The TÜV Association (VdTÜV) has published its annual deficiency report. In view of the quality of modern cars, it can once again be read as a plea for responsible use of rolling stock and an appeal to demand this from the owners.

The other officially recognized expert organizations such as Küs, Dekra or Gtü show similar figures due to the same test procedure, but the data base at TÜV is the largest: between July 2019 and June 2019 the results of 8.8 million car General inspections of cars evaluated. The results in five age groups are based on 18 selected, particularly relevant defects. 228 different models.

Main inspections remain necessary With an astonishingly high number that has remained almost constant over the years, the VdTÜV underlines the need for regular inspections: Almost every fifth car (19, 9 percent) fails at the HU with significant defects. Almost every third person (around 24, 6 percent) has defects. In addition to the significant defects, these are minor defects (9.6 percent) and those that lead to immediate shutdown (0, 05 percent).

The rate of defects with a risk to road safety fell by 1.6 percentage points compared to the previous year. The association sees this as a sign of improved durability and quality of the cars examined. The attitude towards maintenance and care has apparently not changed fundamentally.

Older cars hold up better today The testers attested minor defects in almost every tenth car (9.6 percent). At minus 0.1 percent, this value is almost at the previous year’s level. Without finding any defects, the engineers 37 tested 4 percent of the cars, an improvement of 1.6 percent. Had to be shut down immediately around 14. 000 vehicles (0, 000 percent).

Older vehicles performed better compared to the previous year. For example, the proportion of eight to nine year olds with significant defects fell by 2.6 to 19 , 9 percent. For ten to eleven year olds, the quota fell by 3.4 to 24, 8 percent.

Sense of responsibility even with the best car Loss of oil in the engine and transmission was one of the most frequent complaints by the TÜV inspectors. The problem particularly affected older vehicles. Another “classic” is the condition of the lighting system. When it comes to lamps and headlights, it is not only their function that is important, but also the correct setting. Worn brakes or defects in the brake lines were also frequently complained about. Defects in the lighting and braking systems correlate with the maintenance and care of the vehicles. They almost never have to do with the quality and longevity of the cars, but rather with the care and responsibility of their owners.

We already have 2020 the Mercedes GLC cut off best. At 1.7 percent among two to three year olds, it has the lowest rate of significant deficiencies. Three models follow in second place: Opel Insignia (test), Mercedes B-Class and Porsche 911 (test) with each 2.2 percent.

(Image: Von Ahn)

The Hyundai i had the smallest defects among all compact class cars for the first time. (2.5 percent). In the mini and middle class it was Opel Adam (3.7) and Opel Insignia (2.2). The small car with the fewest defects was the Audi A1 (3.3). The Mercedes B-Class (2.2) won among the vans. With the classic 911 in different generations, Porsche again holds the top positions in the age groups between four and eleven years, which means the rate of significant defects concerns (2.7 to 9.6 percent).

The Hyundai i 29 (test) takes the lead among compacts.

(Image: Pillau)

Saving twice is shorter Inexpensive cars are often bought to save money, so looks more often Such vehicles have defects due to insufficient maintenance. And this although it is short-sighted to spend too little money at this point, because consequential damage usually costs significantly more than you could save on care. Not to mention the dangers to safety.

The Dacia Duster (test) leads the two- to three-year-old SUVs with the most defects across all classes.

(Image: Pillau)

Most of the defects of all SUVs has across all vehicle classes with 11, 1 percent for the two to three year olds of the Dacia Duster. The Fiat Panda (7.9) is the car with the most defects among the microcars, the Fiat Punto with 10, 5 percent for small cars. The Dacia Lodgy leads with the vans 10, 9 percent, the Dacia Logan with 10, 4 percent for the compacts. The VW Sharan is the defect giant among four to five year olds, Renault has the highest failure rate with the Kangoo (37, 5 percent) for ten to eleven year olds.

(fpi)