Vehicles will be recalled when there is a manufacturing defect. Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have probably seen the most recalls due to the nature of their design and their tendency to rollover. Engine problems and fire hazards have also caused vehicles to be recalled in recent years. Last year, 2007, has been dubbed “The Year of The Recall” because of the rash of toy recalls and recalled pet food. Although they did not make as much news, automotive recalls were prolific last year as well.
The year 2007 saw these ten large vehicle recalls:
- Ford Motor Company, 3.6 million vehicles recalled due to speed control deactivation switch developing a short circuit, resulting in engine compartment fire, even if the car is parked and the ignition is office. This problem resulted in 65 crashes and/or fires.
- Ford Motor Company, 1.2 million vehicles recalled due to the camshaft position sensor problems, resulting in stalled engines. 14 crashes and/ or fires reported.
- Volkswagen, 790,000 vehicles recalled due to a brake light switch malfunction.
- Nissan, 653,910 vehicles recalled due to an issue with the program in the engine computer causing the engine to stop running without warning while the vehicle is being driven at low speeds.
- Chrysler Corporation, 576,418 vehicles recalled for a problem with the ignition-park shift interlock system, letting the driver move out of park or the key to be removed without being in park, which could result in the vehicle rolling away.
- Toyota, 533,124 vehicles recalled for a problem with the front suspension lower ball joints which could cause a loss of steering control.
- Ford Motor Company, 446,460 vehicles recalled for a problem with the antilock braking module connector. There were 120 reports of crashes and/or fires.
- Nissan North America, 372,250 vehicles recalled. Fuel leak that could result in a fire.
- Volkswagen, 340,000 vehicles recalled due to noncompliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108: Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment that can inhibit proper headlamp aim adjustment, reducing road visibility.
- Chrysler Corporation, 328,424 vehicles recalled due to a problem with the integrated circuit in the instrument cluster that controls the interior lighting. Could overheat and result in a fire on the instrument panel. 78 crashes and/or fires were reported.
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