The UK Safety Recalls Scheme | Bristol and Cardiff

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) are the government agency responsible for the UK Automotive Safety Recall Scheme.

Manufacturers and their distributors work together under established Codes of Practice to help protect consumers from unsafe products in the automotive sector. The General Product Safety Regulations 2005 provide the legal framework for consumer protection and support the UK Automotive Safety Recall Scheme. Any product has the potential to be subject to a safety recall if a safety issue is identified.

What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a proactive measure taken by a manufacturer when a serious safety defect is identified that may affect a range of on-road or off-road vehicles, including those operating under an operator’s licence. Manufacturers issue safety recalls only for defects that could potentially cause serious injury. These faults may place you, your passengers, or other road users at risk if they are not addressed. Safety recall repairs are usually carried out free of charge.

What happens during a safety recall?
When a safety recall is initiated, the manufacturer must make every reasonable effort to inform consumers whose products may be affected. This is typically done by sending a letter to the vehicle’s registered keeper. In some cases, the manufacturer may obtain keeper information from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to help identify and contact owners.

What should you do?

- Act promptly if you receive a safety recall letter and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

- Ensure your keeper details with the DVLA are up to date, as manufacturers may rely on this information to contact you during a recall.

- If you no longer own the vehicle, inform the manufacturer so the new owner can be contacted and the issue addressed.

You are responsible for ensuring that your vehicle is kept in a safe condition and that it is not used if it has a defect. Failing to respond promptly to a safety recall notice and not having the required repair carried out may:

- Result in an offence for using a defective vehicle, particularly if you are involved in an accident or another traffic offence.
- Put your operator’s licence at risk (for vehicles that require one).

- Affect any claims made to your vehicle insurer.
- Put you, your passengers, and other road users at risk.

Do you have a question or query? Contact our customer services team today.

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Reg Office: Imperial Way Reading Berkshire RG2 0BF

Reg. Company Number: 10253292

VAT Reg. No. 315 340 439

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