Used cars to avoid in the UK
There is no official list of used cars to avoid. What UK data does show, for 59 popular models, is how many large DVSA safety recalls cover each model’s generation, the build dates of the cars in its biggest recall, and how often the model fails its MOT first time. This page sets those side by side and links each model to its full guide. A recall is a free fix, not a verdict, and a failure rate is a share of tests; check any car by its registration on GOV.UK before you buy.
How to read the figures
- A large recall is one DVSA lists at 10,000 or more vehicles. The count is of recalls that cover that model’s generation, not of cars. Where DVSA gives one figure for a recall that spans several models, it is the whole recall’s total, not the model’s share. A model with none at this size can still have smaller recalls.
- Failed first time is the share of the model’s 2025 annual MOT tests that did not pass at the first attempt; a pass with rectification at the station counts as a pass here, and as a failure in DVSA's own initial-test measure.
- The second figure is the rate for all cars of the same age, because older cars fail more often whatever their build.
- Years: the only years on this page are the build dates DVSA gives for the cars in a recall. Each model guide keeps its own notes on years, and says what kind of evidence stands behind each fault.
Superminis
| Model | Large DVSA recalls | Biggest recall, and the cars it covers | Failed MOT first time, 2025 | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Fiesta common problemsMk8 (2017–2023) | 1 | R/2025/084: 26,004 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 22 December 2021 and 11 July 2023.DVSA’s words: Puma Fiesta Courier – Fuel line chafing | 27.7%cars of the same age: 25.1% | Ford Fiesta for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Honda Jazz common problemsGD, GE, GK and the 2020-on hybrid | 19 | R/2016/045: 252,174 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 2 March 2004 and 20 May 2015.DVSA’s words: Drivers airbag inflator may rupture if deployed | 19.5%cars of the same age: 26.2% | Honda Jazz for sale |
| MINI Cooper common problemsF56 (2014–2023) | 6 | R/2020/179: 71,128 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 27 November 2013 and 28 March 2017.DVSA’s words: The exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak over time | 12.8%cars of the same age: 18.1% | MINI Cooper for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Peugeot 208 common problemsMk2 (2019–present) | 4 | R/2026/231: 41,085 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 1 September 2019 and 25 July 2022.DVSA’s words: Peugeot 208 Horn sound volume | 24.0%cars of the same age: 20.1% | Peugeot 208 for sale |
| Renault Clio common problemsMk4 2012–2019, Mk5 2019+ | 4 | R/2016/192: 68,552 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 1 November 2012 and 31 July 2015.DVSA’s words: Wipers may not perform as intended | 37.3%cars of the same age: 25.5% | Renault Clio for sale |
| Skoda Fabia common problemsMk3/NJ3 (2014–2021) and Mk4/PJ (2021–2025) | None at this size | No recall of this size is listed for this generation. | 24.4%cars of the same age: 24.2% | Skoda Fabia for sale |
| Toyota Yaris common problemsXP210, 2020+ | 4 | R/2022/055: 42,554 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 6 July 2020 and 21 June 2021.DVSA’s words: The initialization of the radar sensor may not have been completed correctly | 20.5%cars of the same age: 24.3% | Toyota Yaris for sale |
| Vauxhall Corsa common problemsMk5 (E) 2014–2019, Mk6 (F) 2019+ | 7 | R/2022/046: 66,176 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 28 August 2019 and 31 May 2021.DVSA’s words: The customer might not be alerted to a malfunction of the turn indicator | 29.0%cars of the same age: 24.0% | Vauxhall Corsa for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Volkswagen Polo common problemsMk6 AW (2017–present) | 2 | R/2018/142: 45,714 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 1 May 2017 and 12 October 2018.DVSA’s words: The left rear seat belt double buckle may unfasten involuntarily | 27.3%cars of the same age: 24.2% | Volkswagen Polo for saleAll DVSA recalls |
Family hatchbacks
| Model | Large DVSA recalls | Biggest recall, and the cars it covers | Failed MOT first time, 2025 | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Focus common problemsMk4, 2018–2025 | None at this size | No recall of this size is listed for this generation. | 25.3%cars of the same age: 25.2% | Ford Focus for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Hyundai i30 common problemsPD, 2017+ | None at this size | No recall of this size is listed for this generation. | 28.8%cars of the same age: 25.0% | Hyundai i30 for sale |
