In Germany, the TÜV regularly decides on the roadworthiness of millions of cars. The latest TÜV Report 2025 once again sheds light on the world of vehicle defects. Over 10.2 million main inspections were carried out between July 2023 and June 2024. The results show the following: One in five cars fails the test. It is particularly exciting that electric cars are causing a stir with mixed results.
A closer look at the statistics
With a failure rate of 20.6 per cent for significant or dangerous defects, the report shows that TÜV requirements are not becoming more relaxed. On the contrary: a minimal increase of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous year is cause for concern. Minor defects have also risen slightly and affect 11.5 per cent of vehicles. This represents an increase of 0.3 percentage points.
The shining winners: Honda Jazz and Porsche 911 Carrera
While some vehicles plummet in the defect ranking, other models shine like diamonds. At the top of the report is the Honda Jazz: only 2.4 per cent of two to three-year-old vehicles had significant defects. That is an impressive result. In the older vehicle classes, the Porsche 911 Carrera took the lead with aplomb.
Electric cars: not yet a model of the HU
The growing range of electric cars adds a new dimension to the TÜV Report 2025. Ten models were analysed, with mixed results. The VW e-Golf is particularly striking, with a solid defect rate of 3.4 per cent as the best e-car. But where there is light, there is unfortunately also shadow: The Tesla Model 3 brings up the rear with an alarming defect rate of 14.2 per cent, both among younger and four to five-year-old vehicles.
Problems with brakes and axles
A recurring problem with electric cars is the braking function. Recuperation - the recovery of braking energy - leads to less stress on the brake pads and this can impair braking performance in the long term. The solution is regular, powerful braking. In addition, there are weaknesses in the axle suspensions, which suffer under the weight of the batteries. However, this leads to high repair costs and negative test results.
What does this mean for car drivers?
The TÜV Report 2025 makes one thing clear: regular maintenance remains the key to a successful general inspection, regardless of whether a car runs on petrol, diesel or electricity. E-car owners should therefore also pay attention to the brake system and the load caused by the vehicle weight.
In the end, however, the report also shows that quality is no coincidence: Honda and Porsche show how things can be done better, while other brands still have some homework to do.
The worst cars in the TÜV report by age group
The TÜV-Report 2025 statistics show which vehicles in different age categories have the highest defect rates. It is striking that models from Dacia and Renault in older vehicle classes achieve consistently high values, while the Tesla Model 3 is particularly noticeable in younger vehicles.
Older cars fail more often
The older vehicles get, the more likely they are to fail the main inspection: While only 6.4 per cent of two- to three-year-old cars had significant defects, the rate for 12- to 13-year-old vehicles was already 28.1 per cent. These figures correspond to the trends of the previous year. According to the TÜV Report 2025, it is particularly alarming that around 15,000 vehicles had to be taken off the road immediately because they were categorised as "unsafe to drive".
The role of high-quality car floor mats for safety and care
Car floor mats are more than just a visual accessory. They make an important contribution to the safety and care of a vehicle. High-quality floor mats with an exact fit protect the interior from dirt and moisture and also ensure stability when operating the pedals thanks to their non-slip base.
Worn or unsuitable floor mats can attract negative attention, especially during the main inspection, because they could increase the risk of an accident. It therefore pays to choose durable and customised floor mats. In this way, you can increase safety and ensure that your car retains its value in the long term.
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Germany's vehicle fleet is getting older and older
According to the TÜV Report 2025, the cars on Germany's roads are becoming increasingly mature. With an average age of 10.3 years, cars in this country are older than ever. Just over a decade ago, in 2011, this figure was still 8.3 years. According to the TÜV Report 2025, it is particularly striking that around half of all registered vehicles are now over ten years old. This is a clear indicator of the longevity of today's vehicles, but also of economic and technological challenges.
A TÜV for the future
For this reason, the TÜV association sees a need for action. The electrification and digitalisation of the vehicle fleet require the general inspection to be adapted to the new circumstances. Electric cars in particular raise questions: The high-voltage battery, the centrepiece of electric vehicles, has so far remained an area of the general inspection that has received little attention. The association is therefore calling for additional test points for greater safety.
Another problem is that the assessment of battery health is currently based on non-standardised manufacturer specifications. Standardised test criteria could ensure greater transparency, especially on the used car market. TÜV is therefore proposing an independent third-party test. This could enable buyers to make informed decisions.
Why the numbers are rising
The fact that vehicles are getting older is not just a question of technology, but also of economics. High new car prices, the uncertainty surrounding the future of combustion engines and the increased quality of vehicles mean that more and more people are holding on to their old vehicles for longer. This means for TÜV: It is becoming increasingly important to adapt testing standards to the reality of the ageing fleet.