That is up from just 27 passenger car recalls in 1994.
Voluntary recalls can be issued for non-safety issues, but the DVSA only issues recalls for serious safety concerns, with the severity ranging from adjustments in maintenance schedules to ‘stop driving’ orders.
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.”
