Buying a new vehicle is a time of excitement for most people, but this enthusiasm quickly fades when owners learn their new vehicle is due for maintenance because of a recall. Automotive recalls often range from benign cosmetic defects to serious dangers that put drivers and everyone around them at risk. Throughout automotive history there have been a series of recalls that have affected millions of drivers, but only a few can be considered the largest automotive recalls of all time.

21 Million Vehicles

This recall was initiated by Ford between 1970 and 1980 and involved 21 million of their vehicles. The recall was one considered serious because it resulted in the drivers being unable to place their vehicle in park.

15 Million Vehicles

This recall is another one that can be claimed by Ford and took place between 1992 and 2003. It was reported that 15 million of Ford’s vehicles had to be recalled because the cruise control ignition would burst into flames without reason or warning. This recall not only affected the cruise control system of the vehicle because the fire could spread and affect other vital systems such as the anti-lock brakes.

7.9 Million Vehicles

Fire once again plagued Ford model vehicles in the years between 1988 and 1993 when ignition switches would produce flames for no apparent reason. The cause was eventually determined to be faulty electrical systems, and Ford took steps to replace the ignition switches they installed in their vehicles.

6.9 Million Vehicles

Ford finally receives a break, as Chevrolet was faced with a 6.9 million vehicle recall between 1965 and 1970. This recall was caused by motor mounts that would break and cause the vehicle to accelerate without any input from the driver. The solution for Chevrolet wasn’t to replace the motor mounts though, but to install a cable that stopped the engine from moving if the motor mount did break.

5.8 Million Vehicles

General Motors also has its share of recalls, such as the one involving 5.8 million vehicles taking place between 1978 and 1981. The lower control arm bolt is essential to the suspension of a vehicle and when it fails, as it did to cause this recall, the entire suspension has the potential to collapse.

5.4 Million Vehicles

One of the more recent recalls has been by Toyota, when between 2004 and 2010 they recalled 5.4 million vehicles due to an issue where the floor mats of their vehicles caused an increase in acceleration that was difficult to correct. This resulted in two recalls in which Toyota corrected the floor mat issue and replaced the accelerator in an effort to ensure the issue was corrected.

Get a Lawyer Today

It’s very difficult to fight large automotive companies without a skilled attorney on your side. Schedule your free case evaluation to see if you have a case. Just call 713.766.5400 today.

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