Recall campaign shocked: Hundreds of thousands of cars are threatened with decommissioning!

Recall campaign shocked: Hundreds of thousands of cars are threatened with decommissioning!

On November 6, 2025, we will look at a serious issue in the automotive industry: recalls and the associated consequences. In 2024, 155,000 cars lost their registration because their owners failed to respond to recalls. The Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) initiated a total of 2.84 million recalls due to safety deficiencies - an alarming sign for road safety in Germany.

Recalls are ordered when safety or environmental defects such as problems with airbags, brakes or exhaust systems are discovered. Car manufacturers are legally obliged to inform the KBA about such defects and to send recall letters to vehicle owners. If you miss the message and ignore the request, this can have far-reaching consequences.

Bindingness of the recalls

In the case of mandatory callbacks, participation is binding. If an owner ignores the recall, warning letters can be issued, which is not only annoying but also has serious consequences. If you do not respond to these reminders, the local registration authority will be informed, which will result in the vehicle being immobilized. Drivers then have to expect the license plates to be handed in, the TÜV sticker to be removed and a fee to be paid.

Continuing to drive despite an operating ban can result in fines and points in Flensburg. Therefore, drivers should make an appointment at a workshop immediately to have the necessary repairs carried out. As a rule, these costs are borne by the manufacturer. However, there is no legal right to a rental car during repairs, although some manufacturers offer this service.

Closing the information gap

A common problem with recalls is that used car owners are often not informed about potential recalls because many manufacturers do not have current addresses for their customers. Drivers should therefore actively ask about open recalls during inspections to avoid potential problems. The KBA provides a recall database that can be useful for checking whether a vehicle is affected.

The KBA obtains knowledge of risks and deviations from regulations through product tests in its own laboratories and through reports from manufacturers or from the public. If a serious risk is identified, the KBA will take immediate action. If defects are discovered, it is essential that vehicle owners are promptly notified by manufacturers in order to ensure road safety.

In conclusion, a good hand at vehicle care, especially through regular inspections, can not only increase personal safety, but also help to avoid inconveniences such as shutdowns. Drivers are well advised to inform themselves and take the necessary steps immediately to avoid unpleasant surprises.

For further information on the KBA recall database and to check whether your vehicle is affected, the [KBA] website (https://www.kba.de/DE/Themen/Marktueberwachung/Rueckrufe/rueckrufe_node.html) offers the right contact point. The detailed report from Ruhr24 also provides valuable information to support your own driving safety.