While the number of automotive recalls in 2017 has not yet been officially determined, it will likely not approach the figure posted in 2016. In fact, Automotive News has stated that 2016 was an all-time record, with 53.1 million vehicles being recalled in the U.S. In comparison, there were 50.8 million vehicles recalled in 2015, marking a 4.5 percent increase. Kentucky motorists should be aware of why 2016 saw such a spike.
One major factor was the Takata airbag recall. Takata Corporation recalled over 20 million airbags, and continues to recall them, because of defective inflators. The airbags were discovered to explode upon impact, injuring or killing the vehicle’s occupants with metal shards. That year, General Motors Company was also recalling vehicles with faulty ignition switches. These switches would turn off the engine and disable the airbag, power steering, and other features.
Automotive News states that as in-car technologies become more popular, they become the subject of more recalls. Recalls of electronic systems rose 30 percent annually from 2013 to 2016. The increase also stems from the globalization of technologies. With more cars containing similar technology, issues can potentially be more widespread. Recently, automakers and suppliers have also cut spending on quality control.
When car accidents occur because of defective auto parts, the results can be catastrophic to drivers and passengers in that vehicle as well as to occupants of other cars involved in the collision. People who have been harmed in such a manner might want to meet with an attorney who has experience in product liability litigation to see what recourse they might have.