The Largest Car Recalls in History
Toyota, Volkswagen, and General Motors have been in the headlines for leading some of the highest-profile automotive recalls in latest years, but those aren’t necessary the industry’s largest.
The federal government issued a record number of recalls in 2015; close to nine hundred separate recalls affected fifty one million vehicles nationwide. The ones newest in our memories are Toyota’s problem with unexpected acceleration, General Motors’ faulty ignition switches, and Volkswagen’s cheating on emissions tests of its diesel vehicles, but some incidents in previous decades affected several million more.
Here’s a look at the fattest car recalls in U.S. history.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Seven – Ford Cruise Control, 2005
Ford recalled Four.Five million pickup trucks and SUVs in two thousand five for a problem with its cruise control: The deactivation switch could overheat, smoke, or burn, causing a full-blown fire.
Owners were told to come back their car to the dealership to have their cruise control disconnected and then reactivated.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Control Arm, 1981
In 1981, General Motors recalled almost six million vehicles for a problem with their suspension. The bolts linking the lower rear control arm, which controls the vehicle’s rear axle, to the framework were prone to fracturing. A driver could lose control and cause an accident if the bolts fractured while the vehicle was moving.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Ignition Switch, 2014
Weeks after Mary Barra took the helm at General Motors as its chief executive, the automaker was embroiled in a scandal stemming from defects in the ignition switches of many of its sedans. An investigation exposed that the nation’s largest auto manufacturer hid reports of a flaw in popular cars, such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Grand Am, and Chevrolet Monte Carlo, for more than a dozen years.
The switch could slip into accessory mode abruptly, shutting down the engine and cutting power to the cars on busy roads. As a result, several hundred people died or suffered injuries. GM recalled almost six million vehicles, fixing the problem by installing two key rings and inserting a cover over the key head.
More on the two thousand fourteen Chevrolet Malibu
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Five – General Motors Engine Mounts, 1971
General Motors issued its largest recall in one thousand nine hundred seventy one when it found that more than 6.6 million of its vehicles could lose throttle control unexpectedly due to a separated motor climb on, which would cause the engine to lift up. The unexpected increase in throttle caused drivers to lose control of the vehicle.
As a result, GM examined the engine mounts on each vehicle and installed restraints to keep the engine from lifting.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Four – Ford Ignition, 1996
In 1996, Ford issued its second-largest recall when it was discovered that the ignition switch in 7.9 million of its vehicles could brief circuit, leading to overheating, smoke, and sometimes fire in the steering column. Some reports said that the switches ignited even when the car was parked and turned off.
Ford substituted the ignition switch in the Ford Aerostar, Bronco, Crown Victoria, Mustang, Escort, and F-Series Trucks; Mercury Cougar, Grand Marquis, and Topaz; and Lincoln Town Car for the one thousand nine hundred eighty eight through one thousand nine hundred ninety three model years.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Three – Toyota Pedal Entrapment, 2009
In 2009, Toyota began a recall that would eventually extend to nine million of its vehicles, including the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Prius, Tundra, Tacoma and various Lexus models, in connection with widespread reports of unintended unexpected acceleration.
Toyota very first said that the floor mats trapped the accelerator pedal and issued a recall for the mats. As the reports of runaway vehicles continued, the automaker began to substitute the pedals and, ultimately, installed brake override software on the Camry, Avalon, and certain Lexus models. Toyota paid $1.Two billion in fines to the U.S. government, the largest penalty of its kind at the time.
More on the two thousand nine Toyota Camry
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- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Two – Ford Powertrain, 1981
In 1981, Ford initiated the largest recall of any single automaker: twenty one million vehicles for a faulty powertrain in its Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln brands. The company received reports that the parking gear in some vehicles manufactured over the four years prior didn’t stay in “park” and spinned away, sometimes in switch sides. Ford sent owners a label and instructed them to place it in a visible location to recall the necessary safety precautions: Make sure the gear selector lever is engaged in park, set the parking brake fully, and shut off the ignition.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. One – Takata Airbags, 2013-Present
More than two dozen automakers were compelled to recall close to seventy million vehicles in the fattest auto recall in U.S. history after receiving reports of a defect in airbags from Japanese supplier Takata. Honda recalled the most vehicles – more than six million – but Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, Nissan, Mazda, and others sent letters to owners while grappling with a supply shortage.
