Safety recalls on imported cars

When a car sold new in the UK is recalled, the manufacturer writes to the keeper and a dealer fixes it. With an import, it is fair to wonder whether that letter will ever arrive, and who would do the work if it did. The system does cover imports, but you will want to do a little of the checking yourself.

Free UK check

GOV.UK vehicle recall checker

Grey imports

Importer takes on recall duties

Personal imports

Covered by the DVSA code

Cost of a recall fix

Usually nothing

How recalls work in the UK

When a manufacturer finds a serious safety problem with a vehicle, part or accessory, it has to fix or replace it. The DVSA publishes a code of practice setting out what should happen, from the moment a possible defect is found to the point the affected vehicles have been put right.

To reach owners, manufacturers can ask the DVLA to help find the names and addresses of the registered keepers of affected vehicles. That is how the letter finds you, and it only works if the DVLA has your current details.

Where imports fit in

The code deals with imports directly. Where a safety defect affects grey imports brought in by an independent importer, that importer takes on the responsibilities the code gives the manufacturer. If the importer is not available to do so, the DVSA will, where relevant, contact the manufacturer or its distributor instead.

The code also says it applies to personally imported vehicles. So an import is not outside the system. What can be different is how quickly the information reaches you, especially for a model or version that was never sold here.

Checking for recalls

GOV.UK has a free recall checker. For a car, you use the registration number through the MOT history service. If the car does not have a UK number yet, you can search by manufacturer, model and year of manufacture instead.

It shows safety recalls that have not yet been checked or fixed. Non-safety recalls are not listed there, because the manufacturer deals with those directly. The same page links to a check for other faults registered with the DVSA.

Models never sold in the UK

The UK checker is the right starting point, but for a car built for another market it may not be the whole story. A recall issued for a model in its home market will not necessarily show up here if the model was never sold in the UK.

So for a Japanese, American or Gulf-market car, it is worth checking with the manufacturer in the car's home market as well, using the VIN or chassis number. The is my car an import guide explains where to find that number and what it can tell you.

If your car is recalled

1. 1

   Notice

   A letter or a result on the checker

   For a serious safety defect, the manufacturer's letter explains the next steps.

2. 2

   Straight away

   Stop if it is serious

   GOV.UK says you must not drive a vehicle with a serious safety defect.

3. 3

   Next

   Contact the manufacturer

   The repair or replacement is arranged through the manufacturer, or through the importer for a grey import.

4. 4

   The fix

   Repair or replacement

   GOV.UK says you usually will not pay for the repair or the parts.

5. 5

   After

   Keep the paperwork

   A record that the recall work was done is useful for insurers and future buyers.

For a car that was never sold in the UK, a franchised dealer may need parts from abroad, which can add time. Ask before you book, and see our guide to parts and servicing for imported cars for the wider picture.

Keeping your details current

Because manufacturers trace owners through DVLA keeper records, the simplest thing you can do is keep the V5C up to date. If you move house, tell the DVLA. If you sell the car, tell the DVLA, so the next keeper is the one who hears about any recall.

The code itself says keeper details will not always be available. With an import, that is one more reason to run the check yourself now and then, rather than wait for post that may never come.

Reporting a safety defect

If you find what you think is a serious safety problem with your car, a part or an accessory, GOV.UK has a route for reporting it. That applies whether or not the car was sold new in the UK. If you are unsure whether a fault is a known issue, check the recall checker and the DVSA's registered faults first.

Your recall checklist

Buying an import already in the UK? Add the recall check to the list in should you buy an imported car. And when it is your turn to sell, the recall paperwork belongs in the folder, as we explain in selling an imported car.

Questions people ask

Thinking of importing a car? Tell us about it on the quote form and we will take it from collection to UK plates.