UAE recall rules from 1 January 2027 let authorities restrict car transactions

Car owners in the UAE who ignore a recall for a manufacturing defect could be barred from certain transactions involving their vehicles. The rule comes from Cabinet Decision No. 174 of 2026 (Article 122), which forms part of the Executive Regulation of the federal traffic law. That regulation comes into force on 1 January 2027.

Licensing authorities must take steps to make sure owners act on recalls announced by manufacturers' commercial agents. One option is to block procedures or transactions tied to the vehicle identification number (VIN) of the affected car. The restrictions are not automatic. Each licensing authority decides what to apply when an owner does not respond.

The regulation also sets obligations for the commercial agents who represent manufacturers in the UAE. They have to follow manufacturers' defect notices and work out which cars in the country are affected. They must pass the VINs, the reasons for each recall and the approved fixes to licensing authorities and to the consumer protection authority. Agents must also publicise recalls in the media.

Licensing authorities, together with agents and in coordination with consumer protection bodies, must set up a way to find the names and addresses of affected owners.

Agents must carry out announced defect repairs at no cost to the owner. They must also keep enough spare parts and qualified staff on hand so that customer satisfaction does not suffer.

The article gives no time limit for owners to respond to a recall. It also does not name the transactions that could be restricted.

For car owners and buyers in Dubai, an unresolved recall could affect procedures linked to a car's VIN once the rules apply. Those looking for a vehicle can browse cars on DoBy.

Gulf News reported the details on 2 November 2026.