Reporting nearly 42,000 lives lost on our nation's highways each year, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration seriously undertakes its mission of ensuring vehicle safety. So, it's not surprising that over the past year, the news has been flooded with regular reports of vehicle recalls.
While Toyota has been in the media hot seat, other vehicle recalls have been overshadowed by the number one automaker's woes. In the past 12 months, the following vehicle recalls have been announced by automakers and the federal government:
Toyota
- Avalon (2000-2004)
- Camry (2007-2010)
- Corolla (2005-2010)
- Highlander (2008-2010)
- Matrix (2005-2010)
- Prius (2004-2010)
- RAV4 (2004-2009)
- Sequoia (2003, 2008-2010)
- Sienna (1998-2010)
- Tacoma (2005-2010)
- Tundra (2007-2010)
- Venza (2009-2010)
In addition to the various Lexus models (GS 450h, GS 350, IS 350, GS 460, LS 600h, GX460, LS 460, LX 470) and the Toyota Crown, Toyota has recalled over 10 million vehicles for reported issues with the accelerator, steering and braking systems.
Ford
- Winstar (1998 to 2003)
America's first automaker announced recalls of 575,000 of its retired Winstar line. Defective rear axles prone to corrosion are to blame.
Honda
- Accords (2003)
- Civics (2003)
- Elements (2003-2004)
For the world's greenest automaker, nearly 400,000 of its trusted models are being recalled for transmission interlock problems that can cause crashes and roll-aways.
General Motors (GM)
- Chevrolet Traverse (2009-2010)
- Chevrolet Cobalts (2005-2010)
- Buick Enclave (2009-2010)
- Saturn Outlook (2009-2010)
- GMC Acadia (2009-2010)
- Pontiac G5 (2007-2010)
Chevy's Cobalt and Pontiac's G5 are subject to recalls for faulty power steering motors; however, for the other GM vehicles, seat belt buckles defects have been reported.
Kia
- Sorento (2011)
- Soul (2010)
Almost 56,000 Kia vehicles are affected by this recall, which relates to defective wiring harnesses that increase fire risk.
Chrysler
- Jeep Wrangler (2006- 2010)
- Dodge Caravan (2008 - 2009)
- Chrysler Town and Country (2008-2009)
Chrysler has announced a global recall of almost 290,000 Wranglers for brake fluid leaks and wire-related fire hazards in almost 285,000 of its popular minivans.
Mazda
- Mazda3 (2007-2009)
- Mazda5 (2007-2009)
Affecting over 500,000 vehicles worldwide, Mazda reports power steering system problems that increase risk for crashes.
Subaru
- Outback (2010)
- Legacy vehicles (2010)
Subaru has recalled nearly 74,000 Outback and Legacy vehicles for malfunctions related to steering column wiring, which can affect other car functions including gears and cruise control.
Hyundai
- Sonata (2011)
As reported to the NHTSA, 16,000 Sonatas are affected by this recall, which indicates problems with its steering shaft decoupling that could result in complete loss of steering capability.
Few automakers are free from recall concerns; consumers need to always proceed with caution. These motor vehicle defects increase chances for accidents, serious injury and even wrongful death. Car owners should contact automakers regarding recall repairs.
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injury or death from an auto accident where a defect may have been wholly or partially to blame you should contact a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer. However, it is especially important to contact an attorney who has experience handling auto defect/recall cases as these cases are especially complex.
