With vehicles getting more and more sophisticated, the likelihood of recalls goes up. With the increase in the number of vehicles on the road, and the increased variations in these vehicles, it is no surprise that you might end up with a lemon. There are a variety of reasons for the high number of recalls that have happened over the years, from new technology to safety features as well as some drivers who don’t follow directions or care about their own safety. This post by our lemon law attorney San Diego gives you the top ten vehicle manufacturers with the highest number of recalls.
Why are vehicles recalled?
When a manufacturer discovers an ongoing problem or defect with their vehicles, they will issue a recall and notify owners to repair the component. In most cases this entails notifying you in advance so that your vehicle is safe from potential hazards during any necessary servicing procedure. Recalls are important for ensuring the safety of your car. You can keep up with current recalls by checking them online or contacting a manufacturer directly, but make sure you do so quickly.
How to check a recall and how can it help you?
If your car has a recall, manufacturers or dealers will notify their customers as they are required by law. If you have moved to a new place recently or purchased a used car, you would do well to take a proactive approach in keeping up with recalls by checking out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Database (NHTSA). Issues with your car can arise from time to time, and it is worth checking to see if a recall is associated with your vehicle. If it is, one should contact the manufacturer of the affected product or automaker for repair on the recalled equipment or faulty parts.
Often buyers are looking to purchase from manufacturers they know produce vehicles that are both reliable and safe. A buyer may even want to avoid models that have had recall problems in the past because of faulty manufacturing methods.
Manufacturers with the highest recalls
The number of recalls for a given vehicle model is a hot topic in the automotive industry. Many people want to know which manufacturers have the largest number of recalls, and many of those people assume that more recalls mean a greater number of problems. While it’s true that any recall is a sign of a problem, the number of recalls doesn’t always correlate to the number of problems. The main reasons for this are:
- The number of vehicles produced.
- The amount of time vehicles remain on the road and subject to recall.
- The effectiveness of the recall and the number of vehicles that are fixed.
- The severity of the problem.
According to NHTSA, these are the manufacturers with the highest recall rates in the US:
- General Motors, LLC
- Ford Motor Company
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc.
- BMW of North America, LLC
- Forest River, Inc.
- Daimler Trucks North America, LLC
- Honda (American Honda Motor Co.)
- PACCAR Incorporated
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC
Is your vehicle a lemon if it has a recall?
Not all recalls are bad, but they can be a red flag for consumers who are looking for the best vehicle for their money. If you are in the market for a new vehicle, you should check to see if your car has a recall. By law, manufacturers must give you information about whether your car has a recall and what the recall is for. You can also check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for information about recalls. If you find that your vehicle has a recall, you should contact your dealer as soon as possible to make arrangements to get it repaired.
If you think that you might have a lemon car, you should keep careful and accurate records of your interactions with the manufacturer and any repair work should be done to the car. You should also keep track of other related expenses should there be any.
Wrapping Up
If you have bought a vehicle that has experienced a recall, you may be eligible for monetary compensation. A lemon law attorney can help determine if you are eligible for compensation under the lemon law. Our lemon law attorney San Diego is experienced in helping clients just like you get the compensation you deserve. If you would like to discuss your legal options with an experienced lemon law attorney, you can contact McMillan Law Group. We are here to help.