| Kia Ceed common problemsMk3 (2018–present) | 1 | R/2023/255: 20,781 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 26 October 2018 and 25 September 2020.DVSA’s words: The mesh filter inside the tandem pump may block causing insufficient oil supply and a risk of vacuum pump failure. If the pump fails there will be no vacuum assistance and the possibility of increased braking distance when applying the brake pedal. | 25.9%cars of the same age: 22.3% | Kia Ceed for sale |
| Nissan Leaf common problemsZE0 2011–2017 and ZE1 2018–2024 | 2 | R/2023/215: 37,574 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 17 December 2017 and 30 May 2023.DVSA’s words: A potential concern affecting the Vehicle Control Module (VCM) logic of some vehicles has been identified whereby in specific and rare circumstances after switching off the cruise control function there is a possibility of unintended acceleration. | 17.1%cars of the same age: 15.2% | Nissan Leaf for sale |
| Renault Megane common problemsMk3 2008–2016 and Mk4 2016–2022 | 1 | R/2013/034: 22,739 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 1 September 2003 and 31 October 2009.DVSA’s words: Rear spoiler may become detached | 39.1%cars of the same age: 28.4% | Renault Megane for sale |
| SEAT Leon common problemsMk3 2012–2020, Mk4 2020+ | 3 | R/2023/273: 50,140 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 19 March 2012 and 18 April 2017.DVSA’s words: Front driver airbag replacement | 19.9%cars of the same age: 20.9% | SEAT Leon for sale |
| Skoda Octavia common problemsMk4, 2020+ | 1 | R/2024/017: 15,729 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 4 May 2020 and 14 November 2023.DVSA’s words: On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment. | 19.5%cars of the same age: 21.9% | Skoda Octavia for sale |
| Toyota Corolla common problemsE210, 2019+ | 4 | R/2024/463: 31,809 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 16 January 2023 and 5 November 2024.DVSA’s words: Brake actuator Skid control ECU reprogram on Certain Toyota Corolla 24SD-146 | 15.4%cars of the same age: 19.5% | Toyota Corolla for sale |
| Vauxhall Astra common problemsMk7 / K (2015-2021) | 1 | R/2018/332: 37,167 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 23 March 2015 and 14 August 2018.DVSA’s words: Reduction in braking power where the brake pedal is applied slowly and constantly | 27.5%cars of the same age: 26.6% | Vauxhall Astra for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Volkswagen Golf common problemsMk7 2013–2019, Mk8 2020+ | 3 | R/2024/014: 26,721 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 6 March 2020 and 31 August 2022.DVSA’s words: On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment. | 20.8%cars of the same age: 24.4% | Volkswagen Golf for saleAll DVSA recalls |
Executive and large family cars
| Model | Large DVSA recalls | Biggest recall, and the cars it covers | Failed MOT first time, 2025 | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi A4 common problemsB9 (2015–2023) | 3 | R/2020/138: 34,982 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 1 June 2017 and 31 March 2020.DVSA’s words: Moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator | 22.7%cars of the same age: 25.0% | Audi A4 for sale |
| Audi A6 common problemsC8, 2018–2024 | 3 | R/2020/138: 34,982 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 1 June 2017 and 31 March 2020.DVSA’s words: Moisture may enter the belt-driven starter-alternator | 16.9%cars of the same age: 23.4% | Audi A6 for sale |
| BMW 3 Series common problemsF30 (2012–2019) / G20 (2019–present) | 11 | R/2022/255: 322,745 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 3 December 2014 and 12 July 2021.DVSA’s words: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold | 20.1%cars of the same age: 24.9% | BMW 3 Series for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| BMW 5 Series common problemsG30, 2017–2024 | 6 | R/2022/255: 322,745 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 8 March 2016 and 14 September 2020.DVSA’s words: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold | 17.1%cars of the same age: 23.3% | BMW 5 Series for sale |
| Ford Mondeo common problemsMk4 2007–2014 and Mk5 2014–2022 | 7 | R/2020/013: 219,738 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 6 February 2007 and 28 February 2017.DVSA’s words: Takata air bag inflator may rupture on deployment | 26.6%cars of the same age: 27.3% | Ford Mondeo for sale |
