In This Issue
• Auto Safety & Recalls
• How To Check Your Car
• By the Numbers
• Further Information

Typically a car crash is called an “accident” because of human error. But what do you call a collision caused by a mechanical defect that is completely out of the driver’s control? Worse, what if the mechanical defect in question is swept under the rug by the manufacturer? That’s exactly what millions of Americans are asking in the wake of 52 reported deaths and a massive recall of Toyota’s runaway cars. This month we thought you should know more about auto recalls.

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Toyota recently estimated the company will lose $2 billion from the recall; last year Toyota said they scored a "win" and “saved” $100 million by haggling with the Transportation Department.

Source: U.S. News & World Report

Since 1966, 390 million vehicles, 46 million tires, 66 million pieces of equipment, and 42 million child safety seats were recalled for safety defects.

Source: Motor Vehicle Safety
Defects and Recalls, NHTSA

1) 1991-2001 Ford Explorer rollovers, 2) 1971-76 Ford Pinto exploding gas tanks, 3) 1980-82 GM X-Cars nine recalls, 4) 1978-83 Audi 5000 runaway acceleration, 5) 1976 Dodge Aspen eight recalls.

Source: 5 Most Notorious Recalls of All Times, Popular Mechanics

Report Safety Defects
Call (888) 327-4236 to report defects or get safety information on cars, trucks and child restraints from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Check For Recalls On Your Vehicle
Our top two picks for free recall reports: Safecar.com from the NHTSA and the Maintenance Guide from Edmunds.com.

How To Stop A Runaway Car
Step 1: press the brake hard with all your strength, don’t pump them, and don’t let up. Step 2: shift the car into neutral and pull off the road. Step 3: shut the car off with the key or by holding in the starter button on newer cars. Read more.