New data reveals the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is the most recalled van in the UK between 2020 and 2024, signalling increased volumes of recall jobs for dealer workshops to manage over the last four years.
According to analysis by Tempcover, which reviewed the recall history of the UK’s most popular vans, the Sprinter has been the subject of 32 separate recall incidents during the four-year period.
These issues range from electronic and software failures to seat mechanism faults and wiring defects, potentially affecting over 246,000 vehicles.
In contrast, the VW Crafter and Ford Transit Connect emerged as the most reliable in recall terms, each with just one recorded incident during the same timeframe.
For franchised dealers and service centres, the data provides an indicator of which LCV models are likely to dominate recall-related workshop bookings in the months ahead.
Claire Wills-Mckissick, a temporary van insurance expert at Tempcover, said: “Vehicle recalls can cause real disruption for van operators.
“But for workshops, this presents an opportunity to provide a vital service that gets tradespeople and fleets back on the road fast.”
Recent Marketing Delivery data estimates that targeted campaigns on safety related recalls have generated £1.2 million in additional revenue for franchised dealer workshops.
In this example with 19 dealerhips, an average of 21% of customers who had been inactive for more than two years went on to make a recall booking after receiving targeted communications with 5% having since returned for regular maintenance, re-entering the aftersales funnel – and more than 120 customers progressing to make new car enquiries.
Top five most recalled vans (2020–2024)
| Model | Total Vehicles Recalled* | Total Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| Mercedes Sprinter | 246,724 | 32 |
| Ford Transit | 104,003 | 13 |
| Vauxhall Vivaro | 21,576 | 13 |
| Peugeot Expert | 35,534 | 11 |
| Ford Transit Custom | 119,113 | 9 |
*Figures reflect the total vehicles impacted across all applicable recall notices.
While recall volume is just one indicator of a vehicle’s reliability, Tempcover urges operators to check recall history before purchasing or leasing a van, particularly as downtime can directly affect a business’s bottom line.
The report underscores a growing aftersales opportunity for franchised dealer groups.
Ensuring parts availability, proactive recall outreach and flexible mobility solutions all play an important factor for customer care and minimising disruption for van owners.
Wills-Mckissick added: “Even if a van isn’t currently recalled, keeping up with software updates and regular maintenance can reduce risk.”
Vans with the fewest recalls (2020–2024)
| Model | Total Vehicles Recalled* | Total Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| VW Crafter | 104 | 1 |
| Ford Transit Connect | 9 | 1 |
| Renault Trafic | 1,202 | 3 |
| Peugeot Partner | 31,315 | 3 |
| Vauxhall Combo | 2,270 | 3 |
*Figures reflect the total vehicles impacted across all applicable recall notices.