In 2018, Forbes reported that automotive recalls had hit a four-year low for 2017. However, it also added that automotive recalls totaled 30.7 million units, compared to total sales of 17.6 million new vehicles. These figures may cause many drivers in West Virginia to reconsider the safety of their vehicles.
The devastating effects of the Takata airbags defects further demonstrates to drivers how dangerous the issues leading to these recalls can be. And, also, that it may take years for companies to discover the defects. For example, the 2016 Takata recalls affected cars made as far back as 2009. Because of this, drivers should routinely check whether or not their vehicles have been recalled via the NHTSA’s SaferCar.gov website.
Drivers in the market for a new (or new-to-them) vehicle may consider purchasing from automakers who have the lowest rates of recall. While this certainly will not protect them from ever driving or owning a vehicle affected by a recall, it may help to lessen the odds. According to Forbes, counting all the way back to 1985, these are the vehicle manufactures with the lowest recall rates:
- Porsche
- Mercedes-Benz
- Kia
- Tesla
- Mazda
The high number of vehicle recalls each year is a serious cause for concern. In all fairness, automakers and the government have generally been working hard to ensure consumers are notified and issues are resolved. However, as the old cliché goes: Automakers may stand a better chance of reducing recalls and lemons if they spent more time on design and quality inspections, and less time rushing vehicles to market.
