Every UK Car Recall In 2021, With The Biggest Recalls And The Most Common Faults

Recall data from DVSA, updated 15 October 2026.

DVSA's data lists 362 car and light van recalls launched in 2021, covering about 3,050,200 vehicle-records. That compares with 372 in 2020. The year after is listed under 2022.

2021 At A Glance

362
recalls launched in 2021
3,050,200
vehicle-records recalled in 2021
23%
of 2021 recalls fixed by a software update

23% of 2021's recalls included a software update. Vehicle-records are the manufacturers' estimates added together, and one car can appear in several recalls. See how we count.

The Biggest Recalls Of 2021

The ten largest recalls launched in 2021, by vehicle-records.

LaunchedVehicle and faultVehiclesSeverityReference
BMW 3 SeriesSome vehicles may be susceptible to damage to the anti-corrosion coating of the lower steering shaft277,987UrgentR/2021/268
Ford RangerAirbag inflator may rupture upon deployment211,055UrgentR/2019/155
BMW 1 SeriesThe blower regulator wiring could be damaged and could lead to partial contact of individual wire strands181,011LowR/2021/064
Mercedes-Benz A Class (177), A CLASS(176), AMG GT, B Class (246) and 20 moreThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications162,581Book soonR/2021/134
Kia Sportage QLEThe electrical circuit within the hecu may experience a short circuit condition141,772UrgentR/2021/122
Hyundai TucsonThe abs/esc control unit may short circuit117,438UrgentR/2021/035
Mercedes-Benz A Class, A Class (177), AMG GT, B Class (246) and 16 moreThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications108,971Book soonR/2021/110
Mercedes-Benz A Class, C Class, E Class, M Class and 2 moreThe driver's air bag may have a chemical change to its propellant over time108,486UrgentR/2021/277
Mercedes-Benz A Class (177), A CLASS(176), AMG GT, B Class (246) and 20 moreThe emergency call system might not meet specifications106,665Book soonR/2021/133
Mercedes-Benz A Class (177), A CLASS(176), AMG GT, B Class (246) and 20 moreThe behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications90,716Book soonR/2021/111

Recalls By Month

Highest: Apr (34). Latest: Dec (32). Source: DVSA recall data.

Monthly totals rise and fall with large campaigns, which manufacturers often register as several references on the same day.

The Most Common Faults In 2021

A recall can involve more than one type of fault, so the rows overlap. Each fault type links to a page with warning signs and what to do.

Every Recall In 2021

360 recalls

LaunchedVehicle and faultVehiclesSeverityReference
Volkswagen Transporter T6, Transporter T6.1There is a possibility that tyres could suddenly lose air370Book soonR/2022/010
BMW 1 Series, 2 Series, 5 Series, I3 and 3 moreThe material quality of the screws used for seat belts and rear seats may not be to specifications38UrgentR/2021/442
Volkswagen PoloThe sun roof frame may not have been bonded to the body roof35LowR/2022/011
Tesla Model 3The curtain side airbags may not deploy correctly1UrgentR/2022/007
Tesla Model 3, Model YThe front suspension lateral link may be insufficiently torqued127Book soonR/2022/006
Hyundai Tucson NX4E, Tucson NX4E Hev/phevPotential manufacturing defect within the component of the right hand rear caliper1,706UrgentR/2021/414
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 907The distance between the brake line and wiring harness may not be sufficient12,696UrgentR/2021/412
Ford Mustang Mach-EWind noise and water leaks around the panoramic glass roof due to adhesion issues1,540LowR/2021/397
BMW 3 SeriesExcessive increase of cooling system temperature could lead to a bursting of the heater matrix radiator66LowR/2021/430
Volvo XC40The starter motor may engage incorrectly1,954LowR/2021/429
BMW I20The holding force for the tailgate may be too low to hold the tailgate up193Book soonR/2021/428
BMW I20Incorrect wheel bolts may have been installed during production1Book soonR/2021/427
Mazda MAZDA6, RX-8Fuel may leak from fuel pump rings1,924UrgentR/2021/411
Mercedes-Benz A CLASS(176), B Class (246)Update to the diesel engine control unit software to improve the emissions31,414LowR/2021/402
Mercedes-Benz A Class, B ClassUpdate to improve emissions6,014LowR/2021/399
Lamborghini Aventador SVJ RoadsterThe screws on the connection of the heat exchanger oil lines may not have been properly torqued during the assembly process1LowR/2021/421
Mercedes-Benz SprinterThe actual installation condition of the communication module and its correct commissioning cannot be traced due to an error in production24LowR/2021/419
Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 907Cracks could form in the connecting section of the trailer-coupling block/crossmember over the vehicle life24LowR/2021/416
Vauxhall MokkaWindscreen wipers might not function correctly at low temperatures2,153Book soonR/2021/422
Mercedes-Benz Citan 415A software version which is not compatible with the ESP control unit could have been installed11UrgentR/2021/415
Porsche TaycanThere is a possibility that the screw connection on upper control arms of the rear axle were not installed according to specification15Book soonR/2021/410
Maserati Ghibli, LevanteWrong type variant version on statutory plate37LowR/2021/441
Mercedes-Benz EQVConnection between the front axle suspension strut and steering knuckle could loosen302UrgentR/2021/396
Citroën C-Elysee, C3 V4The right-hand side drive shaft outer joint may break19LowR/2021/418
Škoda FabiaThe right- hand rear seat backrest frame has a reduced strength132LowR/2022/017

Recalls from 2021 still apply to any car that wasn't fixed.1 See do car recalls expire? and the latest UK car recalls.


Data: DVSA vehicle recall data (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 15 October 2026.

Sources

  1. Code timelines: Producers normally respond to DVSA within 28 days (5.5); DVSA reviews are typically monthly (5.4). DVSA must be notified "as soon as the safety defect has been confirmed" (6.1). 3 notifications per motorist is seen as reasonable (8.3). Response rates are reported every three months (11.1).