The faulty airbag inflators could rupture, releasing metal fragments that could strike the driver and passengers. Ammonium nitrate, the chemical that creates the explosion needed to inflate airbags in a crash, can deteriorate over time when exposed to fever. Since it takes about six years for the chemical to break down, older models were given priority very first during the recall.
The Fattest Car Recalls in History, U
The Thickest Car Recalls in History
Toyota, Volkswagen, and General Motors have been in the headlines for leading some of the highest-profile automotive recalls in latest years, but those aren’t necessary the industry’s largest.
The federal government issued a record number of recalls in 2015; close to nine hundred separate recalls affected fifty one million vehicles nationwide. The ones newest in our memories are Toyota’s problem with unexpected acceleration, General Motors’ faulty ignition switches, and Volkswagen’s cheating on emissions tests of its diesel vehicles, but some incidents in previous decades affected several million more.
Here’s a look at the fattest car recalls in U.S. history.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Seven – Ford Cruise Control, 2005
Ford recalled Four.Five million pickup trucks and SUVs in two thousand five for a problem with its cruise control: The deactivation switch could overheat, smoke, or burn, causing a full-blown fire.
Owners were told to comeback their car to the dealership to have their cruise control disconnected and then reactivated.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Control Arm, 1981
In 1981, General Motors recalled almost six million vehicles for a problem with their suspension. The bolts affixing the lower rear control arm, which controls the vehicle’s rear axle, to the framework were prone to fracturing. A driver could lose control and cause an accident if the bolts fractured while the vehicle was moving.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Ignition Switch, 2014
Weeks after Mary Barra took the helm at General Motors as its chief executive, the automaker was embroiled in a scandal stemming from defects in the ignition switches of many of its sedans. An investigation exposed that the nation’s largest auto manufacturer hid reports of a flaw in popular cars, such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Grand Am, and Chevrolet Monte Carlo, for more than a dozen years.
The switch could slip into accessory mode abruptly, shutting down the engine and cutting power to the cars on busy roads. As a result, several hundred people died or suffered injuries. GM recalled almost six million vehicles, fixing the problem by installing two key rings and inserting a cover over the key head.
More on the two thousand fourteen Chevrolet Malibu
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Five – General Motors Engine Mounts, 1971
General Motors issued its largest recall in one thousand nine hundred seventy one when it found that more than 6.6 million of its vehicles could lose throttle control unexpectedly due to a separated motor climb on, which would cause the engine to lift up. The unexpected increase in throttle caused drivers to lose control of the vehicle.
As a result, GM examined the engine mounts on each vehicle and installed restraints to keep the engine from lifting.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Four – Ford Ignition, 1996
In 1996, Ford issued its second-largest recall when it was discovered that the ignition switch in 7.9 million of its vehicles could brief circuit, leading to overheating, smoke, and sometimes fire in the steering column. Some reports said that the switches ignited even when the car was parked and turned off.
Ford substituted the ignition switch in the Ford Aerostar, Bronco, Crown Victoria, Mustang, Escort, and F-Series Trucks; Mercury Cougar, Grand Marquis, and Topaz; and Lincoln Town Car for the one thousand nine hundred eighty eight through one thousand nine hundred ninety three model years.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Three – Toyota Pedal Entrapment, 2009
In 2009, Toyota began a recall that would eventually extend to nine million of its vehicles, including the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Prius, Tundra, Tacoma and various Lexus models, in connection with widespread reports of unintended unexpected acceleration.
Toyota very first said that the floor mats trapped the accelerator pedal and issued a recall for the mats. As the reports of runaway vehicles continued, the automaker began to substitute the pedals and, eventually, installed brake override software on the Camry, Avalon, and certain Lexus models. Toyota paid $1.Two billion in fines to the U.S. government, the largest penalty of its kind at the time.
