Automobile Recall Scandals

Consumer product recalls are a daily occurrence in the United States. There are approximately 24 recalls each day in America, and they are so common that most attract little attention. That was not the case in 2014, when record numbers of recalls and product units were reported. Automobile recalls in particular seemed to make the headlines every month. In this entry, the factors involved in recall decisions will be considered. The entry also examines the quantitative and qualitative significance of auto recalls, noting the frequency with which they occur and their deleterious consequences. The necessity of expeditious recalls will be documented, along with the tendency of automobile manufacturers and even the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) to delay recall investigations. The problematic Ford ...