TÜV report finds defective low beams and brakes cause one in five German cars to fail inspection

The Technischer Überwachungsverein (TÜV) conducts the biennial Hauptuntersuchung (HU) of all German‑registered vehicles. An analysis of 9.5 million inspections performed between July 2024 and June 2025 shows that 21.5 % of cars failed, indicating a decline in the technical condition of Germany’s vehicle fleet.

The most frequent reasons for failure are defects in the low‑beam headlights, recorded in 602,593 cases, followed by problems with brake discs, brake pads, brake lines, suspension springs and tyres. Vehicles classified with significant or dangerous defects must be repaired and re‑inspected within a set deadline before they can be re‑registered for road use.