True that, automaker recalls have declined over the last few years due to more eagle-eyed catches early in production. According to a Detroit Free Press analysis of federal data, automakers recalled 15.2 million vehicles in 2009, a sharp jump from 8.6 million in 2008.
There have been few automakers who have not had some type of recall. From faulty electrical systems, to brake light failures, to defective cruise control switches that could cause potential fires-- these safety-related woes can wreak havoc on not only consumers but for the automotive companies, that have allowed these problems to fall through the cracks, it can cost them millions and cast a shadow on their reputations.
There were 117 recalls from automakers in 2009 that covered an array of safety-related problems. For the first time ever, Toyota led the U.S. auto industry in recalled vehicles in 2009. The Japanese automaker had a recall of 4.3 million Toyota and Lexus models for unintended acceleration linked to fatal crashes. Toyota's accelerator problem accounted for most of the nearly 4.9 million vehicles it recalled in 2009, the company issued eight other recalls for problems ranging from missing safety labels to corroded pickup frames.
Toyota told federal officials earlier this month it would start fixing the accelerator problem now, but some repairs would not be ready until March 2010.
--Car Chick
Comments
Thank goodneSs for american cars
Thats why my motto is "buy American"!!1
Would have been nice to see the next manufacturers on the list and how many vehicles they recalled.
It does stand to reason that the biggest would have the most...It would be very interesting to see a list of recalls and numbers for the entire decade rather than one year...
Hmmm, government bails out GM & Chrysler, GM & Chrysler are still getting their butts handed to them in sales, NHTSA (a GOVERNMENT agency) decides that Toyota should issue a recall on a concern that they have investigated for 6 years & found NO evidence of product failure other than someone not securing the floor mats correctly or using an incompatible floor mat all together... yay government. Then stuff like this online blowing more smoke in peoples eyes... lol
Lou, how do you explain the "unintended acceleration" in the vehicles that had NO floormats in them at all? I've read more than one report of the accelerator getting stuck without a floormat, which would explain it! There's more than just a floormat/pedal interaction.
I am writing a thesis on the effect of foreign cars on our nation. Nissan and Volkswagen are the least harmless to our nation. Volkswagen is actually planning to make an American section that would when instituted, share 75% of profits with American workers etc. as opposed to the Hyundai's 20% of their American built car profit going towards Americans. Around 80% still goes to Korea. Buick beat Lexus for luxury cars overall. Chevy has more efficient Regular gasoline cars than toyota or honda. Cadillac has the Xlr and the Cts. GMC has the Denali. Ford has the Taurus and Focus. American trucks are proven to be better trucks than Japnese trucks as well. It seems like all car companies have some good and bad models. Why not help the country out through this struggle and at least try a new American car. You might be surprised at how long they last - my silverado has over 250,000 miles on it and I've only replaced the Exhaust and the air conditioning compressor pump - total cost: 600 dollars
American Car companies have been screwing AMERICANS for decades on crappy cars(Pintos, Gremlins, Fiestas, K car etc) thats why foriegn car makers are making the impact that they are. Toyota has made and still continues to make better cars then Chevy, GM and others. Make better product and we will buy..
I'll take a bruised Toyota over the sucking chest wound of a (formerly) Big 3 product (by the way Jay, I'm still trying to find any relevant critical published information on the reliability and mileage of virtually any class of US made vehicles, are you reading GM brochures for your thesis?)
confilict of interests
I just purchased a brand new 2010 Ford Taurus and it's been sitting at the Ford dealer repair shop since day 1. They can;t figure out what is wrong with the car and they won't even give me a replacement vehicle. Talk about holding consumers hostage on garbage products. Don't buy American you've been warned.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!