Nearly three-quarters of cars recalled for safety issues in the UK have been found to still remain on roads without having completed necessary repairs.
It comes after a report revealed 72.3 per cent of recalled vehicles have unresolved problems or unknown repair statuses.
Many of these recalls involve critical safety components including airbags, brakes, and electrical systems, all of which could cause serious accidents on UK roads.
But despite manufacturer warnings, only 28 per cent of UK drivers have addressed these potentially dangerous defects.
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The findings, based on vehicle history reports from January 2023 to September 2024, highlighted significant safety concerns for British motorists.
The report found the UK has the lowest overall car recall rate among 26 countries studied, with just 3.1 per cent of vehicles being recalled at least once.
This contrasts sharply with other European nations, where recall rates are significantly higher. Portugal topped the list for vehicle recalls, followed by Greece and Spain.
The study by carVertical reviewed millions of vehicle history reports over a 21-month period to identify these trends. Some defects, like those involved in the 2013 Takata airbag scandal, continue to pose risks as affected vehicles remain in the used car market.
Matas Buzelis, a car market expert at carVertical 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 suggested many UK motorists may be unaware of their vehicle’s recall status. Others may not understand the importance of addressing these safety issues promptly, Buzelis explained.
Recall resolution rates show significant variation across European countries. In Greece, 50 per cent of car owners responded to recall notices, demonstrating much higher compliance than the UK.
German drivers showed similar diligence, with 49 per cent addressing recall issues. Spanish motorists achieved a 42 per cent resolution rate, while Bulgaria saw 43 per cent of recalls resolved.
The UK’s rate of just 27.7 per cent places it well below these European counterparts.
Buzelis warned: “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. Overlooking unresolved recalls or neglecting to verify repairs can jeopardise safety and lead to serious mechanical failures over time.”
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UK recorded as having the lowest response rate to vehicle recalls across Europe
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He recommended obtaining comprehensive vehicle history reports to identify past issues and ensure necessary repairs are completed.
