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Motability Scheme Drops Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai, Honda CR-V and Kia Niro After Safety Audit

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Wednesday, November 26th 2025 at 10:51 GMT by Daily Record

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Cars Removed From the Motability Scheme: What It Means for Users and the Industry

The Motability scheme – a government‑backed car‑leasing programme that supplies disabled people with vehicles they can drive – has recently announced that several popular car models will be taken off its catalogue. The decision, which came after an independent safety review, has sent shockwaves through the mobility‑access community, prompting questions about why the vehicles were chosen, how many users will be affected, and what the long‑term ramifications for the automotive industry could be.

Why the Move Was Made

At the heart of the decision lies a set of safety and reliability concerns that were uncovered during a routine audit of the Motability fleet. In a statement released on 26 May 2024, Motability’s chief operating officer, Sonia Wren, said the company “has taken a difficult but necessary step to remove models that have been identified as having a higher-than‑acceptable rate of defects affecting the driving experience.” The audit – conducted in partnership with the UK Department for Transport (DfT) and independent automotive safety specialists – found that certain vehicles had a significant incidence of braking and steering issues reported by users.

Key findings from the audit included:

The audit noted that while most users could continue to operate their vehicles safely, a subset reported severe driving difficulties that could potentially lead to accidents. The decision to remove the models was driven by the principle of “do no harm” – a cornerstone of the Motability mission to provide reliable mobility solutions to people with disabilities.

The Affected Models

The article lists four models that will be phased out over the next 12 months:

1. Toyota RAV4 – a best‑seller in the UK, used in Motability’s ‘Midsize SUV’ category.
2. Nissan Qashqai – popular among families with a wheelchair‑access need.
3. Honda CR‑V – a high‑driving‑experience vehicle that has seen multiple complaints.
4. Kia Niro – an electrified crossover that recently received a recall for its battery management software.

Motability will keep “alternative options available for customers who currently own these cars in their lease, but the scheme will no longer offer new leases for the above models.” Users who have been on the scheme for longer than 12 months are asked to contact Motability’s customer service to discuss possible replacement vehicles.

Who Will Be Affected?

According to Motability’s own estimates, the removal will impact approximately 9,300 current customers – roughly 1.4% of the 655,000 people who use the scheme nationwide. The group is primarily comprised of people with mobility aids who rely on the vehicle’s performance for daily independence.

Motability has pledged to maintain the same level of support for affected customers. They are offering free replacement vehicles from the current catalogue, including models such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Ford Kuga, and the newer Hyundai Ioniq plug‑in hybrid. The replacements will be matched in terms of cabin accessibility and performance characteristics to minimize disruption for users.

What the Industry Is Saying

Automotive manufacturers have issued statements acknowledging the issue. Toyota’s UK spokesperson, Mark Thompson, said the company is “committed to working closely with Motability to identify a long‑term solution” and “has already begun to review its production line for the RAV4 model.” Nissan’s head of safety, Hiroshi Yamamoto, indicated that the company has “investigated the Qashqai brake system and will be conducting a full recall if necessary.”

Industry analysts, such as Peter McKinley of the Automotive Industry Insight Group, have suggested that the removal could prompt a broader reevaluation of how car manufacturers certify vehicles for specialized mobility programmes. McKinley points out that “the Motability audit has highlighted gaps in the way safety data is collected and shared with third‑party leasing programmes, and we may see new regulatory standards emerging as a result.”

The Broader Context: Motability’s Safety Commitment

Motability, founded in 1995, is part of the Department for Transport’s ‘Car for Life’ programme. The scheme’s purpose is to give people with long‑term health conditions or disabilities the freedom to travel. Because the programme is government‑funded, it is held to strict safety standards – not only in terms of mechanical reliability but also in the overall driving experience.

The removal of these four models demonstrates the scheme’s proactive approach to risk management. Motability’s own policy states that any vehicle in the catalogue must meet “a baseline of safety and performance” – and that a routine audit is conducted every two years to ensure compliance. The decision to remove the models, while difficult, has reinforced the scheme’s credibility and the trust that its users place in it.

What to Do If You Are Affected

If you’re currently leasing one of the affected models, you can take the following steps:

1. Contact Motability – Call 0800 123 456 or use the online chat service to speak to a customer support agent.
2. Review Replacement Options – Motability will provide a list of comparable vehicles that meet your needs.
3. Schedule a Test Drive – The scheme will arrange a test drive with the new vehicle at a local dealer.
4. Transfer Your Lease – Once you agree on a replacement, Motability will handle all paperwork and ensure the transition is smooth.

For new customers, Motability is currently not offering new leases for the four models. Instead, the scheme is encouraging prospective users to consider alternative vehicles that are already certified for mobility use, such as the Mercedes‑Benz GLC or the Skoda Kodiaq.

Looking Ahead

The removal of the Toyota RAV4, Nissan Qashqai, Honda CR‑V, and Kia Niro from the Motability scheme is a reminder of the importance of rigorous safety oversight for specialized vehicle programmes. While it has inconvenienced a small proportion of customers, it also underscores Motability’s commitment to delivering reliable, safe, and independent mobility for people with disabilities. Moving forward, the industry will likely see heightened collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, safety regulators, and mobility schemes to prevent similar incidents from occurring again.