More on the two thousand nine Toyota Camry
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Two – Ford Powertrain, 1981
In 1981, Ford initiated the largest recall of any single automaker: twenty one million vehicles for a faulty powertrain in its Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln brands. The company received reports that the parking gear in some vehicles manufactured over the four years prior didn’t stay in “park” and flipped away, sometimes in switch sides. Ford sent owners a label and instructed them to place it in a visible location to reminisce the necessary safety precautions: Make sure the gear selector lever is engaged in park, set the parking brake fully, and shut off the ignition.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. One – Takata Airbags, 2013-Present
More than two dozen automakers were compelled to recall close to seventy million vehicles in the thickest auto recall in U.S. history after receiving reports of a defect in airbags from Japanese supplier Takata. Honda recalled the most vehicles – more than six million – but Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, Nissan, Mazda, and others sent letters to owners while grappling with a supply shortage.
The faulty airbag inflators could rupture, releasing metal fragments that could strike the driver and passengers. Ammonium nitrate, the chemical that creates the explosion needed to inflate airbags in a crash, can deteriorate over time when exposed to fever. Since it takes about six years for the chemical to break down, older models were given priority very first during the recall.
The Thickest Car Recalls in History, U
The Fattest Car Recalls in History
Toyota, Volkswagen, and General Motors have been in the headlines for leading some of the highest-profile automotive recalls in latest years, but those aren’t necessary the industry’s largest.
The federal government issued a record number of recalls in 2015; close to nine hundred separate recalls affected fifty one million vehicles nationwide. The ones newest in our memories are Toyota’s problem with unexpected acceleration, General Motors’ faulty ignition switches, and Volkswagen’s cheating on emissions tests of its diesel vehicles, but some incidents in previous decades affected several million more.
Here’s a look at the largest car recalls in U.S. history.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Seven – Ford Cruise Control, 2005
Ford recalled Four.Five million pickup trucks and SUVs in two thousand five for a problem with its cruise control: The deactivation switch could overheat, smoke, or burn, causing a full-blown fire.
Owners were told to come back their car to the dealership to have their cruise control disconnected and then reactivated.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Control Arm, 1981
In 1981, General Motors recalled almost six million vehicles for a problem with their suspension. The bolts linking the lower rear control arm, which controls the vehicle’s rear axle, to the framework were prone to fracturing. A driver could lose control and cause an accident if the bolts fractured while the vehicle was moving.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Ignition Switch, 2014
Weeks after Mary Barra took the helm at General Motors as its chief executive, the automaker was embroiled in a scandal stemming from defects in the ignition switches of many of its sedans. An investigation exposed that the nation’s largest auto manufacturer hid reports of a flaw in popular cars, such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Grand Am, and Chevrolet Monte Carlo, for more than a dozen years.
The switch could slip into accessory mode abruptly, shutting down the engine and cutting power to the cars on busy roads. As a result, several hundred people died or suffered injuries. GM recalled almost six million vehicles, fixing the problem by installing two key rings and inserting a cover over the key head.
More on the two thousand fourteen Chevrolet Malibu
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Five – General Motors Engine Mounts, 1971
General Motors issued its largest recall in one thousand nine hundred seventy one when it found that more than 6.6 million of its vehicles could lose throttle control unexpectedly due to a separated motor climb on, which would cause the engine to lift up. The unexpected increase in throttle caused drivers to lose control of the vehicle.
As a result, GM studied the engine mounts on each vehicle and installed restraints to keep the engine from lifting.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Four – Ford Ignition, 1996
In 1996, Ford issued its second-largest recall when it was discovered that the ignition switch in 7.9 million of its vehicles could brief circuit, leading to overheating, smoke, and sometimes fire in the steering column. Some reports said that the switches ignited even when the car was parked and turned off.
