Airbags continued to be the main cause of vehicle recalls in Q4 2017, accounting for 20 (30%) of the 65 issued for passenger cars.

The total number of recalls issued for vehicles in Europe fell by more than 10% in Q4 of 2017, but it was still the fifth highest quarter on record.

A report compiled by Stericycle Expert Solutions showed that a total of 103 recalls were issued in the period, including lorries and busses (12.6%), vans (7.8%), equipment (6.8%) motorcycles (6.8%) and ATVs (2.9%).

While airbags were the most popular among passenger cars, wheels and brakes were the cause of five recalls each.

Farzad Henareh, European vice president at Stericycle Expert Solutions, said: “While consumers may be alarmed at the number of recalls related to motor vehicle safety, it is a reflection of the importance manufacturers place on safety. One of the main challenges for manufacturers will be dealing with the scale and global spread of some of these recalls.

“Airbags continue to be the major cause of recalls, with the Q4 figure around fifty per cent higher than the number of recalls related to airbags in Q3. We would expect that figure to fluctuate in the year ahead, but the general trend for motor vehicle recalls should continue, with manufacturers taking their responsibility to the public seriously.”

German car makers issued the most recalls with 30 recalls and notifications, followed by France with 23 recalls and notifications. UK manufacturers issued six.