Automobiles have been in existence for about 100 years which would make one feel that the manufacturers would have been able to get rid of the kinks by now. However, this is not the case always and it is quite difficult to iron out the wrinkles sometimes. The following are the 10 largest automobile recalls in recent times.
1. Toyota/Unintended Accelaration
The first recall, on November 2, 2009, was to correct a possible incursion of an incorrect or out-of-place front driver’s side floor mat into the foot pedal well. The second recall, on January 21, 2010, was because of a possible mechanical sticking of the accelerator pedal causing unintended acceleration. As of January 28, 2010, Toyota had announced recalls of approximately 5.2 million vehicles for the pedal entrapment/floor mat problem, and an additional 2.3 million vehicles for the accelerator pedal problem. Approximately 1.7 million vehicles are subject to both.
2. General Motors/Broken Motor Mount
In 1971, General Motors recalled 15 models that were built during the 1960s and continued production till 1970. They also recalled a few Chevrolet Bel Airs. These models were problematic because the motor mount had separated which could make the engine move upwards. This would have a negative impact on the throttle linkage which could case the vehicle to accelerate suddenly. About 6.7 million vehicles were recalled.
3. General Motors/Rear Control Arm
During the first half 1981, General Motors recalled a few sedans and a number of other models that were launched in 70s till the better half of the 80s. The problem was that the control arm and rear axle could lose control causing the vehicle swerve out of control. 5.8 million vehicles were singled out.
4. Ford Motors
In 2005, Ford recalled those Ford Expeditions that were released from 1997 till 2002. In addition to that, they also felt the need to recall certain models of pickup trucks. They did so because the cruise control overheated and had to be deactivated immediately. This was the largest recall made by Ford and a similar one was made in 2009. About 4.5 million vehicles were affected.
5. Ford Motor/Cruise Control Switch
As has already been mentioned, Ford had to recall more vehicles in 2009. This included Explorers that were first launched in 1995 and were popular till 2002. They also recalled 14 trucks- pickups and otherwise. The problem was the same as mentioned above and minivans and SUVs were affected as well. Ford had to recall about 4.5 million vehicles this time too because the switch could burst into flames even when the car was not being used.
6. Toyota/Unintended Acceleration
In 2009, Toyota recalled its Camry as well as six other models that were manufactured in 2004 till date. This was because experts realized that the floor mat was not secured in place and could therefore play havoc with the gas pedal. About 4.3 million vehicles were zeroed in on.
7. Ford Motor/Shoulder Belts
This time 4 million vehicles were affected as Ford had to recall models like Mercury, Ford and Lincoln from 1970 to 1971. They did so because the seat-belt buckles were faulty and needed to be replaced.
8. General Motors/Body Structure
General Motors recalled 17 models along with the Buick LeSabres in 1973. This is because the underbody shields had to be re-installed as it was discovered that the driver could lose control of the steering wheel on a bumpy road.
9. Volkswagen/Windshield Wiper Arm
3.7 million vehicles were affected because in 1972, Volkswagen recalled their models that were built during 1949 till 1969. This included the widely popular Beetle as the windshield wiper arms were not too secure.
10. Honda/Seat Belts
In 1995, Honda recalled a few Accords and other models including the Acura which was launched during the 80s. This was done to repair those seat belt buckles that had come loose.