Car Recalls Hit Nearly Two-Year High

Automakers’ struggle to make sure that their cars are safe to hit the road appears to be getting worse. 

Roughly 8.5 million vehicles were recalled in the U.S. last quarter, the highest total since the beginning of last year. The vast majority of the recalls (88%) involved defects that increase the risk of accidents or injuries, according to BizzyCar, a car dealer recall platform.

"The sheer volume of recalls this quarter highlights how complex modern vehicles have become," said Ryan Maher, CEO of BizzyCar. "Safety-critical systems like brakes, fuel, and electronics must be addressed promptly to prevent accidents."

Carmakers have recalled more than 19 million vehicles this year, federal auto safety data show.

The total number of vehicles recalled was up 16% from the second quarter. About 84% of the recalls required owners to bring their cars in for inspection and repair, rather than over-the-air software updates.

Ford continued to lead the way as the most recalled brand, calling back 5 million vehicles or roughly 60% of all cars recalled during the quarter. The automaker by August had already shattered the record for total number of recalls in a year, topping the mark set by General Motors in 2014.

Rounding out the top four were Stellantis (802,000), Toyota (686,000), Hyundai (612,000, and BMW (416,000).

Issues related to “back over prevention” - rearview cameras, sensors, etc. - were the most common cause of recalls during the quarter. Electric, fuel, brakes, and hydraulic system defects were also often to blame.

Stuck With a Lemon? Know Your Legal Rights

Recalls have become all too common for major automakers and people who drive their cars. Carmakers call back millions of vehicles every year, citing a wide range of defects and malfunctions that can put lives at risk.

Fortunately, car owners and lessors in California have strong rights under the state’s lemon law. You do not need to wait around for a recall to get malfunctioning vehicles repaired.

The law generally requires carmakers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. That means you do not need to wait around for a recall to get a malfunctioning car fixed.

The lemon law also forces manufacturers to buy back vehicles that they are unable or flat out refuse to fix. That means compensating the owner for the vehicle’s purchase price, as well as financing charges, rental car costs, and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of recall requests or attempts that must be made before the buyback or replace requirement kicks in. A California lemon law attorney can help you understand your rights and explore your options.

Talk with a Los Angeles Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a Los Angeles lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back. Our attorneys combine decades of experience in these cases and have a strong track record of successful results.

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a Los Angeles lemon law attorney.