Largest US Auto-Related Recalls

Photo Credit: Getty Images Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide since October — 5.6 million of those in the United States — making it one of the largest US auto-related recalls of all time.In April, the company agreed to a record $16.4 million fine for its slow response to the sticking gas pedals — the equivalent of a little more than $2 for every vehicle the company sold around the globe in 2009. So how does the Toyota recall compare to other major recalls? Here, we break down the largest US auto-related recalls of all time.By Constance PartenPosted 06 May, 2010

Photo Credit: Mark Ralston | AFP | Getty Image Problem: Corroding Tailgate CablesUnits Recalled: 4 millionIn 2004, GM recalled nearly 4 million pickups and SUVs because of corroding tailgate cables. The galvanized steel support cables would weaken and eventually fracture on certain Silverados, Sierras and Escalades, causing the tailgate to suddenly drop and strike the rear bumper.(Sources: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Reuters; InternetAutoguide.com)

Photo Credit: Mark Ralston | AFP | GETTY IMAGES Problem: Defective Accelerator PedalsUnits Recalled: 5.6 million (8 million worldwide)In October, 2009, toyota began recalling numerous vehicles due to accelerator pedals becoming stuck in the wide open position by incompatible floor mats. In November, the company amended its defect report and began modifying the accelerator pedals themselves, even changing the shape of the floor surface under the pedals.As of February, 2010, there were 34 reported deaths in the United States related to what has been dubbed as Toyota vehicle's "sudden acceleration syndrome."(Sources: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Reuters; InternetAutoguide.com)

Photo Credit: Mark Brown Problem: Loose Suspension BoltsUnits Recalled: 5.8 millionIn 1981, GM recalled 5.8 million vehicles due to loose suspension bolts that led to steering malfunctions, including the inability to steer the car.GM offered to replace the bolts in the El Camino, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Cutlass and other models.(Sources: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Reuters)

Photo Credit: Getty Images Problem: Defective TiresUnits Recalled: 6.5 millionIn August, 2000, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration opened an investigation into three types of Firestone tires after receiving 193 complaints, including 21 involving fatalities. A few days later, Bridgestone Firestone recalled 6.5 million tires as part of defect investigation into rollovers of Ford Explorer sport utility vehicles.(Sources: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Reuters)

Photo Credit: Andy Whale | Stone | Getty Images Problem: Faulty Engine MountsUnits Recalled: 6.7 millionIn 1971, General Motors recalled 6.7 million autos after Ralph Nader reported that Chevrolet engines were twisting loose from their frames, causing the accelerator pedal to be pulled to the floor of the cabin and the brakes to fail.The NHTSA received its first report of a broken Chevrolet motor mount in September 1969, and contacted GM a few weeks later. (Sources: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Reuters; The Center for Auto Safety)

Photo Credit: Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images Problem: Defective Ignition SwitchesNumber of Units Recalled: 8 millionIn 1996, Ford recalled more than 8 million vehicles to replace defective ignition switches that could lead to electrical shorts and engine fires, even when the vehicles' engines were not running. Ford said the affected vehicles were produced with a higher than specified electrical load through the accessory power feed circuit, causing a short circuit. (Sources: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Reuters; InternetAutoguide.com)

Photo Credit: Getty Images Number of Units Recalled: 14 millionProblem: Faulty Cruise Control Deactivation SwitchIn 2009, Ford completed a series of recalls regarding faulty cruise control deactivation switches that would leak hydraulic fluid, overheat, smoke and burn, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The risk existed even when the ignition was turned off, parked and unattended, NHTSA said.It is still the largest US auto-related recall in history.(Sources: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Reuters)

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