Over 50% of Vehicles Manufactured in 2024 Report Severe Malfunctions

A recent report highlights that despite Spain having one of the oldest vehicle fleets in Europe, with an average age close to 15 years, even the newest cars can experience significant issues. According to data from Carly, the leading automotive diagnostics platform, models manufactured in 2024 have a 58.77% probability of critical failures. This conclusion is drawn from over a million diagnostics conducted in 2024, indicating that without prior checks, drivers may face potentially costly repairs.

Due to the high prices of new vehicles, sometimes exceeding 50,000 euros, alongside factors such as uncertainty surrounding electric mobility and a wider range of options, more Spaniards are opting for nearly new cars. In fact, in 2024, the demand for second-hand cars grew by 17.65%, according to Carly's internal data.

However, the perception that a nearly new car is a safe bet is not always accurate. The latest data from Carly shows that even 2023 models have a 56.58% probability of severe failures, and those from 2010 to 2025 can reach up to 65%:

- Before the year 2000: up to 72% have severe malfunctions.

- 2010 to 2015: the risk ranges between 60% and 65%.

- 2023: 56.58% probability of critical failures.

- 2024: 58.77% report serious issues.

This demonstrates that even the newest cars exceed a 50% risk of significant mechanical or electronic failures, which may remain hidden until the car shows advanced symptoms or, worse, breaks down on the road.

Although the latest cars incorporate advanced technology, this does not mean they are free from problems. Several factors explain why even nearly new vehicles can experience failures:

1. More complex electronics: The increase in sensors and software raises the likelihood of system failures.

2. Intense use and factory defects: Even if a vehicle has low mileage, certain failures manifest after some time on the road.

3. Lack of thorough inspections: Many buyers rely solely on dashboard alerts without conducting more comprehensive diagnostics.

"We have found that even last year's vehicles can hide critical malfunctions that are not detected until a deep diagnosis is performed," says Paola Nosthas, Country Manager of Carly in Spain. "With such high demand in the used car market, transparency and prevention are key to avoiding surprises that end up costing thousands of euros."

To avoid surprises and unexpected expenses when purchasing a new or second-hand car, it is essential to conduct a diagnosis before buying. Carly recommends performing a diagnosis to detect potential hidden faults in the vehicle. Additionally, it is crucial to verify the maintenance history to ensure that the manufacturer's recommended care has been followed. Finally, comparing the repair costs of potential faults can be useful for negotiating the price or requesting repairs before finalizing the purchase.