At least 45 million vehicles - about one in six
licensed to operate on U.S. roads - suffers from an unrepaired safety
problem subject to an outstanding recall. In fact, the figure could be
millions higher, according to new research by J.D. Power and Associates,
but it can be difficult to track compliance rates on older recalls.
The study is in line with other recent research and reflects the fact
that the U.S. has seen an explosion in safety-related recalls in recent
years for everything from improperly inflated tires to airbags that can
overinflate in a crash, spewing deadly shrapnel into the passenger
compartments. There have been faulty ignition switches, leaky gas tanks
and corrosion-prone vehicles that can drop bumpers and parts into the
path of traffic.
The number of vehicles being targeted by recalls
continues to grow at or near record rates. One reason is that NHTSA has
adopted a much tougher policy on safety problems in the wake of
scandals like the
GM ignition switches, Toyota's unintended acceleration
issues, Fiat Chrysler's problem with Jeep fires, and the Takata airbag
mess. The latter could eventually come to encompass more than 50 million
vehicles.
And that reveals another reason why recalls are
growing larger, on average, while repair rates lag. In recent decades,
manufacturers have put a premium on so-called "economies of scale." And
that means they routinely share things like airbags, brakes and other
mechanical components. So, where a recall might once have affected a
single model and perhaps 10,000 vehicles, it may now cover millions,
even tens of millions of vehicles, like the Takata airbag problem.
Vehicle malfunctions are preventable, so are the injuries and fatalities they cause. The Pisanchyn Law Firm has recently
held GM responsible for their faulty ignition switches resulting in a $1.9 million settlement for the family of a Dunmore man after years of GM denying any wrong-doing. According to Attorney Michael Pisanchyn, “GM clearly knew there was a problem with the ignition switch. They were
getting reports of deaths quite often. It came down to they
put corporate profits over peoples’ lives.”
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a car recall or a vehicle malfunction call our accident attorneys now for a free consultation, 1-800-444-5309.
Make sure your car is safe
The NHTSA now requires all manufacturers to make it easy for owners to
check if their vehicles are subject to an outstanding recall. You'll
find that on their public websites, as well as the government's own,
SaferCars.gov. You'll just need the Vehicle Identification Number, or
VIN. You can find it on your registration, as well as on a tag at the
base of the windshield.
