Different makes and models of cars getting recalled for various issues is nothing new to vehicle owners. While most recalls are generally on parts that are not critical to the operation of a vehicle or only affect a small number of manufactured units, some past recalls have exposes a critical problem, resulting in sweeping recalls over multiple brands, models, and years. These are the five biggest automotive recalls in history:
5. Ford Ignition Switches – 8.7 Million Vehicles
This recall came out in 1996 after it was discovered that the ignition switches could potentially short-circuit and ignite a fire in the vehicle’s steering column in some of their vehicles manufactured between the years of 1988 and 1993. At the time, this became the biggest recall ever to be issued by a single auto maker.
4. Toyota Accelerator Recalls – 9 Million Vehicles Worldwide
Toyota was forced to issue three separate recalls covering approximately 9 million cars due to “unintended acceleration” caused by a sticking throttle pedal. This resulted in numerous severe injuries and a fine of more than $1 billion levied against the company by the Justice Department.
3. GM Ignition Recalls – 15.8 Million Vehicles Worldwide
The late 2000’s and early 2010’s have been a rough time period for American auto giant General Motors, whose biggest recall in company history has cost them billions of dollars to repair. A defect in the ignition switches of millions of vehicles caused them to shut off unexpectedly while being driven, potentially causing serious injury when a number of other systems connected to the engine power (such as power brakes) would cease to function as well.
2. Ford Gear Selector Flaw Recall – 21 Million Vehicles
Ford’s biggest recall was issued in 1980 when cars from 10 model years were impacted by an issue that caused them to accidentally slip from park into reverse. The recall is estimated to have caused over 6,000 accidents and resulted in the deaths of 100 people. Ford’s solution for this flaw: send all drivers a warning sticker to be placed on the dashboard.
1. Takata Airbag Recall – Over 100 Million Vehicles Worldwide
The biggest recall in automotive history is currently still ongoing. Japanese airbag manufacturer Takata has provided parts to over 16 major auto manufacturers from all over the world, meaning their parts have been installed in hundreds of models from numerous years. In total, this recall has reached the staggering 100 million vehicle mark around the globe. Find out if your vehicle is part of this recall by using the VIN number lookup tool provided by the NHTSA.
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a defective product, including a defective auto part, you may be eligible to receive substantial compensation for things such as lost income, bereavement, medical bills and more. The skilled legal team at Bahe, Cook, Cantley & Nefzger, PLC has assisted numerous clients with pursuing their legal options after they have sustained injuries caused by defective products. To date they have recovered substantial awards which have granted them induction into both the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates forum.
Schedule a free consultation with Bahe, Cook, Cantley & Nefzger, PLC today; call (502) 565-0035 now.