Toyota's Massive Recall Of Runaway Cars Shatters Confidence In Auto Safety
Protect Yourself: Understand Auto Recalls And Your Rights
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.
“I prayed” as my runaway Lexus hit 100 mph, Rhonda Smith told Congress.
By The Numbers
$100 Million Here, $2 Billion There
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.
Since 1966, 390 million vehicles, 46 million tires, 66 million pieces of equipment, and 42 million child safety seats were recalled for safety defects.
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.
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.
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