Software Recalls In The UK: Why More Recalls Are Fixed By Software, Which Need A Dealer, And eCall Recalls Explained

A software recall fixes a safety fault by updating the code in one of the car's control units rather than replacing a part. 36% of UK car recalls in 2025 were fixed this way, up from 9% in 2010. Some brands send the update over the air; most still need a dealer visit.

Latest Software Recalls

These are the newest UK car recalls whose fix includes a software update, newest first.

Open any reference to see what the software controls, how serious the fault is and whether the update needs a dealer. See how we grade recalls.

Why Software Recalls Are Rising

Modern cars rely on software for steering, braking, batteries and driver assistance, so a growing share of defects can be fixed by updating code.

201020182026

Software is now the most common type of recall since 2020, with 306 UK car recalls, 98 of them in 2025 alone. A car can have dozens of control units, each running its own code. When a fault is found in how one of them behaves, a new version of the code can often fix it on every affected car, without new parts. See UK car recall statistics.

Can A Software Recall Be Serious?

Yes. Software recalls have fixed steering backup functions, power steering faults and engine controls on hundreds of thousands of UK cars.

A software fix is quick, but the fault it corrects can be as serious as a mechanical one. A loss of steering assistance or engine power, or a blank instrument cluster, matters just as much whatever the fix. Treat a software recall with the same urgency your letter gives it. See steering recalls and loss of power recalls.

Over-the-air Or Dealer Update?

Check the letter. If the fix is over the air, accept the update when prompted; otherwise book a franchised dealer, and expect it to take under an hour in most cases.

Some brands, such as Tesla, routinely send recall fixes over the air, and others are starting to. Most still need a dealer visit for at least some updates. An over-the-air update can fail if the car is low on charge or has no signal, so check afterwards that the recall shows as complete in the app or with the dealer. An independent garage can't carry out a recall update. See how long a recall repair takes.

Which Makes Have The Most Software Recalls?

Since 2020, Mercedes-Benz has the most UK software recalls, followed by Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot and Citroën.

Mercedes-Benz

60

Ford

36

Vauxhall

27

Peugeot

25

Citroën

25

Toyota

20

DS

12

Fiat

9

Porsche

8

BMW

7

Jeep

6

Mazda

6

Lexus

5

Tesla

5

Volvo

5

These are raw counts and include vans. Brands that sell many models with shared electronics tend to file more software recalls, because one fix can apply across a whole range. For rates adjusted for cars on the road, see which car makes have the most recalls.

How To Check The Update Was Done

Ask the dealer for a printout of completed recall work, or check the manufacturer's app after an over-the-air update. Keep the record, because software updates leave no visible sign on the car, and a future buyer or dealer may ask for proof.

eCall Recalls

eCall automatically calls 112 after a serious crash. Recalls fix systems that might not connect or send the right data, and eCall has been mandatory on new car types since 2018.¹

DVSA's data has 51 eCall recalls, 26 of them in 2021, mostly a wave of Mercedes-Benz recalls. 73% are fixed with software. An eCall fault doesn't affect how the car drives, but it could delay help after a crash, so book the update promptly. Our urgency label for eCall recalls is "book soon". See how we grade recalls.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does A Software Recall Affect My Warranty?

No. A recall update is carried out by the manufacturer's network and doesn't affect your warranty.

Can An Independent Garage Do A Software Recall?

No. Recall updates are done through a franchised dealer of your make, or over the air where the manufacturer offers it.

Is A Software Recall Free?

Yes, you won't usually pay for a safety recall repair.² See do you have to pay for a car recall?.

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Data: DVSA vehicle recall data (Open Government Licence v3.0), updated 15 October 2026. Fault groups are our classification (methodology).