| Mercedes-Benz C-Class common problemsW205 (2014–2021) / W206 (2021–present) | 25 | R/2021/134: 162,581 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021.DVSA’s words: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications | 21.4%cars of the same age: 24.0% | Mercedes-Benz C-Class for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Mercedes-Benz E-Class common problemsW213, 2016–2023 | 18 | R/2021/134: 162,581 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 4 January 2016 and 29 January 2021.DVSA’s words: The behaviour of the emergency call system might not meet specifications | 19.8%cars of the same age: 23.0% | Mercedes-Benz E-Class for sale |
| Skoda Superb common problemsthird generation 2015–2024 | 1 | R/2024/017: 15,729 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 27 June 2019 and 23 November 2023.DVSA’s words: On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment. | 18.3%cars of the same age: 19.3% | Skoda Superb for sale |
| Tesla Model 3 common problemsMk1 pre-facelift (2017–2023) and "Highland" refresh (2024–2026) | 4 | R/2025/002: 45,929 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 21 May 2019 and 11 October 2024.DVSA’s words: Update vehicle software to correct TPMS behaviour | 14.7%cars of the same age: 10.5% | Tesla Model 3 for sale |
| Toyota Avensis common problemsthird generation 2009–2018 | 4 | R/2010/010: 174,426 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 1 November 2008 and 31 December 2009.DVSA’s words: Accelerator pedal may fail to return to idle | 25.9%cars of the same age: 30.2% | Toyota Avensis for sale |
| Volkswagen Passat common problemsB8, 2015–2023 | 4 | R/2024/014: 26,721 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 8 August 2019 and 20 October 2023.DVSA’s words: On certain vehicles with electromechanical brake servo and DSG (Direct Shift Gearbox) of a limited production period there is a possibility that a heat protection mat was incorrectly fitted. In individual cases the brake fluid reservoir can melt and cause a brake fluid leak into the engine compartment. | 23.0%cars of the same age: 25.2% | Volkswagen Passat for sale |
Small SUVs
| Model | Large DVSA recalls | Biggest recall, and the cars it covers | Failed MOT first time, 2025 | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Kona common problemsOS 2017–2023 and SX2 2023–on | 2 | R/2026/128: 25,056 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 24 January 2018 and 15 July 2023.DVSA’s words: Some vehicles fitted with a high voltage battery may have internal cell voltage deviation | 9.7%cars of the same age: 10.9% | Hyundai Kona for sale |
| Kia Niro common problemsfirst generation 2016–2022 and second generation 2022–on | 1 | R/2025/059: 51,667 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 26 October 2015 and 16 June 2022.DVSA’s words: Kia Niro HCA Fuse Replacement | 9.0%cars of the same age: 10.9% | Kia Niro for sale |
| Nissan Juke common problemsMk2 (2019–2025) | 1 | R/2021/345: 13,569 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 18 September 2019 and 28 August 2020.DVSA’s words: The rear seat back may not be securely latched when returned to the upright position after folding. | 26.3%cars of the same age: 21.1% | Nissan Juke for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Renault Captur common problemsMk1 2013–2019 and Mk2 2020–on | 2 | R/2015/067: 31,320 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 1 January 2013 and 31 March 2015.DVSA’s words: Loss of braking efficiency | 20.8%cars of the same age: 18.0% | Renault Captur for sale |
| Toyota C-HR common problemsMk1 (2016–2023) | 3 | R/2022/055: 42,554 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 20 March 2020 and 26 July 2021.DVSA’s words: The initialization of the radar sensor may not have been completed correctly | 9.4%cars of the same age: 12.7% | Toyota C-HR for sale |
| Vauxhall Mokka common problemsMk1 and Mokka X 2012–2019, Mk2 and Mokka Electric 2021–on | 4 | R/2025/511: 174,846 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 15 December 2011 and 6 June 2018.DVSA’s words: Vauxhall cross carline Driver’s Airbag - Takata | 26.0%cars of the same age: 19.0% | Vauxhall Mokka for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Volkswagen T-Roc common problemsfirst generation 2017–2026 | None at this size | No recall of this size is listed for this generation. | 7.1%cars of the same age: 11.6% | Volkswagen T-Roc for sale |
Family SUVs
