Over 57 Million Vehicles Remain Unfixed After Recalls

Over 57 Million Vehicles Remain Unfixed After Recalls

• May 21, 2018
• Categories: Defective Products

Every year, auto manufacturers issue hundreds of safety-related recalls for their vehicles. According to a current Carfax.com estimate, there are at least 57 million recalled vehicles being driven in the United States in 2018. Carfax reports these findings annually, noting that the states of CA, TX, FL, PA and NY have the most open vehicle recalls. For those affected, reaching out to a car accident law firm could be beneficial, especially in cases where injuries are involved. It was speculated that these states could be most affected because many of them are southern states that were most affected by the Takata airbag recall, one of the biggest auto safety recalls ever.

Things have only marginally improved from last year. In 2017, Carfax reported, there were more than 60 million active vehicles with open safety recalls on American roads, which was a 34% hike from the statistics from 2016.

A normal auto safety product recall in the United States is conducted through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The auto manufacturer notifies the agency, and a notice is mailed to vehicle owners telling them to take the car or truck to a dealership to have the repairs made at no cost.

But why do so many auto owners ignore safety recalls? Carfax notes the work / life balance of the car owner could be a major issue in getting the repair taken care of. Some people are just too busy with their work and personal obligations to take their vehicle in for service. Light trucks and minivans are the vehicles with the most open recalls.

In 2017, the NHTSA reported 813 recalls that involved more than 30 million vehicles.

Is Your Car Under Recall? Consumer Reports Wants to Help

While it is understandable for some Americans to be too busy to take their vehicle in to the dealer, nothing is more important than safety on the road. Consumer Reports recently created a helpful car recall tracker. You can sign up for a free Consumer Reports membership online, and then you have access to the site’s Car Recall Tracker so you will know if any of your vehicles are ever under recall.

Another option is to check the NHTSA website for safety recalls on your vehicle. All you need to check the site is your car’s VIN, which is on the bottom of the windshield on the driver’s side.

What To Do If You Receive a Recall Letter

If you get a recall letter in the mail, there should be exact instructions about how to proceed. Generally, you will be instructed to call your dealer and set up a time to have the vehicle serviced. If the recall is for tires, you only have 60 days from receipt of the notice.

Neale & Fhima, a vehicle accident lawyer, would like to remind all drivers to have their vehicles serviced if they have received a recall notice. If you ignore the notice and suffer a personal injury due to the vehicle defect, you may be unable to be compensated for your injuries in a lawsuit or insurance claim. Consulting a personal injury lawyer can provide you with guidance on your rights and potential remedies.

Injured by a Defective Vehicle Part or Car Accident? Contact Neale & Fhima Now.

Whether you have been injured due to a defective car part or in a car accident, Neale & Fhima has many years of proven experience holding negligent companies and drivers accountable for their actions. Whatever injuries you suffered, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Please contact our product liability and car accident lawyer offices today. We serve Los Angeles and Orange counties and are pleased to offer free initial consultations.