Recall alarm signal: Millions of cars at risk – this is how you act now!

Recall alarm signal: Millions of cars at risk – this is how you act now!

Without a doubt, car owners in Germany are currently facing an important challenge. In 2024, an estimated 155,000 vehicles lost their registration because owners did not respond to recalls. The Ruhr24 reported that the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) ordered a total of 2.84 million recalls due to safety defects. This applies to safety and environmentally relevant defects such as airbags, brakes and exhaust systems. In order to ensure the well-being of road users, manufacturers are legally obliged to inform the KBA of all defects and to send the necessary recall letters to vehicle owners.

The problem: Ignoring the recalls can have serious consequences. Anyone who accidentally or intentionally fails to take part in such mandatory recalls will not only face warning letters, but could even be punished by the registration authority with the vehicle being decommissioned. This decommissioning means handing over the license plates, removing the TÜV sticker, stamping the vehicle documents and paying the corresponding fees. An unpleasant brush with the law if you continue driving despite an operating ban - that can result in a fine and a point in Flensburg.

It's time to act quickly

Drivers should now make an appointment for a workshop immediately. The repairs are usually covered by the manufacturer, even if there is no legal right to a rental car during this time - although a few manufacturers offer such additional services. However, used car owners also have to be careful. They are often not informed about open recalls because the manufacturers do not have current addresses. It is therefore advisable to ask the workshop about open recalls during regular inspections to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The KBA obtains knowledge of potential risks and deviations from regulations through various channels. This includes product testing in our own laboratories, reports from manufacturers, tips from the public and information from authorities, insurance companies and the media. Based on this feedback, callbacks will then be ordered if necessary. In order to avoid security incidents, a rapid response by market surveillance authorities is of utmost importance – especially in the case of “serious risks”.

Use the KBA recall database

To ensure that your vehicle is affected by a recall, the KBA recall database be used. Here, vehicle owners can check whether their car appears in the list of affected vehicles. The KBA supports the recall campaigns by calling non-cooperating owners again to have their defects remedied in specialist workshops. It is important to be proactive and not waste time, because even small defects should be taken seriously.

The KBA's first steps in the event of defects begin with an investigation, followed by a recall campaign, which varies depending on the risk and non-compliance with legal requirements. Owners must not avoid the recall as this can lead to significant problems.

Remember, safety is the be-all and end-all when it comes to road traffic. Anyone who loves their car will ensure that it is properly cared for in a timely manner and can potentially avoid lengthy and costly problems.