| Model | Large DVSA recalls | Biggest recall, and the cars it covers | Failed MOT first time, 2025 | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dacia Duster common problemsMk1 2013–2018 (on sale in the UK from January 2013), Mk2 2018+ | None at this size | No recall of this size is listed for this generation. | 20.8%cars of the same age: 16.2% | Dacia Duster for sale |
| Ford Kuga common problemsMk3, 2019+ | 8 | R/2025/527: 49,466 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 7 August 2019 and 27 February 2026.DVSA’s words: Kuga - Do not charge high voltage battery to levels above 80% | 16.6%cars of the same age: 18.8% | Ford Kuga for sale |
| Honda CR-V common problemsMk5, 2018–2023 (Hybrid) | 2 | R/2020/061: 42,435 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers).DVSA’s words: The absorption of moisture into the driver's air bag propellant could lead to slow deployment or inflator rupture | 19.3%cars of the same age: 25.9% | Honda CR-V for sale |
| Hyundai Tucson common problemsNX4, 2020+ | None at this size | No recall of this size is listed for this generation. | 14.7%cars of the same age: 14.8% | Hyundai Tucson for sale |
| Kia Sportage common problemsNQ5, 2022+ | None at this size | No recall of this size is listed for this generation. | 19.5%cars of the same age: 18.3% | Kia Sportage for sale |
| Mazda CX-5 common problemsKF, 2017–2024 (2022 facelift) | 2 | R/2019/187: 70,435 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 26 January 2012 and 30 June 2018.DVSA’s words: Soot may accumulate around the intake shutter valve on the inlet side of the engine | 16.8%cars of the same age: 17.3% | Mazda CX-5 for sale |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV common problems2014–2021 plug-in hybrid | 6 | R/2018/180: 51,154 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 11 September 2012 and 12 April 2016.DVSA’s words: Parking brake caliper shaft boots incorrectly sealed | 16.2%cars of the same age: 18.4% | Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for sale |
| Nissan Qashqai common problemsJ11 2014–2021, J12 2021+ | 8 | R/2020/220: 299,631 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 28 September 2015 and 3 March 2018.DVSA’s words: Possible reduced retention force of the rear door child lock switch | 26.5%cars of the same age: 21.4% | Nissan Qashqai for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Peugeot 3008 common problemsMk2 (2016–2024) | 10 | R/2023/035: 25,148 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 3 April 2017 and 28 October 2020.DVSA’s words: On the affected vehicles the operation of the brake vacuum pump may be affected by material detaching from the timing belt caused by the ageing of the engine oil. | 24.5%cars of the same age: 19.3% | Peugeot 3008 for sale |
| Skoda Karoq common problemsNU7, 2017–2021 (pre-facelift) and 2022–2025 (facelift) | None at this size | No recall of this size is listed for this generation. | 8.7%cars of the same age: 12.1% | Skoda Karoq for sale |
| Toyota RAV4 common problemsXA50, 2019–2024 (Hybrid) | 3 | R/2023/279: 27,327 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 17 January 2023 and 18 July 2023.DVSA’s words: On affected vehicles there is a possibility that the DCM may not complete the shutdown process within a specific period of time when the ignition is turned off causing the DCM to not restart at the next ignition cycle and making the e-Call function unavailable. | 17.4%cars of the same age: 22.3% | Toyota RAV4 for sale |
| Volkswagen Tiguan common problemsMk2, 2016–2023 (Allspace 2017+) | 3 | R/2018/331: 37,179 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 1 April 2015 and 31 July 2018.DVSA’s words: A short circuit in the LED module of the panorama sun roof can occur | 16.3%cars of the same age: 18.4% | Volkswagen Tiguan for sale |
Other
| Model | Large DVSA recalls | Biggest recall, and the cars it covers | Failed MOT first time, 2025 | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW i3 common problemsI01 2013–2022 | None at this size | No recall of this size is listed for this generation. | 10.5%cars of the same age: 14.9% | BMW i3 for sale |
| BMW X1 common problemsE84 2009–2015 and F48 2015–2022 | 8 | R/2022/255: 322,745 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 7 November 2014 and 23 May 2018.DVSA’s words: Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold | 14.6%cars of the same age: 19.1% | BMW X1 for sale |
| Fiat 500 common problemsType 312, 2008–2024 | 3 | R/2014/088: 91,448 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 12 September 2011 and 8 July 2014.DVSA’s words: Interior and exterior vehicle lighting may fail | 28.0%cars of the same age: 23.6% | Fiat 500 for saleAll DVSA recalls |
