Germany recalls 1.78 million vehicles over technical defects

Yesterday 19:00

By: Azzat Manal

Germany recalls 1.78 million vehicles over technical defects

Germany recalled around 1.78 million vehicles in 2025 after authorities identified various technical defects during market inspections and safety checks, according to data from the country's Federal Motor Transport Authority.

The number of vehicles affected by recall campaigns fell by approximately 37% compared with the previous year, indicating a significant decline in reported cases requiring corrective action. The number of vehicles removed from service also dropped sharply, reaching around 74,000 in 2025, compared with approximately 155,000 a year earlier.

Germany's Federal Motor Transport Authority is responsible for monitoring the automotive market and checking whether vehicles, trailers, systems and components comply with applicable technical and safety requirements. When products are found to present safety concerns or fail to meet legal standards, the authority can order manufacturers to launch recall campaigns or issue public safety warnings.

Vehicle recalls are an important part of road safety management, allowing manufacturers to identify and correct potentially dangerous defects before they lead to accidents or further damage. The German system also enables authorities to intervene when safety problems are detected across a large number of vehicles.

Despite the decline in recalls and vehicles taken out of service in 2025, the figures highlight the continued importance of technical inspections and market surveillance in one of Europe's largest automotive markets. With millions of vehicles on German roads, authorities and manufacturers remain under pressure to ensure that safety standards are maintained throughout the vehicles' lifespan.