Are More and More Consumers Ignoring Auto Safety Recalls?

Data relating auto recall repairs is showing that more and more consumers are not paying attention to safety recalls. Information compiled by J.D. Power and Associates is showing that more than 45 million vehicles that were the subject of safety recalls issued between 2013 and 2015 have yet to be brought in for covered repairs. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says that more than 51 million vehicles were recalled in 2015 for safety-related defects.

A Numbing Effect

Some observers are wondering if the overwhelming number of recalls over the past few years has contributed to this numbing effect on consumers. J.D. Power found that the completion rate for recalls affecting 1 million vehicles is 49 percent compared to 67 percent for recalls involving fewer than 10,000 vehicles.

Bigger recalls of course present greater challenges in terms of notifying owners as well as ensuring that dealer service departments have the parts in hand to fix the affected vehicles. The study also found that vehicle owners with older model cars are less likely to get them repaired. Vehicles from model years 2013 to 2017 are 29 percent more likely to be taken in for recall work compared to cars made between 2003 and 2007.

Why We Need to Pay Attention

When recalls are issued, manufacturers are required to contact every owner of record for that particular model by mail. You could also find out whether your vehicle has been recalled by visiting NHTSA’s website, safercar.gov, and entering your vehicle identification number or VIN. Defective autos cause a significant number of deaths and injuries each year. Over the last year or so, tens of millions of vehicles have been recalled for serious safety defects from airbags that can shoot out shrapnel at drivers and passengers and faulty ignition switches to vehicles with defective seatbelts and seatbacks.

Defective vehicles and auto parts can cause catastrophic injuries such as brain trauma, spinal cord injuries and amputations, to mention a few. Our auto defect law firm has represented a number of victims who have been permanently injured or disabled as a result of faulty automobiles. Do not put yourself or your family at risk. Find out if your vehicle has been recalled. If so, take it for a repair right away. The law requires manufacturers to provide these repairs at no cost to consumers.