Vehicle Recalls Hit Record-Breaking Numbers
2014 has been reported to be a record-breaking year for vehicle recalls. So far, automakers have recalled a total of 13 million cars in the U.S. just through April, compared to the 22 million vehicles recalled all of last year, according to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA). The previous record for vehicle recalls was set in 2004, when 30.8 million cars were recalled. The NHTSA predicts that at this rate, 2014 overall number could create a new record in total number of vehicle recalls.
1. General Motors: 4.8 million vehicles
General Motors (GM) has been in the news recently for their multiple recalls and reported safety issues. As of early May 2014, most of GM’s vehicle recalls are related to an ignition switch problem that allegedly dates back to 2002 and has been linked to at least 13 fatalities. Ignition issues affecting 2.6 million vehicles may shut off cars while they are in motion, thus disabling the vehicles’ airbags and power steering. The recall affects 2003 to 2007 Saturn Ions, 2007 Saturn Skys, 2006 to 2007 Pontiac Solstices, 2006 to 2007 Chevy HHRs, 2005 to 2007 Chevrolet Cobalts and 2005 to 2006 Pontiac Pursuits, which were sold in Canada.
GM recalled another 1.5 million vehicles in March 2014, 1.3 million of which are located in the U.S., because the vehicles may lose power steering without warning. The recall affects the 2004 to 2007 Saturn ION compact, the 2009 to 2010 Chevrolet HHR compact and the 2010 Cobalt. Three of the six models are also included in the earlier recall.
Click here for more information about the GM recalls.
2. Toyota: 6.4 million vehicles
Toyota issued a large recall pertaining to five safety hazards. The recall involves 27 models, including the RAV4, Corolla and Yaris as well as the Pontiac Vibe and Subaru Trezia, the two models Toyota manufactured for Fuji Heavy Industries and General Motors.
Some 3.5 million cars are involved in the recall worldwide, 2.34 million of which were sold in North America. According to the manufacturer, there could be complications with a spiral cable, which could be damaged when a driver turns the steering wheel, thus causing the airbag to fail. Other issues include complications with windshield wipers, steering columns, a spring that locks the seat in its position, and a fire risk with engine starters. Toyota stated that none of the issues has caused accidents, injuries or deaths.
Click here for more information about the Toyota recalls.
3. Nissan: 1 million vehicles
Nissan issued a recall affecting 2013 and 2014 Sentra, Pathfinder and Leaf models for a software problem that could prevent the passenger-side airbag from deploying in a collision.
4. Honda: 900,000 vehicles
Honda has issued a recall for 2005 to 2010 Odyssey minivans. According to the manufacturer, these vehicles have a high risk of fire. No accidents, injuries or deaths have been reported.
5. Ford: 434,000 vehicles
Ford has issued vehicle recalls for two separate issues. The first involves 49,950 cars, including the 2013 and 2014 Lincoln MKZ, Ford Fusion, C-Max and Escape models whose seatbacks were not properly welded. There have been no accidents, injuries or deaths reported as a result of the problem. An estimated 87 percent of the affected vehicles, or 42,972 cars, are in the U.S.; the rest are located in Canada.
Click here for more information about the Ford recalls.
6. BMW: 232,000 vehicles
BMW is recalling 6-series, 5-series, 3-series and 1-series as well as the off-road variants X6, X5, X3, X1 and Z4 in China due to allegedly defective screws that could cause a loss of oil.
7. Volkswagen: 160,351 vehicles
Volkswagen is recalling 2013 and 2014 Passat models in Canada and the U.S. for a glitch with the vehicles’ low-beam headlights. There have not been any injuries or deaths reported.
8. Tesla: 29,000 wall charger units
Tesla issued a recall for its Universal Mobile Connector adapters. According to the NHTSA, these devices have allegedly overheated, thus presenting fire hazards.
Click here for more information about the Tesla recalls.
Contact Attorney Group to Learn More
Those who have been injured or adversely affected by a vehicle involved in one of the recent vehicle recalls may consider seeking legal counsel to learn more about their rights. Although insurance companies may provide you with compensation to help cover your medical expenses and damages to your vehicle, these settlement amounts can often not be enough to cover all of the financial burdens you may be facing. Plaintiffs may be eligible to seek damages for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of past or future income or medical expenses.
Additionally, family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim against the liable party should the accident claim the life of a loved one. In these cases, plaintiffs may be eligible to seek compensation for damages such as lost income, loss of consortium, medical costs and funeral or burial expenses.
To learn more about how to pursue a claim against the liable party, contact Attorney Group today. We can review your case, free of charge, and connect you with an affiliated attorney who can handle your claim and work to help you seek appropriate compensation to which you may be entitled under law.
