Largest US Auto Recalls

Are you old enough to remember those Toyota “Oh, what a feeling!” advertisements, which showed satisfied customers literally jumping in the air for joy? Well, Toyota vehicle manufacturers and buyers haven’t had much to celebrate recently. But this hasn’t been the first mass car recall, and it probably won’t be the last either. Here are some of the largest auto recalls in the United States:

1. Ford (7.9 million vehicles in 1996)

This recall involved the ignition switch. Ford revealed that it could overheat, causing it to emit smoke or even catch fire. Ford recalled most models made between 1988 and 1993.

2. General Motors (6.7 million vehicles in 1971)

Vehicles engine mounts could break, causing the engine to shift and the throttle to stick. The recall involved several Chevrolet models built between 1965 and 1969.

3. General Motors (5.8 million vehicles in 1981)

A single bolt that attaches the car’s front suspension to the vehicle could break. This could cause the vehicle’s suspension to fail rapidly. The company recalled all midsize cars made between 1978 and 1981.

4. Toyota (5.4 million vehicles in 2009)

Interestingly, this recall involved mats. It was found that they could catch the pedal and inadvertently cause the vehicle to accelerate. Then in 2010, Toyota recalled 2.3 million vehicles due to accelerator pedal issues.

5. Ford (4.5 million vehicles in 2005)

This recall involved the mechanism used for cruise control on several full-size trucks that Ford produced. Models involved included the Bronco, Expedition, F-150, F-250, Navigator, and Lincoln Blackwood.

6. Ford (4.5 million vehicles in 2009)

The company found that the cruise control device on several vehicles could smoke after overheating or even catch fire. The recall included various models, from Super Duty trucks to Explorers.

7. Ford (4 million vehicles in 1972)

A plastic part contained in the seat belt buckle mechanism could cause the seat belts to come loose during an accident. As a result, Ford recalled all Ford, Mercury, and Lincoln cars and trucks made between 1970 and 1971.

8. General Motors (3.7 million vehicles in 1973)

Government officials discovered that when driving rapidly on gravel, gravel shot towards the engine casing could cause the steering gear to malfunction. GM mounted shields on its full-size models produced between 1971 and 1973.

9. Volkswagen (3.7 million vehicles in 1972)

US officials have found that a bolt connecting the car’s windshield wiper to a shaft could come loose and create a safety issue for the driver while on the road. The recall included all Volkswagens sold in the United States, from 1949 to 1969.

10. Honda (3.7 million vehicles in 1995)

The faulty seat belts created a situation that would have prevented them from working properly during an accident. Honda discovered that parts of the seat belt release button could break off and fall into the buckle in various situations. The result was a massive recall, which included all models made between 1986 and 1991.

So while Toyota’s latest recall is one of the greatest of all time, it’s not the granddaddy of all. The bottom line is that car recalls are a necessary evil to maintain public safety.