GH Calls For Changes In Law Regarding Car Recalls
Saturday, 16. February 2019
I’ve mentioned the level of recalls that haven’t been carried out on many occasions but nothing seems to have been done to sort it out. Not all are critical so it’s worth explaining again the three levels of recall. The most dangerous is a ‘Stop Drive Recall’.
This is very rare and described as the equivalent to an aircraft being grounded That’s the official line but we’ve seen many instances of cars catching light and the manufacturers dragging their heels over a recall and even then not issuing a ‘Stop Drive Recall’.
The second and most common level is a ‘Safety Recall’. The line from the DVSA here is: ‘where a vehicle or component is deemed by our engineers, usually along with the manufacturers’ engineers, to present some safety risks’. Drivers can continue to use cars affected by a Safety Recall while waiting for the issue to be fixed – “Unless informed otherwise,” Neil Barlow of the DVSA explained.
The third level is less critical. The DVSA is sometimes involved in ‘non-code actions’ and ‘service campaigns’, where it will assist manufacturers in contacting owners regarding defects that do not present a serious safety risk.
The problem is that a large number of recalls remain outstanding which can put drivers, passengers and other road users’ lives at risk. It’s a disgrace. There are some that have suggested that recalls should be part of the MOT test and if there is an outstanding recall the car should fail. That’s fine but the first MOT isn’t due for 3 years so what happens in the meantime? I would suggest that recalls should be checked by those carrying out services.
At least there will be some checks before the car gets to 3 years old or possibly the road fund licence should be withheld if there is a recall outstanding. The reason why I’m raising this again is that BMW has just announced a recall on 1.6 million diesel cars that include 268,000 cars affected in the UK.
The risk is of fire as a result of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system leaking coolant. In combination with the high temperatures present in the EGR module, this can result in smouldering soot particles. In turn, this could lead to a fire – in very rare cases.
The cars affected are 3 Series, 5 Series, saloon and estate, 4 Series and 6 Series Coupe’s and convertibles. The problem is that many of these cars won’t be taken to a dealer for the recall, either because the car has changed hands and the DVSA has failed to reach the new driver, or drivers have ignored the notice.
There could be other reasons but this should not stop the lawmakers making it an offence to continue to drive a car that could cause an accident. New laws are needed to make drivers more responsible when it comes to safety recalls. You can check to see if your car is subject to a recall by clicking this link: www.check-mot.service.gov.uk By Graham Hill