Ford substituted the ignition switch in the Ford Aerostar, Bronco, Crown Victoria, Mustang, Escort, and F-Series Trucks; Mercury Cougar, Grand Marquis, and Topaz; and Lincoln Town Car for the one thousand nine hundred eighty eight through one thousand nine hundred ninety three model years.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Three – Toyota Pedal Entrapment, 2009
In 2009, Toyota began a recall that would eventually extend to nine million of its vehicles, including the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Prius, Tundra, Tacoma and various Lexus models, in connection with widespread reports of unintended unexpected acceleration.
Toyota very first said that the floor mats trapped the accelerator pedal and issued a recall for the mats. As the reports of runaway vehicles continued, the automaker began to substitute the pedals and, ultimately, installed brake override software on the Camry, Avalon, and certain Lexus models. Toyota paid $1.Two billion in fines to the U.S. government, the largest penalty of its kind at the time.
More on the two thousand nine Toyota Camry
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Two – Ford Powertrain, 1981
In 1981, Ford initiated the largest recall of any single automaker: twenty one million vehicles for a faulty powertrain in its Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln brands. The company received reports that the parking gear in some vehicles manufactured over the four years prior didn’t stay in “park” and flipped away, sometimes in switch sides. Ford sent owners a label and instructed them to place it in a visible location to recall the necessary safety precautions: Make sure the gear selector lever is engaged in park, set the parking brake fully, and shut off the ignition.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. One – Takata Airbags, 2013-Present
More than two dozen automakers were compelled to recall close to seventy million vehicles in the thickest auto recall in U.S. history after receiving reports of a defect in airbags from Japanese supplier Takata. Honda recalled the most vehicles – more than six million – but Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, Nissan, Mazda, and others sent letters to owners while grappling with a supply shortage.
The faulty airbag inflators could rupture, releasing metal fragments that could strike the driver and passengers. Ammonium nitrate, the chemical that creates the explosion needed to inflate airbags in a crash, can deteriorate over time when exposed to warmth. Since it takes about six years for the chemical to break down, older models were given priority very first during the recall.
The Fattest Car Recalls in History, U
The Fattest Car Recalls in History
Toyota, Volkswagen, and General Motors have been in the headlines for leading some of the highest-profile automotive recalls in latest years, but those aren’t necessary the industry’s largest.
The federal government issued a record number of recalls in 2015; close to nine hundred separate recalls affected fifty one million vehicles nationwide. The ones newest in our memories are Toyota’s problem with unexpected acceleration, General Motors’ faulty ignition switches, and Volkswagen’s cheating on emissions tests of its diesel vehicles, but some incidents in previous decades affected several million more.
Here’s a look at the thickest car recalls in U.S. history.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Seven – Ford Cruise Control, 2005
Ford recalled Four.Five million pickup trucks and SUVs in two thousand five for a problem with its cruise control: The deactivation switch could overheat, smoke, or burn, causing a full-blown fire.
Owners were told to comeback their car to the dealership to have their cruise control disconnected and then reactivated.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Control Arm, 1981
In 1981, General Motors recalled almost six million vehicles for a problem with their suspension. The bolts fastening the lower rear control arm, which controls the vehicle’s rear axle, to the framework were prone to fracturing. A driver could lose control and cause an accident if the bolts fractured while the vehicle was moving.
More Slideshows
- nine Alternatives to a two thousand seventeen Toyota Highlander September 1, 2017
- ten Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Volkswagen Jetta September 1, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Mini Cooper September 1, 2017
- ten Best Cars for Technophobes September 1, 2017
- eight Tips for Avoiding Flood-Damaged Cars August 31, 2017
- nine Alternatives to the two thousand seventeen Ford Fusion August 31, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for the Money February 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Cars for Families March 7, 2017
- two thousand seventeen Best Vehicle Brand Awards November 15, 2016
No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Ignition Switch, 2014
Weeks after Mary Barra took the helm at General Motors as its chief executive, the automaker was embroiled in a scandal stemming from defects in the ignition switches of many of its sedans. An investigation exposed that the nation’s largest auto manufacturer hid reports of a flaw in popular cars, such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Grand Am, and Chevrolet Monte Carlo, for more than a dozen years.
