Since 2010, vehicle recalls for cars imported from third countries without European type approval have never been regulated. As a result, approximately 200,000 vehicles may be subject to recall, with owners unaware of the issue, Transport, Communications, and Works Minister Alexis Vafeadis stated in a press conference.
The Minister announced the issuance of new decrees today, addressing two key areas:
1) The recall process
a) The decree mandates the immediate notification of the Road Transport Department (RTD) regarding new recalls, which will then inform citizens accordingly.
b) A maximum implementation period for recalls is set, with the RTD retaining the right to shorten the timeframe when deemed necessary due to the level of risk involved.
2) Restoring the recall information chain
Vehicle owners will now be informed about recalls through submission of official certifications and declarations during vehicle registration, transfer, or technical inspection.
The RTD, the Minister noted, is continuing its independent efforts to integrate all vehicles into manufacturers’ databases.
Immediate vehicle immobilisation
Minister Vafeadis explained:
“When manufacturers impose vehicle immobilisation due to safety risks, the RTD adopts this measure, leading to the immediate immobilisation of the affected vehicles.”
As a result, 138 vehicles with defective Takata airbags and 138 with brake issues will be immediately taken off the road.
For vehicle owners affected by the immobilisation order, as well as those who voluntarily choose to immobilise their vehicles, a proposal for free bus transportation has been submitted to the Council of Ministers, set to be reviewed on Wednesday.
For approximately 82,000 vehicles, where manufacturers have identified a risk but have not mandated immobilisation, the RTD has reduced the recall implementation period from 18 months to 8 months.
The December 2024 advisory recommending non-use of these vehicles remains in effect. If non-use is not possible, owners are urged to minimise vehicle use to reduce risks.
Minister’s full statement
In accordance with legislation, new decrees governing vehicle recalls are being issued today.
These recalls are regulated under European regulations and were incorporated into national law in 2010 when Cyprus harmonised its legislation with the European framework.
Since then, several attempts were made via RTD circulars to regulate the recall process and establish implementation rules.
However, from 2010 to the present, recalls for vehicles imported from third countries without European type approval have never been addressed.
Scope of the issue
Since 1998, approximately 810,000 vehicles have been registered in Cyprus, of which 442,000 are used imports.
Although some dealers track recalls for used vehicles without European type approval, it is widely acknowledged that many vehicle owners remain uninformed about recalls.
Among these vehicles:
- Around 80,000 are affected by Takata airbag recalls.
- Many have been recalled for various issues, ranging from critical to less severe safety concerns.
This longstanding issue requires urgent action from both the state and society.
Through legislative measures and RTD’s regulatory authority, the government aims to resolve this issue in cooperation with all stakeholders.
European Union regulation 2018/858
Under EU Regulation 2018/858, responsibility for risk assessment and recalls lies with manufacturers, while the RTD is responsible for supervision.
These responsibilities remain unchanged under current legislation and decrees.
Issuance of two decrees
While four decrees were initially planned, following a legal review, two were merged, and a decision was made to issue the fourth decree later, based on market developments and recall implementation progress.
Decree 1: The vehicle recall process (2025)
The recall process is detailed in the decree’s appendix, but key provisions include:
1) Immediate owner notification by distributors and TOM
- Distributors must promptly inform the TOM of all recalls, in contrast to the previous practice, where RTD was notified only when distributors could not contact owners.
- This allows TOM to quickly inform all vehicle owners and ensure distributors notify owners as well.
The previous notification process remains in effect.
2) Recall completion deadlines
- General recalls must be completed within 18 months.
- For high-risk cases, the TOM may reduce this period.
This tiered approach is already implemented in countries like Germany, Australia, and New Zealand, where the authorities oversee recalls and adjust timelines based on risk levels.
- Lower-risk cases: Recall completion time remains 18 months.
- Higher-risk cases: The TOM shortens the recall period, following the manufacturer’s risk assessment.
- If a manufacturer determines a vehicle must be immobilised, the TOM immediately enforces the immobilisation order, revoking its Certificate of Roadworthiness and registration licence.
3) Recall implementation & TOM reporting
- Once a recall is completed, the TOM must be informed to update records.
Decree 2: Recall information via certifications & declarations (2025)
The decree requires all individuals registering or transferring a vehicle to submit certification confirming:
- The vehicle is not subject to a recall.
- The vehicle is registered in the distributor’s database for future recall notifications.
This process aims to:
- Fill gaps in owner notification regarding recalls.
- Ensure that vehicles are free from active recalls upon registration or transfer.
Exceptions
Exceptions apply in cases where:
- The manufacturer no longer exists (e.g., Saab).
- No official recall process is available (e.g., older vehicles without records).
- No manufacturer representative or distributor is present in Cyprus (e.g., some imported used vehicles).
For exceptions, owners must submit a declaration along with supporting documents, including:
- Manufacturer recall status checks.
- Verification from certified third-party organisations, which the TOM will announce.
This arrangement remains in effect as long as emergency measures under current legislation apply.
The TOM is working to strengthen the recall information chain by integrating vehicles into manufacturers’ databases or collaborating with international certification organisations with access to manufacturer records.
Immediate immobilisation of 276 vehicles
Some vehicles must be taken off the road immediately:
- 138 vehicles with Takata airbags: Manufacturers determined immediate immobilisation is necessary.
- Their Certificate of Roadworthiness has been revoked, and registration licences cancelled.
- Owners will be notified by distributors and TOM.
- 138 vehicles with faulty brakes:
- Also immobilised, with licences and certificates revoked.
The total number of immediately immobilised vehicles now stands at 276.
82,000 vehicles affected by airbag recalls
A complete list of recalled vehicles is available on the TOM and Ministry websites.
- Owners must contact their distributor to assess the level of risk and schedule recall repairs.
- The TOM has shortened the recall completion period for Takata airbags from 18 months to 8 months.
Alternative transport proposal
For owners whose vehicles are immobilised, as well as those who voluntarily stop using them, a free public transport proposal has been submitted to the Council of Ministers for review.
Industry collaboration
All stakeholders must cooperate to expedite recalls.
The TOM will engage directly with distributors to develop an implementation plan and address potential challenges.
Check out the full list of recalled vehicles here.
Also read: Full list of recalled vehicles due to airbag issues
Translated from: philenews
