In 2024, the automotive industry faced substantial recalls, affecting millions of vehicles across major manufacturers. U.S. regulators recorded over 360 recalls involving a total of 8.65 million vehicles from companies like Ford and Honda, highlighting the critical need for car owners to remain vigilant about potential safety issues with their vehicles.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is the primary authority responsible for initiating vehicle recalls, often in response to consumer complaints. Despite the mandate for automakers to notify vehicle owners by mail, many consumers remain unaware of these recalls, especially when vehicles change ownership. Moreover, car sellers aren’t obligated to repair recalled parts before selling a vehicle or to inform buyers of existing recalls. This gap in communication underscores the importance for car owners to proactively check if their vehicle is under recall.
Among the automakers, Chrysler led with 72 recalls, followed by Ford with 63, and BMW with 36. General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, Kia, Volkswagen, Honda, Toyota, and Tesla also reported significant numbers. This data indicates a widespread issue across various brands, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures and consumer awareness.
Tesla issued major recalls affecting millions of its vehicles. In January, a recall was announced for 2.19 million vehicles due to non-compliant instrument panel warning lights. Later, a software-related recall involved 1.85 million vehicles for a feature that could miss an unlatched hood, addressed by an over-the-air software update. Both recalls were reported without any associated incidents of crashes or injuries.
Ford recalled nearly 1.89 million Explorer SUVs because of potential problems with A-pillar trims around the windshield, although no related accidents or injuries occurred. The solution required affected vehicles to be taken to dealerships for necessary repairs.
Honda’s recall involved 1.69 million vehicles, including various models of the Civic and CR-V, due to issues with the steering gearbox worm wheel. The automaker has reached out to owners, advising them to visit dealerships for part replacements and additional maintenance to address the problem.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, under Stellantis, recalled over 1.03 million vehicles due to a software issue impacting rearview camera displays. This recall encompassed several models including the Chrysler Pacifica and various Jeep and Ram vehicles. Stellantis provided a free software update to fix this issue, ensuring no accidents or injuries were reported.
Consumers can easily check for vehicle recalls by visiting the NHTSA’s website and entering their vehicle’s 17-digit identification number (VIN). This service helps identify whether a vehicle has unresolved recall issues within the past 15 years, though it doesn’t report previously resolved recalls.
The scale of recalls in 2024 highlights the need for vehicle owners to stay informed about potential safety issues, particularly when purchasing used cars. As automakers work to address these problems, consumers can take proactive steps by regularly checking for recalls and ensuring necessary repairs are completed to maintain vehicle safety.
Source: Fox13news
