More than seven in 10 (72%) of recalled cars in the UK remain on the roads with unresolved problems or unknown statuses.

Only 28% of recalled vehicles in the UK have had their defects addressed

Vehicle history checking service CarVertical reviewed vehicle history reports from January 2023 to September 2024 and 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 – and CarVertical has warned that while many factory defects are minor, some can pose safety risks, making it inadvisable to drive the vehicle.

The UK has one of the highest percentages of unresolved issues or unknown statuses, yet the lowest overall car recall rate among the 26 countries studied, with just 3.1% of cars being recalled at least once. The highest recall rates were seen in Portugal, followed by Greece and Spain.

CarVertical’s Matas Buzelis said: “As cars become increasingly modern and incorporate more electrical components, recalls are becoming more common. Fortunately, these issues are usually resolved during regular vehicle maintenance, causing minimal inconvenience to drivers,”

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

Some defects, such as 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 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.

Buzelis added: “Overlooking unresolved recalls or neglecting to verify repairs can jeopardise safety and lead to serious mechanical failures over time. Car buyers and owners should prioritise obtaining a comprehensive vehicle history report to identify any past accidents or issues, ensuring that necessary repairs are completed and the vehicle remains safe and reliable.”