The most recalled cars of 2018 – and what to do if your motor is hit with a manufacturer fault
Faulty seat belts, dangerous airbags and leaking engines were just some of the issues with UK motors in 2018
THE MOST recalled cars in Europe in 2018 have been revealed - with a favourite of UK drivers topping the list.
Mercedes-Benz was the car manufacturer with the most vehicle recalls issued in the past year.
The German manufacturer announced 36 different recalls which affected 17 of its models, according to recent breakdown by website Car Recalls.
Almost 240,000 cars were called back across Germany after they were suspected of being fitted with defeat emissions testings devices.
Some models - including the popular C-Class - were also recalled due to a defect that prematurely deploys the front airbags.
Volkswagen was another manufacturing giant which had 25 recalls affecting 18 of its models, according to the findings.
The most recalled cars of 2018 across Europe
- Mercedes-Benz: E-Class, Sprinter, A, B, C, E-Class, GLC models recalled for faulty airbags, unauthorised defeat device software
- Volkswagen: Polo, Amarok, Golf, Passat, Tiguan recalled for seatbelt fault, faulty spring which can cause overheating
- Peugeot: 2008, 208, 3008, 308, 5008, 508 recalled for overheating and faulty engine control
- Vauxhall: Astra, Cascada, Zafira recalled for oil leak that can cause fires
- Citroen: C4 Picasso, C4, DS4, C5 recalled due to incorrect software
- Toyota: Prius, Prius+, Auris recalled due to power loss problems
- Mitsubishi: ASX, Outlander recalled due to faulty door locks, corroding handbrake
- Ford: 1.0 EcoBoost, 1.6 EcoBoost and 2.0L Duratorq recalled due to overheating
- Renault: Zoe recalled due to wrong accelerator pedal fitted
- BMW: 3, 4, 5, 6 Series recalled due to fire risk caused by leaking part
More than 75,000 potentially deadly cars were called back after a potentially fatal seat belt fault was revealed.
The rear-left seat belt was at risk of unbuckling itself in the 2018 Polo, as well as the VW sister brand Seat's Ibiza and Arona.
Several Peugeot models - including the 2008 SUV - came under the spotlight in early 2018 after claims their engines were suddenly accelerating before unexpectedly stopping.
Vauxhall was also forced to make 20 recalls to 11 of its models.
An incorrectly mounted sealing ring in its Astra, Cascada and Zafira models was found to leak oil on the turbocharger lines which can cause engine fires.
Toyota drivers across Europe faced plenty of uncertainty last year, mainly due to the power problems in the popular Prius, Prius+ and Auris.
More than 55,000 cars were recalled in the UK alone over concerns the vehicle would completely lose power when going into a fail safe mode.
How do I know if a recall notice has been issued to my car?
Here's what you should do if your car is recalled
The manufacturer will notify the DVSA and then write to every registered keeper of affected models.
The letter will contain details of the defect, what the fix is and the problems that may arise if you don't have the work done.
The owner will also be advised how to proceed to get the recall carried out - it's often as easy as calling your local dealer to arrange the free repair.
If you're in the market for a new car then you can check for any recalls through the DVSA's or via .
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What should I do if my motor has been hit with a manufacturer fault?
Once a problem has been registered with the DVSA, manufacturers can contact all registered owners of the affected models by email, phone or letter.
The time it takes to carry out recall work will depend on the fault in your vehicle.
It may only take a few minutes in some cases, but in others it can take several hours.
If you're unsure whether your car has been recalled, you can check .