Over 3.2m cars and vans recalled between 2018 and 2023 were never checked by franchise dealers, according to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act by data experts Auto Data Solutions (ADS). The business warns that the true number is even higher, and will continue to grow until dealers improve how they manage customer contact and database records.

The DVSA data shows that 729,876 vehicles went unchecked in 2018, 422,729 in 2019, 467,345 in 2020, 498,381 in 2021, 739,705 in 2022, and 394,660 in 2023. These figures relate to 2,128 model recalls across a total of 14.8m vehicles over the six-year period.

According to ADS, the problem stems from poor contact with customers once vehicles are sold, move outside the franchise network, or change hands. “Although a total number of more than 3 million outstanding safety recalls is massive, the real figure is almost certainly much higher, taking into account the years before and since the period in question,” said Jon Sheard, operations director at ADS.

He added: “The fact that almost a quarter of safety recalls are never properly dealt with is the biggest wake-up call yet for dealers to begin taking the maintenance of customer databases more seriously.

“Failure to keep track of customers not only lets down the manufacturers who are fulfilling their duty of care by notifying authorities and drivers to potential issues but also motorists who have a right to know that their vehicle should be professionally checked.”

Manufacturers issue recall notices, often by post, but if customers have changed address or are no longer using the franchise network for servicing, many do not receive the message. Some dealers only carry out safety checks when a car is brought in for a routine service — which for EVs and some newer models can mean intervals of up to two years or more.

ADS also warned of a separate risk facing dealers. Should the Government implement a rule change currently under consideration, unresolved safety recalls may in future be treated as automatic MOT failures. Currently, such recalls are only noted as advisory items. A sudden change to the rules could see workshops overwhelmed by demand.

“Such a situation would result in millions of inconvenienced and angry drivers, potentially unable to drive their cars — and massive problems for dealer workshops who could not manage the sudden demand for time and potentially new parts,” said ADS.

ADS has long argued that improving database management would not only help ensure safety but also present a significant commercial opportunity. “If dealers solved this problem it would benefit their customers, their manufacturer partners and themselves, simply by keeping track of customers properly,” said Sheard. “Last year we reported that up to three quarters of customer records, in the typical dealer database that we analyse, contain inaccuracies. This can be solved quite easily by more consistent monitoring of database accuracy than many dealers routinely undertake.”