UK breakdowns soar as millions of drivers are left stranded and potholes wreak havoc

The number of UK car breakdowns went through the roof last year, with more than 5.5 million vehicles needing to be recovered.

That is according to new data from consumer champion What Car?, which has found that 16% of all the cars in the UK required recovery during the year.

Overall, the research found that there were 5,536,000 breakdowns throughout 2025 – up from 1,764,600 in 2024.

While the figures would appear to point to a drop in reliability, What Car? found a number of mitigating factors behind the rise.

Among the biggest contributors was poor road conditions, with 26,048 breakdowns linked to pothole damage.

That was up 15% from 22,703 in 2024, with broken suspension springs, buckled wheels and damaged shock absorbers among the most common damage.

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Despite the rise in breakdowns, recovery firms improved their response times and their ability to get vehicles moving again.

Some 61% of stranded motorists were reached within an hour in 2025, compared with 56% the previous year, while 57% of cars were given either a permanent or temporary roadside fix, up from 48%.

What Car? also judged the the speed and quality of service from nine nine breakdown providers, including the AA and RAC.

AXA came out on top overall, scoring five stars for both speed and quality, as its operators reached 72% of stranded motorists within an hour and got 82% of vehicles mobile again.

AutoAid was rated second, while the AA, Green Flag, RAC and Start Rescue each received an overall four-star rating.

Allianz/AWP was rated the worst provider, scoring two stars overall. Its operators got 42% of cars mobile again, while 52% of breakdowns took more than an hour to reach.

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Reacting to the findings, What Car? consumer editor Claire Evans said: ‘Breakdown cover can be pricey, but it’s worth bearing in mind that a good recovery technician could repair your car for free at the roadside if it breaks down, potentially saving you a hefty garage bill.

‘A cheaper local plan may be the most cost-effective solution if you don’t often cover long distances, while a national policy will better suit high-milers.

‘There are also many variations and limitations in the cover provided, so it’s important to read the small print carefully to ensure it suits your needs.’

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