It’s been a record-setting year for automakers, but not in a good way. As of mid-October, a record 56 million vehicles had been the subject of a recall this year for everything from faulty ignition switches to issues with hood latches, according to the Detroit Free Press. Within the past few weeks, another 11 million were recalled for having airbags manufactured by Japanese supplier Takata, and the numbers could go even higher as the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigates the full extent of the impact on auto makers.

On Tuesday, the NHTSA said it would expand the recall that had originally included only two states and two territories frequently associated with high humidity. While an updated list has yet to be finalized, the recalls are expected to include vehicles made by Ford, Honda, Chrysler, Mazda and BMW. According to the New York Times, since 2008 more than 14 million vehicles have been recalled worldwide because of issues with the Takata airbags.

To put this into perspective, 15.6 million vehicles were sold in 2013. That means three-and-a-half times as many cars were recalled this year as were sold in the previous one. According to the NHTSA, the last time this many cars were recalled in a single year was in 1999, when 55.6 million were recalled.

Motor Trend has compiled the number of recalls this year by make and identified six who had 30 or more recalls. Chevrolet and Dodge have each had 61 recalls so far this year; Ford (47); GMC (42); and Nissan and Toyota have had 30 each. The cars with the fewest recalls were: Alfa Romeo, Eagle and Scion (5); American Motors, Geo, Maserati and Lamborghini (4); Daewoo, Hummer, Peugeot, Ram (3); Daihatsu, Fiat, Tesla, Triumph and Yugo (2); and AM General, Fisker, Merkur, MG, Mini, Smart, SRT and Sterling (1).

The number of deaths from these recalls is also climbing. To date, 33 deaths have been attributed to the General Motors’ faulty ignition switch. Faulty airbags from Japanese manufacturer Takata just claimed their fifth life.

Here’s a look at some of the recalls and the vehicles involved.

Ignition switch

General Motors

It’s been a particularly hard year for the automaker who has recalled almost 27 million vehicles in 77 recalls according to Automotive News. The single largest recall for the manufacturer involved 7.6 million vehicles on June 30^th because of issues with the ignition switch. The key can be bumped out of the ignition while the car is running, causing it to shut off unexpectedly, disabling the steering, brakes and safety features.

Models identified as having ignition issues included the Oldsmobile Intrigue and Alero; Pontiac Grand Am and Grand Prix; Chevrolet Malibu, Impala and Monte Carlo; Cadillac Deville, CTS and SRX; Saturn Vue; and the Buick Regal, Lacrosse and Lucerne. Car owners are advised to remove any extra keys from their keychain until the defect is repaired to prevent the car from shutting off.

Ray DeGiorgio, the engineer identified as being responsible for the faulty ignition switch was fired in June. An investigation conducted by a former federal prosecutor found DeGiorgio knew in 2002 that the ignition switch had problems but approved it anyway. He later authorized a change to the part but did not change the part number, which made it more difficult for investigators to uncover what had transpired with the faulty part.

GM has set up a fund to compensate victims and their families. To date, 202 claims for deaths and 1,646 injury claims have been filed. The administrator has approved payment for 32 death claims and 35 injury claims.

Chrysler & Jeep

According to Motor Trend, Chrysler has had 18 recalls and Jeep 13, affecting 566,000 vehicles. Seven of those recalls took place from October 14-30.

According to the NHTSA website, 291,703 Jeep Grand Cherokees from 2008 were recalled because the ignition key can stick between positions causing the engine to turn off.

Another recall involves 126,772 2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee models. The airbag modules for the Occupant Restraint Control can short-circuit, disabling the front and side airbags, as well as the seatbelt pretensioners. A third recall involves a software issue in the 2014 Grand Cherokees that can disable the Electronic Stability Control, impacting 132,223 vehicles.

Jeep Wrangler

Over 300,000 Jeep Wranglers from 2011-2013 were recalled because a potential electrical short in the heated power mirrors can increase the risk of fire.

Chrysler has also recalled 786,000 cars to fix faulty alternators and 895,000 Durango and Grand Cherokee vehicles for vanity mirrors that could catch on fire.

Toyota

Toyota has had a busy year with 30 recalls affecting over 4.2 million cars including the Prius, RAV4, Tacoma, Corolla, Camry, Avalon, Sequoia, Tundra, Highlander, Sienna and several of its Lexus models. The recalls include faulty airbags, electrical issues, software problems, anti-lock brakes and tail light issues.

Toyota owners have been advised not to let any passengers sit in the front passenger seat and to have their airbags replaced immediately. See the next page for more on the airbag recalls.

Airbag

Airbag Recall

Japanese manufacturer Takata is at the heart of a massive recall involving faulty airbags that can explode and release metal shards inside the car. More than 17 million cars have been recalled globally, including at least 11 million in the U.S., but that number could continue to rise. Because of the size of the recall, manufacturers do not have the replacement parts in stock.

BMW

Honda, BMW, Mazda and Toyota began issuing recalls earlier this year, but the number of auto manufacturers affected has grown exponentially. At the heart of the problem is a new propellant used to inflate the airbags. The compound is so strong that it can cause the airbags to violently explode. Six fatalities have now been attributed to the defective airbags. Consumer Reports has prepared this video to provide consumers with information on the recalls and how to protect themselves until their cars can be repaired.

Owners can see if there are any recalls for their vehicles on the NHTSA website by entering the vehicle identification number (VIN) found on the driver’s side dashboard.

Special Reports /

2014 has become the year of the auto recall, and the numbers are staggering

Related Stories

Recommended For You