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Millions of Vehicles Recalled Each Year for Defects
In 2016, a record-high 53.2 million vehicles were recalled in the United States. More than 50 million cars have been recalled in each of the past three years, a stunning fact considering auto recalls over the previous two decades have ranged between 10.2 million and 30.8 million. Many of these recalls were associated with two prominent defects:
Faulty ignition switches equipped in General Motors vehicles (linked to approximately 124 deaths)
Faulty airbags manufactured by Takata Corporation (linked to approximately 16 deaths)
These two recalls have been linked to hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths, and both have been the subject of congressional hearings and federal investigations. The number of total recall campaigns (927) was also record-breaking in 2016. Sadly, government action came too late for those adversely affected by these defective products.
What are the Most Common Vehicle Defects and Recalls?
While General Motors and Takata recalls having garnished the most attention, it is important to remember that safety defects can occur in any vehicle. Among those most commonly cited by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and automakers are:
- Defective steering components
- Door latch failures
- Defective gas tanks and fuel lines
- Seat belt failures
- Defective child seat anchors (LATCH System anchors)
- Defective airbags
- Tire defects
- Weak vehicle structure
Cars, trucks, and SUVs are not the only vehicles that experience recalls. Recalled motorcycles and ATVs have caused many severe injuries and deaths due to manufacturer defects as well.
What to Do When Your Defective Vehicle Resulted in Injury
Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.
Our experienced auto recall lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our car recall lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends.
