The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released a report on Monday indicating almost 22 million vehicles were recalled in the United States last year by automakers. Of those 22 million vehicles Toyota topped the list, recalling more than 5 million of its vehicles in 15 different recalls in 2013. Chrysler Group came in a close second, with about 4.6 million vehicles recalled in 36 different recalls. Rounding out the top five spots on the list were Honda, Hyundai-Kia, and Ford. The number of vehicles involved in a 2013 safety recall increased by more than 5 million from 2012.
Of the almost 22 million vehicles that were recalled in 2013, almost 7 million of those were initiated by the NHTSA. The others were initiated by the manufacturers. As reported by Automotive News the largest 18 automakers issued 184 recalls in 2013, covering about 19.6 million vehicles.
The NHTSA was established by Congress in 1970 and is dedicated to achieving the highest standards of excellence in motor vehicle and highway safety. It works to prevent crashes and encourages complaints from vehicle owner and drivers. The NHTSA also conducts defect investigations and administers safety recalls for both vehicles and car safety seats. Issued along with its current recalled vehicle report, the NHTSA cautions that the number of recalled vehicles is not necessarily indicative of the value of a vehicle or of the NHTSA’s evaluation of the manufacturer.
If you or someone you know has been injured due to a recalled vehicle, contact the attorneys at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211.