72% of recalled cars remain on the roads without repairs

Nearly three quarters of recalled cars in the UK pose a safety risk by remaining on the road without necessary repairs, according to analysis by carVertical.

The study, which reviewed vehicle history reports from January 2023 to September 2024, 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. While many factory defects are minor, some can pose safety risks, making it inadvisable to drive the vehicle.

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

However, the UK had the lowest 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.

How common are cars with unresolved recalls? | carVertical.