While Toyota has taken the brunt of the past year’s recall drama, other large automakers are also suffering from their own type of recall fatigue. This past year, the world’s second largest automobile manufacturer has had its own problems. In 2010, a number of Ford vehicles – Transits, Explorers, Edges, Windstars, and Rangers – were subject to various recalls, but that’s just the start of the trouble. About 8.4 million Ford vehicles, subject to voluntary recalls between 1993 and 2003, remain unfixed and still on the American roads.

Born out of the Highway Safety Act, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has addressed vehicle safety standards for almost 50 years. Over the course of its existence, the NHTSA has recalled hundreds of millions of cars and millions of auto parts. The recall process begins with either a voluntary report or an NHTSA investigation. Once a manufacturing defect is determined, manufacturers are required to remedy the problem, free of charge, to vehicle owners. The NTHSA monitors the manufacturers’ corrective actions so the recall campaigns are closed.

These Ford recalls over the last few years, which numbered 14 million, related to various problems, including anti-lock brake system leaks, cruise control failures, ignition fires, rear axle corrosion. Such auto defects can result in serious injury or even wrongful death to drivers and their passengers.

From reports, 60 percent of the 14 million cars and trucks recalled have not been presented for repairs. The NTHSA says Ford has made adequate efforts to notify car owners, but the problem still exists since millions of vehicles on the road are safety risks.

Recall fatigue may not be the sole culprit in the low rate of repairs of this trusted brand’s vehicles; many owners simply don’t know their cars and trucks have defects. Recall notices typically go to original buyers and registered owners, and most consumers may not think to check the recall status of their “new” used vehicles.

As the NHTSA continues to encourage car owners to act upon the existing recalls for these various Ford vehicles, drivers continue to share the roadways with potentially unsafe vehicles. If you’ve been injured in an automobile collision, seek advice an attorney in your area. An attorney experienced in handling motor vehicle accidents can help determine if a recalled vehicle was involved and who is liable for your injuries.