The switch could slip into accessory mode abruptly, shutting down the engine and cutting power to the cars on busy roads. As a result, several hundred people died or suffered injuries. GM recalled almost six million vehicles, fixing the problem by installing two key rings and inserting a cover over the key head.
More on the two thousand fourteen Chevrolet Malibu
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No. Five – General Motors Engine Mounts, 1971
General Motors issued its largest recall in one thousand nine hundred seventy one when it found that more than 6.6 million of its vehicles could lose throttle control unexpectedly due to a separated motor climb on, which would cause the engine to lift up. The unexpected increase in throttle caused drivers to lose control of the vehicle.
As a result, GM probed the engine mounts on each vehicle and installed restraints to keep the engine from lifting.
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No. Four – Ford Ignition, 1996
In 1996, Ford issued its second-largest recall when it was discovered that the ignition switch in 7.9 million of its vehicles could brief circuit, leading to overheating, smoke, and sometimes fire in the steering column. Some reports said that the switches ignited even when the car was parked and turned off.
Ford substituted the ignition switch in the Ford Aerostar, Bronco, Crown Victoria, Mustang, Escort, and F-Series Trucks; Mercury Cougar, Grand Marquis, and Topaz; and Lincoln Town Car for the one thousand nine hundred eighty eight through one thousand nine hundred ninety three model years.
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No. Three – Toyota Pedal Entrapment, 2009
In 2009, Toyota began a recall that would eventually extend to nine million of its vehicles, including the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Prius, Tundra, Tacoma and various Lexus models, in connection with widespread reports of unintended unexpected acceleration.
Toyota very first said that the floor mats trapped the accelerator pedal and issued a recall for the mats. As the reports of runaway vehicles continued, the automaker began to substitute the pedals and, eventually, installed brake override software on the Camry, Avalon, and certain Lexus models. Toyota paid $1.Two billion in fines to the U.S. government, the largest penalty of its kind at the time.
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No. Two – Ford Powertrain, 1981
In 1981, Ford initiated the largest recall of any single automaker: twenty one million vehicles for a faulty powertrain in its Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln brands. The company received reports that the parking gear in some vehicles manufactured over the four years prior didn’t stay in “park” and flipped away, sometimes in switch sides. Ford sent owners a label and instructed them to place it in a visible location to reminisce the necessary safety precautions: Make sure the gear selector lever is engaged in park, set the parking brake fully, and shut off the ignition.
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No. One – Takata Airbags, 2013-Present
More than two dozen automakers were coerced to recall close to seventy million vehicles in the thickest auto recall in U.S. history after receiving reports of a defect in airbags from Japanese supplier Takata. Honda recalled the most vehicles – more than six million – but Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, Nissan, Mazda, and others sent letters to owners while grappling with a supply shortage.
The faulty airbag inflators could rupture, releasing metal fragments that could strike the driver and passengers. Ammonium nitrate, the chemical that creates the explosion needed to inflate airbags in a crash, can deteriorate over time when exposed to fever. Since it takes about six years for the chemical to break down, older models were given priority very first during the recall.
The Largest Car Recalls in History, U
The Largest Car Recalls in History
By Jaclyn Trop | August 22, 2016
When Quality Control Fails
Toyota, Volkswagen, and General Motors have been in the headlines for leading some of the highest-profile automotive recalls in latest years, but those aren’t necessary the industry’s largest.
The federal government issued a record number of recalls in 2015; close to nine hundred separate recalls affected fifty one million vehicles nationwide. The ones newest in our memories are Toyota’s problem with unexpected acceleration, General Motors’ faulty ignition switches, and Volkswagen’s cheating on emissions tests of its diesel vehicles, but some incidents in previous decades affected several million more.
Here’s a look at the thickest car recalls in U.S. history.
More Slideshows
No. Seven – Ford Cruise Control, 2005
Ford recalled Four.Five million pickup trucks and SUVs in two thousand five for a problem with its cruise control: The deactivation switch could overheat, smoke, or burn, causing a full-blown fire.