| Honda Civic common problemsninth generation 2012–2017 and tenth generation 2017–2022 | 7 | R/2016/045: 252,174 vehicles in the whole recall (DVSA’s figure for every model it covers), built between 2 March 2004 and 20 May 2015.DVSA’s words: Drivers airbag inflator may rupture if deployed | 25.2%cars of the same age: 27.5% | Honda Civic for sale |
| Nissan Micra common problemsK13 2010–2016 and K14 2017–2022 | 3 | R/2023/095: 41,191 vehicles of this model (DVSA’s figures added up), built between 5 December 2016 and 5 October 2021.DVSA’s words: In certain vehicles should the driver s seat be set in the position where it coincides with a design feature in the upper rail it may in certain conditions exceed the stress limits of the rail material. | 29.0%cars of the same age: 27.8% | Nissan Micra for sale |
Weighing up two popular models? Our head-to-head comparisons put them side by side on the same MOT data: Fiat 500 vs MINI Cooper, Ford Kuga vs Nissan Qashqai, Nissan Qashqai vs Volkswagen Tiguan or Volkswagen Golf vs Volkswagen Polo.
If the car you are looking at has a recall
GOV.UK says a recalled car is fixed or replaced by the manufacturer and that you will not usually have to pay for repairs or parts, and that you can check a car by its registration number for safety recalls that have not been checked or fixed. If a vehicle has a serious safety defect, the manufacturer will write to the owner to say what to do, and the vehicle must not be driven. If you do not know the registration, you can check by make, model and year of manufacture. Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled (GOV.UK, read 15 October 2026).
Our own free registration check shows tax, MOT status, DVSA test history and recalls for one registration. For the other half of the picture, see the most reliable used cars, ranked on age-matched MOT results, how each model holds up as the miles mount and what actually fails an MOT. Every recall DVSA has published for a make and model is in car recalls by make and model.
Frequently asked questions
Which used cars should I avoid?
There is no official list of used cars to avoid, and this page does not make one. What the data does show is, for each popular model, how many large DVSA recalls cover its generation, the build dates of the cars in the biggest, and how often the model fails its MOT first time. Use those to decide what to check on the particular car in front of you, and check it by registration on GOV.UK.
Is a used car with a recall one to avoid?
Not by itself. GOV.UK says the manufacturer fixes a recalled car and you will not usually have to pay for repairs or parts, and that you can check a car by its registration number for safety recalls that have not been checked or fixed. GOV.UK also says that if a vehicle has a serious safety defect the manufacturer will write to the owner to say what to do, and that the vehicle must not be driven (GOV.UK, Check if a vehicle, part or accessory has been recalled).
Which models have the most large DVSA recalls?
Among the models on this page, Mercedes-Benz C-Class has the most, with 25 recalls of 10,000 or more vehicles covering its generation. A recall is a free fix and a count of recalls is not a measure of reliability; for a like-for-like comparison, see our age-matched MOT table.
How often do used cars fail the MOT first time?
Across 3.46 million class 4 tests, a sample spread through DVSA’s 2025 anonymised results, 22.7% did not pass at the first attempt (77.3% passed). A pass with rectification at the station counts as a pass here, and as a failure in DVSA's own initial-test measure. A model’s figure depends heavily on the age of its cars, which is why each row also shows the rate for cars of the same age.
Where the figures come from
- Recalls: the DVSA vehicle recalls file (every recall since 1992), read into the model guides on 6 October 2026. A recall counts for a model when DVSA’s make and model match the guide’s and the recall’s build dates fall inside the guide’s generation. A recall covers a car only if its vehicle identification number is in it, which only GOV.UK’s check by registration can say.
- MOT failure rate: DVSA MOT Anonymised Data 2025 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Class 4 tests in Great Britain, normal annual tests, retests left out; Northern Ireland is tested separately by the DVA and is not in these figures.
- Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Figures describe a model, not a car. Two cars of the same model, age and mileage can be in completely different condition.