What Happens If My Car Is Recalled?

In the UK, millions of vehicles are recalled for safety reasons every year. When a recall is issued, it can affect thousands of cars, and the process can be extremely costly to a manufacturer. It even has the potential to seriously harm a brand’s reputation. 

Recent statistics have revealed that car recalls are now ten times more common than they were in the 1960s. But is this something to worry about? And what does it mean for affected drivers? 

Arguably, greater numbers of recalls suggests more stringent safety inspections. Though, the positives probably aren’t your first thought when you get a recall letter through your door. 

Read on for more information about what car recalls are, and what to do if your vehicle gets recalled.

What is a car recall?

A car recall refers to an instruction from a car manufacturer to recall a model or make of vehicle, in response to the detection of a potential safety defect. Oftentimes, this happens at a global or national level, just like product recalls (think children’s toys or food). 

• If a car manufacturer detects a potential problem in regards to a specific vehicle model, it will issue a safety recall. 
• The recall enables the manufacturer to fix the problem to ensure the car is safe to drive. 
• If repair work is required, it will not cost you anything at all. 

The truth is, car safety recalls are common, and the faults detected can be anything from a simple software glitch to a major issue, such as a fire risk. However, in most cases, the faults detected are minor and there is nothing to worry about.

What are some examples of car recalls?

Some examples of vehicle safety defects can include brake problems, steering wheel failure, unexpected airbag operation, seatbelt issues, fuel leaks, incorrect warning light display, handbrake self release and faulty doors. 

Historically, there have been numerous large-scale car recalls that made headlines, such as: 

• The Volkswagen emissions scandal of 2015 that saw 8.5 million cars recalled across Europe (at a cost of around £12 billion to the company).
• The Takata airbag recall (the largest mass recall to date) saw 67 million air bags recalled as they could explode when deployed. 
• The more recent Porsche Taycan recall, where all models built since 2020 have been recalled after a potential front brake hose leak issue.

What to expect when a car is recalled

When a car manufacturer issues a safety recall, they will get in contact with the registered keepers of the specific model of vehicle using information obtained from the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). 

1. If your vehicle is affected, the manufacturer will likely contact you by post (or possibly phone or email). 
2. The manufacturer will provide an explanation of the problem, as well as what kind of repair work is needed to fix it. 
3. The manufacturer will also advise who to contact to organise for the car to be inspected, so that the work can be completed. 
4. Although it is rare, you may also be advised not to drive the car until it has been looked at by a professional. 
5. Once you've received a recall notice, contact the manufacturer or your nearest approved dealership as soon as possible to arrange the necessary inspection or repair. 

Recall repairs are carried out free of charge, and, in most cases, can be completed quickly. It's important not to delay, especially if the issue affects the vehicle’s safety or performance. Keep a record of any communication or repair confirmation for your service history.

What happens to your car when it gets recalled?

In most cases, you will be asked to take your vehicle to a nearby dealership. Depending on how long the work is likely to take, you may be entitled to use a courtesy car until your vehicle is fixed.

If you can’t take your vehicle in for an appointment straight away, don’t panic. 

Some safety recalls are simply a preventative measure, and are carried out in advance of a problem that may occur. This means there’s no need to worry that your car will fail all of a sudden if you don’t get it looked at immediately. However, it’s paramount for the safety of you, your passengers and other road users that you arrange to have the repair work carried out as soon as possible. 

Can I drive my car if it's been recalled?

Unless you’ve been issued a “do not drive” recall, you can usually continue to drive your car (depending on the severity of the safety issue). For standard recalls, though, you really should make an effort to bring your car to a reputable repair centre or dealership as soon as possible, as ignoring safety issues can cause damage - not to mention invalidate your insurance or fail MOTs.

What are your rights if your car is recalled?

If your car is recalled, your key rights under consumer law (Consumer Rights Act 2015) are: 

• To get the necessary safety-related fix done for free by the manufacturer (regardless of your car’s age or warranty status). 
• To receive a courtesy car if the repair takes a long time. 
• Not to be charged for any recall-related parts or labour, even if the dealer suggests extra work. You can report any attempts to charge for recall work by contacting the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline for guidance.

What happens if you ignore a car recall?

Recent research has revealed that over 3.2 million cars and vans were not rectified after recalls between 2018 and 2023. This means a high number of cars with known safety defects still driving on the roads - and many drivers at risk. 

Choosing to ignore a safety recall could land you in serious trouble with the law. As a car owner, you have a legal responsibility to ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy, so it’s important that you take the required steps to have your car fixed if a fault is detected. 

• If not, you could be found guilty of ‘using a defective vehicle’, and receive a warning, penalty points on your licence, or even be banned from driving altogether. 
• Ignoring a recall could also impact your car insurance. For example, if you’re involved in an accident and it’s found to have been caused by a mechanical fault that you have failed to fix, even though you received a recall notice, your policy may become invalid. This could mean that you will not be able to make a claim.

Buying a used car and how to tell it has been recalled

If you’re considering buying a used car, it’s definitely worth checking if it has ever received a recall notice, and if so, it’s important to see if there is any proof that the fault was fixed. 

When you’re buying a used car from a dealership, they should have already checked the vehicle for outstanding recalls, and they should be able to provide you with this information if you ask. 

However, if you’re purchasing a car through a private sale, there is a chance that the previous owner will have chosen to ignore a recall in the past. So, to make sure the vehicle you’re buying is safe to drive, it’s a good idea to carry out a background check before handing over the cash and walking away with the keys.

Where to check for vehicle recalls

The UK Government has a free online recall checker that you can use at any time. Enter your vehicle reg and they’ll show you whether any outstanding recalls affect your car. 

You can also check with your manufacturer directly, or by using the Motor Ombudsman's Vehicle Recalls Checker.

Reporting a car defect yourself

If you think your vehicle has a defect that is impacting your safety, it’s important that you report the problem to the car manufacturer as soon as you can. 

• To report a defect yourself, it’s likely you’ll need to complete a form provided by the manufacturer, and give information such as the make, year and engine type of your vehicle. 
• You should also explain why you think your vehicle is defective and include any photographic evidence you may have.

Make safety a priority with Kwik Fit

If you receive a recall notice for your vehicle, there’s a good chance there is nothing serious to worry about. However, to make sure you’re driving safely, you should get your car looked at as soon as possible. 

For peace of mind, book a free vehicle safety check at Kwik Fit and bring your vehicle into your local centre. Our staff will check tyres, battery, coolant, windscreen & wipers, and bulbs to ensure all the fundamentals are working as they should be.