Power steering play!

Follow up to my 5 February post. Prior to dropping my car into Penrith MG I did check the steering column UJ and there was no movement in the section of the steering column mentioned in other posts and the video. The service report states “removed shrouds, tightened all column bolts, tightened height adjuster, checked universals, tested and all ok, no knocking observed on test drive” they added “steering wheel play up and down of 5mm observed and is same as another same model vehicle.” This has resolved the steering knocking I was experiencing prior to the service. So, it appears I didn’t have the same UJ fault as reported in other posts, but the bolts securing the steering column had come loose. The fact that these bolts on such an important part of the car came loose is still a matter of concern. The car is only 8 months old, done 20,000klm on good quality asphalt roads, nothing done or hit that would loosen bolts. I firmly believe that this should trigger a worldwide recall by MG, to check UJ, check and tighten all steering column bolts.

I have emailed the UK DVLA and this was the reply:-
Dear Sir/Madam
Thank you for your email enquiry dated 05 February 2024, concerning a Vehicle Recall.
If you find a serious defect that affects the safety of your vehicle, one of its parts, or an accessory, you should report it to the manufacturer immediately.
To check if your vehicle has been issued with a recall notice, you can search the vehicle recall database by entering the details of your vehicle here
If you are not happy with how the manufacturer is dealing with your report, you can complete an online form here and DVSA will investigate the issue with the manufacturer and tell you what action is being taken. The vehicle, part or accessory can be recalled if it is found to be a serious safety issue.
What counts as a serious safety defect
A serious safety defect is something:
· about the way the vehicle is designed or made that is likely to cause injury or death
· that happens suddenly and without warning
What doesn’t count as a serious safety defect
Things are not classed as a serious safety defect if·they can be found during routine maintenance and servicing if you are warned about them by warning lights, noticeable changes in handling and unusual noises
· they are caused by misuse of the vehicle, e.g. overloading the vehicle causing a tyre failure
I hope this information has assisted you with your enquiry, but if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us again.
Kind Regards
DVLA

That is fascinating.
So if you can hear clicking or feel play in the steering, it is not going to be the subject of a recall notice as it is not a "serious safety defect"?
Bizarre
Maybe explains Grenfell tower!