Around 19 percent of cars failed the vehicle inspection last year because of such defects. Motorcycles were in much better shape.
Almost one in five cars failed the regular main inspection last year. 19.2 percent of the vehicles had significant defects, according to data from the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA ). A further 13.1 percent of the cars had minor defects. 67.8 percent remained without any complaints.
The majority of the cars that failed the test were in the category of “significant defects.” These could include, for example, heavily worn tires or a brake that worked on one side. Dangerous defects – for example, worn-out brakes or a missing fuel cap – were found in only 0.5 percent of the cars. 0.05 percent were unsafe to drive, which is the case with defective braking or steering systems, for example.
The most common defect in cars was problems with lights and electronics, which were found in 24.7 percent of vehicles. Close behind were defects in the axles, wheels, tires and suspension, defects in the braking system and environmental pollution.
The current defect rates are lower than a year ago. At that time, the KBA reported a failure rate of 20.7 percent. Dangerous defects and road safety issues were also identified less frequently.
However, according to the authority, the figures for the two years are only comparable to a limited extent because there was a change in the data source. It is currently unclear whether the cars examined last year were in better condition or whether this is just a statistical effect. More detailed information is expected to be available at the end of August.
Motorcycles fared better than passenger cars in the main inspection: only 6.9 percent of them failed.
Source: Spiegel