Rapid Increase in Vehicle Recalls by Federal Motor Vehicles Agency

The automotive landscape in Germany has seen its fair share of fluctuations in vehicle recalls and the used car market over the past few years.

In 2015, the Takata airbag recall waves began, affecting millions of cars from various manufacturers. This large-scale recall, along with other smaller recalls related to the Takata airbag issue, continued to be reported even after the peak in 2019. The Takata recall specifically affected driver assistance systems, airbags, and electrical components, and in 2021, these issues were once again a primary focus of vehicle recalls by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).

Recalls involving vehicles initially deemed less risky still occur due to the Takata airbag issue. For instance, in 2024, the automobile brand with the most vehicles affected by recalls announced by the KBA was BMW, with 25,059 vehicles worldwide (4,445 in Germany) of the X1 and iX1 series recalled due to a faulty B-pillar reinforcement.

The number of vehicles recalled in 2023 saw a notable drop compared to the average of recent years (2018-2022). However, the increase from the previous year brings the number of recalled vehicles in 2024 closer to the average, with the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) recalling approximately 2.84 million vehicles due to safety-related defects, an increase of 48% from the previous year.

Large, model-overarching series actions, such as the faulty airbag recalls from the Japanese supplier Takata, have significantly impacted the number of recalled vehicles. In some years, engine and exhaust problems have dominated the recall statistics, while in others, like 2021, driver assistance systems, airbags, and electrical components took centre stage.

The GW-TRENDS Used Car Year 2024 report shows significant growth in the used car market. Contrastingly, the automotive new registration balance for 2024 indicates a shrinkage of one percent in the car market. Interestingly, there has been an automotive trend of Germans driving more in 2024, which could potentially influence the used car market.

It's essential to note that the focus of vehicle recalls can vary significantly from year to year. For instance, in 2022, the number of vehicles recalled by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) was not specified, but it was higher than in 2024. In 2023, approximately 1.9 million vehicles were recalled by the KBA.

In conclusion, while the used car market in Germany has seen growth, the number of recalled vehicles has fluctuated over the past few years. The Takata airbag issue has been a significant contributor to these fluctuations, with its impact still being felt today. As always, it's crucial for consumers to stay informed about recalls and ensure the safety of their vehicles.