The number of automobiles recalled in 2014 is reaching epic proportions. According to the Los Angeles Times, automakers have recalled almost 11 million vehicles so far this year. Issuing a recall is always a safety precaution, and the number of car makers and the amount of vehicles has caused some concern.
Recalls reaching record numbers
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 22 million cars were recalled in 2013. The number of reissues in 2014 has already met the halfway point of the previous year and is on pace to hit the 2004 high mark of 30.8 million vehicles.
Among the automakers that have recalled vehicles, General Motors leads the pack with 6 million cars. The main issue with 2 million of these recalls is a problem related to the ignition switch of a particular car, which has been linked to the deaths of 13 people.
Several other automakers have reissued their own models this year including:
1 million Nissan Altimas and Sentras
900,000 Honda Odyssey minivans
700,000 Toyota Prius Hybrids
650,000 Jeep Gran Cherokees & Dodge Durangos
Although these problems have been persistent throughout the year, GM has already started to repair their issue. According to the Times, the auto maker has begun to ship parts to help fix the ignition problems to dealers across the country, but there is a shortage of items needed and all automobiles may not be fixed until the end of the year.
Automakers are being more accommodating than they were years ago by trying to solve recall problems quickly. This is partially due to a criminal investigation against Toyota. The lawsuit began when it was discovered four years ago when complaints surfaced that Toyota did not alert safety regulators about acceleration problems with some of its models. The Japanese automaker agreed to pay a fine of $1.2 million in order to solve the problem. Karl Brauer, an analyst with Kelley Blue Book, said this sent shock waves through the auto industry.
"Toyota changed the thinking on recalls," Brauer said. "The cost of a recall is a drop in the bucket compared to the cost of what happens if you don't do it."
Consumers looking for their next ride should be sure to get auto insurance with their purchase. Insurance coverage will help cover the repairs that occur from problems with a car or if they get into an accident.
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