In less than a decade, tens of millions of vehicles have been recalled after design and manufacturing flaws led to the death and injury of many unsuspecting people. Below are three of the largest recalls in recent history.
Takata Airbag Safety Recall
In May 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced its expansion and acceleration of the Takata airbag inflator recall. The move adds 35 to 40 million additional inflators to the already recalled 28.8 million. This safety recall is the largest and most complex in U.S. history.
Takata initially announced the defect in 2013 following reports of airbag inflator ruptures that shot metal shrapnel at people during deployment. The defective airbags have been tied to ten deaths and more than 100 injuries in the U.S.
In 2015, the NHTSA imposed its largest historical civil penalty for Takata’s violations of the Motor Vehicle Safety Act. The agency also for the first time used its authority to accelerate recall repairs to the millions of vehicles that contain the possibly faulty airbags.
Toyota Sudden Unintended Acceleration
Toyota recalled 9 million vehicles beginning in 2009 after a combination of manufacturing flaws prevented drivers of several vehicle models from slowing down or stopping while the car was in motion. The floor mats in some of the vehicles jammed under the accelerator, whereas in others, the gas pedal would stick.
The defects may have led to 89 reported deaths, 57 injuries and more than 6,200 complaints involving sudden acceleration.
GM Ignition Switch Recall
General motors recalled 2.6 million vehicles worldwide after reports that their faulty ignition switches can suddenly be moved from the run position to the accessory or off position. Moving the ignition switch out of the run position while the car is moving disables the airbags and cuts off power brakes and power steering. At least 30 deaths and numerous catastrophic injuries have been linked to the defects.
Getting Justice
Drivers and passengers have a right to expect their vehicles’ design to offer them the highest level of safety and functionality possible. When a motor vehicle defect results in death or catastrophic injury during a collision, victims and their families deserve to know what happened and who is responsible.
Contact our firm today for assistance if you suspect an automotive defect played a role in a loved one’s catastrophic injuries or death. Our automotive defects and products liability team has decades of success obtaining justice for victims injured as a result of motor vehicle-related product defects, and we can answer any legal questions you may have.