Uber drivers in Mallorca raise alarm: vehicle defects could be dangerous

Uber drivers in Mallorca warn: cars in poor condition

Early in the morning, when the streets in Palma are still damp and the construction lights are blinking, customers get into cars that look fine at first glance. But behind the wheel some Uber drivers report serious defects: heavily worn tires, brakes that respond irregularly, and even airbags that allegedly did not deploy. That sounds like a situation nobody needs — neither passengers nor drivers.

Specific problems, specific fears

Several colleagues have sent photos: tires with hardly any tread left, dashboard warning lights that stay on, and rusty brake lines. A driver who has been commuting for years between Portixol and Playa de Palma describes how on Avinguda de Gabriel Roca he felt the brake needed much more distance. "I'm afraid something bad will happen someday," he says quietly. Such statements have been repeated for months, according to the works council.

Who is responsible?

Unions and the works council blame a change in the company's leadership for the negligence. According to employee representatives, many complaints have been filed — without any significant response from the company. That has now led to calls for the labor inspectorate to be involved. An inspection would not be a bureaucratic detail: the authority can identify defects, take vehicles out of service or impose fines.

Voices from everyday life

"We fix what we can, but sometimes that's not enough," says "Juan", 48, who has worked as a driver for five years. He recently had to buy new tires out of his own savings because the company did not act. "I pay the taxes and drive people — but if the car fails, it's not only my problem," he adds. The works council cites several similar cases and demands transparency: Which inspections were carried out and when? Who pays for repairs?

Company silent, authorities to investigate

So far there has been no statement from the company. Driver representatives hope an official inspection will clarify the situation. If the labor inspectorate finds defects, not only individual vehicles but entire operations could be put under review. Insurance and liability issues would then become very concrete.

What travelers should pay attention to: If the car makes unusual noises, a warning light is on or the driver appears unsure, it's better to get out and take another car. That is not distrust, but caution. Especially in the evening, when streets become narrower and traffic lights flicker, every brake counts.

On the island such discussions are well known: they start in small workshops and often end up at government offices. Let's hope action is taken quickly this time before an unnecessary breakdown has sad consequences. And yes — coffee at the harbor tastes twice as good after a shift like that when you arrive home safe.