When your van is your livelihood, reliability isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s non-negotiable. But even the most trusted models can hit a bump in the road. Recent data from the UK Government Vehicle Check Recalls Service reveals which vans have faced the most manufacturer recalls between 2020 and 2024. Spoiler alert: some big names feature heavily.
The vans with the most recalls
Mercedes Sprinter – 32 recalls, 246,724 vehicles
The Sprinter tops the charts by a long way. Across four years, Mercedes-Benz issued 32 separate recall campaigns for this model, affecting nearly a quarter of a million vans. Issues ranged from software glitches to mechanical concerns.
Ford Transit – 13 recalls, 119,113 vehicles
A staple of UK roads, the Transit isn’t immune to problems. Thirteen recalls impacted over 119,000 vehicles, covering everything from electrical wiring to seat mechanisms.
Vauxhall Vivaro – 13 recalls, 21,576 vehicles
Sharing second place for recall frequency, the Vivaro saw fewer vehicles affected overall, but still enough to make the list.
Peugeot Expert – 11 recalls, 35,534 vehicles
From electronic system faults to safety-related fixes, the Expert had its fair share of issues.
Ford Transit Custom – 9 recalls, 119,113 vehicles
Another Ford favourite, the Transit Custom, rounds out the top five.
At the other end of the scale, the Volkswagen Crafter and Ford Transit Connect had just one recall each – affecting 104 and 9 vehicles respectively. Other low-recall models include the Renault Trafic, Peugeot Partner, and Vauxhall Combo.
What do these numbers really mean?
A high recall count doesn’t automatically spell disaster. In fact, recalls often show that manufacturers are proactive about fixing problems before they become serious. Still, if your van is on this list, it’s worth checking whether any outstanding recalls apply to you. You can do this quickly via the https://www.gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall.
Are repair times costing you more?
Here’s the kicker: even if your van goes in for a routine fix, it might be off the road longer than you’d expect. According to Epyx data, average repair times have grown year-on-year:
- 2021: 1.63 days
- 2022: 1.74 days
- 2023: 1.91 days
And it’s not just repair time. The wait from booking to scheduled maintenance has jumped from 11.87 days in 2021 to 13.74 days in 2023. That’s nearly two weeks before your van even hits the workshop.
So why all the delays? Well, there seems to be two big reasons.
- Parts shortages: Newer models often lack established supply chains, meaning longer waits for components.
- Skills gap: Vans are more complex than ever, and there’s a shortage of technicians trained to handle advanced systems.
Fleet downtime is rising, and according to the Arval Mobility Observatory, the number of fleets reporting longer repair times has increased by a third in the past year. For businesses, that’s more missed jobs, more lost revenue, and more stress.
How can you stay ahead?
You can’t control recall rates or supply chain delays – but you can protect your van and your business from the fallout. With the right insurance, you’ll have options like courtesy vans and breakdown cover to keep you moving when your main vehicle isn’t.
Sources: Bodyshop Magazine, The News Wheel, Gov.UK, Van Reviewer, Advanced Motoring
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This is a marketing blog by Howden.