Modern automobiles are incredible feats of technology and innovation. These complex mechanisms usually run without widespread issues, given the sheer number of them on the road, but sometimes a major defect slips through the cracks and triggers what are known as vehicle recalls.
In these instances, massive amounts of a specific model are pulled back to the dealerships or factories depending on the severity of the issue. The manufacturer is forced to pay for any and all repairs needed to fix the underlying problem. It’s a costly mistake, and one that still happens on occasion to this day.
Today, we’ll look at 10 of the biggest recalls in history, based on the sheer number of cars recalled and the issue that prompted the recall in the first place.
Via Carfax
The 10 Biggest Car Recalls in History
The year 2014 saw some of the most record breaking recalls in history. Of course, even these constant issues are nothing compared to the past recalls that have occurred since the dawn of the industry. In 2014 alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2014 alone saw 803 recalls totaling in 63.9 million vehicles.
Two these recalls were so massive, they managed to find a space on our list today. Let’s take a look.
10. Ford – 1972
Seat belts are the most important aspect of safety in modern day automobiles. In 1972, it was discovered that Ford vehicles had faulty seat belts. The issue? The belt itself could detach from the buckle! This problem resulted in over 4 million cars being recalled.
9. Toyota – 2009
This was a controversial issue known as pedal entrapment, or as it is better known: “unintended acceleration.” People were claiming that the car was accelerating on its own, but a study done by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and NASA looked at Toyota’s software and over 3,000 complaints to see if it was an issue with the car’s design.
In most of the cases, it was decided that the issue wasn’t with the car, but with the drivers. People were hitting the wrong pedals it seemed. In some cases the floor mats or sticking pedals were also potential culprits. Ultimately it was decided that the electronics were not at fault.
After recalling 4.4 million cars, Toyota also reached a settlement in a class action lawsuit where they were forced to pay $1.3 billion dollars. $30 million of this amount was allocated to research and education for future models.
Image via Car and Driver
8 + 7. Ford – 2005/2009
As one of the largest single recalls in history, this particular issue rose from a cruise control deactivation switch that was manufactured by Texas Instruments. The problem with the switch was that could potentially cause hydraulic fluid to leak. This fluid would then overheat and cause a fire.
What’s worse is that this could occur even with the ignition turned off, the car parked, and no one inside. The recall was handled by providing owners of the affected vehicles with complimentary service at one of Ford’s licensed dealers. The fix was a fused wiring harness that would stop the risk of fire.
The issue also occurred in 2005 when more models were found to have the same issue and were also recalled.
6. Honda – 2014
This issue was spread across multiple car brands and models as a result of a parts supply company by the name of Takata. The issue involves explosive airbags that emerge with too much force and send shrapnel into the air.
5.4 million cars were recalled, and Honda was fined over $70 million in fines for not reporting these issues sooner.
5. General Motors – 1981
In this case from the late seventies and early eighties, General Motors was forced to recall 5.82 million cars. The issue came from a defect where the rear suspension could detach and as a result, the driver would lose control over the vehicle!
4. General Motors – 2014
GM was hit once again in 2014 with an issue that affected 5.87 million vehicles across multiple models. The issue was within the ignition switch. Apparently while driving, the ignition switch could move into accessory mode, which would switch off the airbags and potentially remove control of the vehicle from the driver.
3. General Motors – 1971
These guys just can’t catch a break. Back in 1971, 6.7 million cars were recalled in the 1960’s and 70’s. The issue was a result of defective engine mounts. In some cases they could cause unexpected acceleration without warning.
2. Ford – 1996
At the time of this recall, it was the largest one of its kind. Ford voluntarily recalled 8.7 million cars on the basis of a defective ignition switch. This switch could cause a fire to originate in the steering column, one that could occur even if the car was turned off.
1. Ford – 1981
For over ten years, Ford was hit with lawsuits over an issue where their cars could suddenly slip into reverse and roll away. As a result of this defect, over 98 fatalities were reported, and yet the issue was not resolved with repairs or investigations. Instead, a warning label was provided to put on your dashboard.
21 million cars were affected by this issue, topping our list of the worst vehicle recalls in history. In the end, it’s important to remember that cars are not perfect, and defects like these should not be ignored.