Owners were told to comeback their car to the dealership to have their cruise control disconnected and then reactivated.
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No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Control Arm, 1981
In 1981, General Motors recalled almost six million vehicles for a problem with their suspension. The bolts fastening the lower rear control arm, which controls the vehicle’s rear axle, to the framework were prone to fracturing. A driver could lose control and cause an accident if the bolts fractured while the vehicle was moving.
More Slideshows
No. Six (Tie) – General Motors Ignition Switch, 2014
Weeks after Mary Barra took the helm at General Motors as its chief executive, the automaker was embroiled in a scandal stemming from defects in the ignition switches of many of its sedans. An investigation exposed that the nation’s largest auto manufacturer hid reports of a flaw in popular cars, such as the Chevrolet Malibu, Pontiac Grand Am, and Chevrolet Monte Carlo, for more than a dozen years.
The switch could slip into accessory mode abruptly, shutting down the engine and cutting power to the cars on busy roads. As a result, several hundred people died or suffered injuries. GM recalled almost six million vehicles, fixing the problem by installing two key rings and inserting a cover over the key head.
More Slideshows
No. Five – General Motors Engine Mounts, 1971
General Motors issued its largest recall in one thousand nine hundred seventy one when it found that more than 6.6 million of its vehicles could lose throttle control unexpectedly due to a separated motor climb on, which would cause the engine to lift up. The unexpected increase in throttle caused drivers to lose control of the vehicle.
As a result, GM tested the engine mounts on each vehicle and installed restraints to keep the engine from lifting.
More Slideshows
No. Four – Ford Ignition, 1996
In 1996, Ford issued its second-largest recall when it was discovered that the ignition switch in 7.9 million of its vehicles could brief circuit, leading to overheating, smoke, and sometimes fire in the steering column. Some reports said that the switches ignited even when the car was parked and turned off.
Ford substituted the ignition switch in the Ford Aerostar, Bronco, Crown Victoria, Mustang, Escort, and F-Series Trucks; Mercury Cougar, Grand Marquis, and Topaz; and Lincoln Town Car for the one thousand nine hundred eighty eight through one thousand nine hundred ninety three model years.
More Slideshows
No. Three – Toyota Pedal Entrapment, 2009
In 2009, Toyota began a recall that would eventually extend to nine million of its vehicles, including the Toyota Avalon, Camry, Prius, Tundra, Tacoma and various Lexus models, in connection with widespread reports of unintended unexpected acceleration.
Toyota very first said that the floor mats trapped the accelerator pedal and issued a recall for the mats. As the reports of runaway vehicles continued, the automaker began to substitute the pedals and, eventually, installed brake override software on the Camry, Avalon, and certain Lexus models. Toyota paid $1.Two billion in fines to the U.S. government, the largest penalty of its kind at the time.
More Slideshows
No. Two – Ford Powertrain, 1981
In 1981, Ford initiated the largest recall of any single automaker: twenty one million vehicles for a faulty powertrain in its Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln brands. The company received reports that the parking gear in some vehicles manufactured over the four years prior didn’t stay in “park” and flipped away, sometimes in switch roles. Ford sent owners a label and instructed them to place it in a visible location to reminisce the necessary safety precautions: Make sure the gear selector lever is engaged in park, set the parking brake fully, and shut off the ignition.
More Slideshows
No. One – Takata Airbags, 2013-Present
More than two dozen automakers were coerced to recall close to seventy million vehicles in the fattest auto recall in U.S. history after receiving reports of a defect in airbags from Japanese supplier Takata. Honda recalled the most vehicles – more than six million – but Toyota, Fiat Chrysler, Nissan, Mazda, and others sent letters to owners while grappling with a supply shortage.
The faulty airbag inflators could rupture, releasing metal fragments that could strike the driver and passengers. Ammonium nitrate, the chemical that creates the explosion needed to inflate airbags in a crash, can deteriorate over time when exposed to warmth. Since it takes about six years for the chemical to break down, older models were given priority very first during the recall.