Recalls endanger drivers: How to save your registration!

Recalls endanger drivers: How to save your registration!

In the automotive sector, it's no secret that safety is a top priority. But what does it actually look like when there are recalls? In 2024, 155,000 cars in Germany will find themselves without valid registration because their owners did not respond to recalls. This reports Ruhr24, which also note that the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) has ordered a total of 2.84 million recalls due to safety defects.

Recall letters sent by vehicle manufacturers inform owners about safety or environmentally relevant defects - often these concern essential parts such as airbags, brakes and exhaust systems. Manufacturers are legally obliged to report defects and organize recalls. If someone ignores a warning letter, the KBA can inform the local registration authorities, who will then prohibit the vehicle from continuing to drive.

Consequences of ignoring

Anyone who does not respond to recall measures must expect serious consequences. These range from handing over the license plate to removing the TÜV sticker and stamping the vehicle documents. You can also face fines and points in Flensburg if you continue driving despite an operating ban. To prevent this, drivers should quickly arrange a workshop appointment, as repairs are usually carried out by the manufacturer. However, there are different regulations as to whether a rental car is available during repairs - there is no legal right to this.

A major problem arises for used car owners, who are often uninformed about recalls because the manufacturing company may not have a current address. The KBA recall database can be helpful here: drivers should use it to check possible recalls for their vehicle. Your use is supported by the redesigned recall database Vehicle information supported, which now also enables research into several vehicle models at the same time.

The new recall database

The recall database has proven to be very useful. This meets high IT security requirements and allows users to retrieve requests in machine-readable formats, such as CSV or Excel. The transparency in the recall process has increased significantly and allows better use of data by third parties. Workshops and drivers can now act faster and more targeted.

Finally, it is important to specifically ask about open recalls during inspections. This way you not only stay on the safe side, but you can also avoid unpleasant surprises. Imagine stranding your car on the street because you overlooked an important letter - that would not only be unnecessary, but could also be dangerous. Staying informed is the key here.