Discover Why Cars Break Down More Often in These Ten Spanish Cities

Culleredo (A Coruña) records the highest percentage of cars with breakdowns (51.33%), followed by Burjassot (Valencia) with 48.62% and Eibar (Guipúzcoa) with 45.70%. The Top 10 is completed by the towns of Pontevedra (42.73%), Manresa (40.96%), Reus (40.89%), Cambrils (40.47%), A Coruña (40.41%), Sabadell (38.83%), and Lleida (38.54%).

According to the ranking conducted by the automotive diagnostic app Carly, most of the vehicles analysed (77%) have some type of fault, with almost half (40%) being critical, affecting key systems such as the engine, transmission, or safety components.

Small or medium-sized cities like Culleredo, Burjassot, Eibar, and Pontevedra lead the ranking with percentages over 40%, while major capitals like Madrid, Barcelona, or Valencia show lower figures (around 23-25%).

It is also noteworthy the prominence of eastern Spanish cities in these figures. Eight Catalan cities represent approximately 16% of the ranking, with several among the top 15 (Manresa, Reus, Cambrils, Sabadell, Lleida, Terrassa), indicating specific conditions that increase the risk of breakdowns in the region.

Various factors explain why certain cities have more breakdowns. Some have older vehicle fleets, more demanding climatic or environmental conditions, or driving habits that increase vehicle wear. The average age of vehicles varies significantly between autonomous communities, directly influencing the likelihood of breakdowns.

For instance, in Cantabria, the average age of cars and SUVs reached 15.3 years in 2024, surpassing the national average of 14.5 years, according to a report by Ideauto for Faconauto, the dealership association. This ageing is partly due to a drop in new vehicle registrations since 2020, exacerbated by the pandemic and economic uncertainty.

The predominant type of driving also influences, whether urban, with short trips and frequent starts, or rural, with longer journeys. Additionally, major capitals often benefit from more constant vehicle renewal and greater accessibility to regular maintenance.

Spanish drivers are increasingly opting for preventive diagnostics. On average, users conduct 35 annual sessions on the Carly app to avoid major failures, with a 22% increase in oil changes in 2023, reflecting a growing trend towards preventive and proactive maintenance.

Founded in 2014 in Munich, Germany, Carly is a leading automotive technology company committed to providing all drivers with valuable information hidden within their vehicles. Through an OBD2 scanner and mobile app, it offers repair and maintenance functions typically found only in expensive mechanical tools. The device connects drivers with the data inside their vehicles, helping them make fully informed decisions at every stage of car ownership, whether in purchase, maintenance, or customisation.

Carly recommends using tools such as OBD2 scanners connected to specialised apps, checking the vehicle's history before purchase, and estimating potential repair costs in advance.