- Nearly one in five cars fail during a major inspection
Last year, nearly every fifth car failed the regular main inspection. Specifically, 19.2 percent of vehicles had at least significant defects, as data from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) shows. A further 13.1 percent of cars had minor defects. 67.8 percent passed without any defects.
The majority of failures were in the "significant defects" category, such as severely worn tires or a one-sided brake. Only 0.5 percent of cars had dangerous defects, such as worn brakes or a missing fuel cap. 0.05 percent were traffic-unsafe, such as with defective brake or steering systems.
The most common defects in passenger cars (Pkw) were problems with lights and electronics, found in 24.7 percent of vehicles. Close behind were defects in the area of axles, wheels, tires, and suspension, brake system defects, and emissions-related issues.
Motorcycles were in particularly good condition during the main inspections, with only 6.9 percent failing.
The current defect rates are lower than last year, when the KBA reported a failure rate of 20.7 percent. Dangerous defects and traffic unsafety were also less common.
However, the numbers from the two years are only partially comparable, according to the authority, due to a change in the data source. Whether the inspected cars were in better condition last year or if this is just a statistical effect is still unclear. More precise information is expected by the end of August.
Despite the improvements, 1.8% of the inspected vehicles still faced significant issues, primarily relating to worn tires or uneven brakes. Given the ongoing road usage, it's essential to regularly maintain and inspect each vehicle to ensure safety.
Furthermore, although motorcycles generally performed well during main inspections, it's crucial to remember that even a minor defect in a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, can pose potential risks, stressing the importance of regular inspections.
