Slideshows

Largest US Auto-Related Recalls

Largest US Auto Recalls

Toyota has recalled more than 8 million vehicles worldwide since October, with  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 in recalling vehicles due to a problem with sticking gas pedals — the equivalent of a little more than $2 for every vehicle the company sold around the globe in 2009. It's a big and costly recall for Toyota. But how does it compar
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

General Motors

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.
Photo Credit: Mark Ralston | AFP | Getty Image

Problem: Corroding Tailgate Cables
Units Recalled: 4 million

In 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)

Toyota

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
Photo Credit: Mark Ralston | AFP | GETTY IMAGES

Problem: Defective Accelerator Pedals
Units 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)

General Motors

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.
Photo Credit: Mark Brown

Problem: Loose Suspension Bolts
Units Recalled: 5.8 million

In 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)

Firestone Tires

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.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Problem: Defective Tires
Units Recalled: 6.5 million

In 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)

General Motors

Problem: Faulty Engine MountsUnits Recalled: 6.7 millionIn 1971, General Motors recalled 6.7 million vehicles due to engine mounts that separated from the vehicle and impacted the throttle. The recall occurred after Ralph Nader reported that Chevrolet engines were twisting lose 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 fe
Photo Credit: Andy Whale | Stone | Getty Images

Problem: Faulty Engine Mounts
Units Recalled: 6.7 million

In 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)

Ford

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.
Photo Credit: Jim Watson | AFP | Getty Images

Problem: Defective Ignition Switches
Number of Units Recalled: 8 million

In 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)

Ford

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.
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Number of Units Recalled: 14 million
Problem: Faulty Cruise Control Deactivation Switch

In 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)

Total Recall: The Toyota Story

Total Recall: The Toyota Story