About Recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) oversees safety recalls of  motor vehicles as well as tires, child safety seats, and other items of motor vehicle equipment.  When one of these products experiences a safety-related defect or is not compliant with a Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS), NHTSA is charged with ensuring public safety. Although almost all recalls are undertaken voluntarily by manufacturers, they may be strongly encouraged by NHTSA as part of an ongoing safety defect investigation, or advocated for by individuals or consumer groups who can petition NHTSA to open an investigation into a particular defect. Rarely, NHTSA will order an automaker or other supplier to conduct a recall. 

Key Issues

Ford Explorer (2011-17): Suspected carbon monoxide leaks in vehicles’ cabins

Chrysler Pacifica (2017): Software malfunction resulting in engine stall

Goodyear G159 Tires (1996-2003): Motorhome tires may fail at highway speeds

Current Recalls & Investigations

Check Your Vehicle for Recalls

Recalls

• Chrysler Pacifica (2017-18): The Manual Park Release (MPR) plug may be removed without a tool. If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash. Affected Vehicles: 240,242 (18V-395)
• Volkswagen Atlas (2018): Some child seats bay damage seat belt buckles. A damaged seat belt buckle can release unexpectedly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash. Affected Vehicles: 54,537 (18V-380)
• Mazda Mazda6 (2003-08), MazdaSpeed6 (2006-07), MPV (2004-06): Due to Takata airbags, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Affected Vehicles: 269,618 (18V-402)
• Nissan Versa (2010-11): Due to Takata airbags, an inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death. Affected Vehicles: 104,762. (18V-401)

Investigations

• Land Rover Range Rover (2013-16), Range Rover Sport (2013-16): NHTSA is investigating a defect in an electronic door latch that may result in the vehicle’s door opening while the vehicle is in operation. Affected Population: 65,372; Complaints: 48 (EA18004)
• Volkswagen Tiguan (2018): In multiple crash tests, crash impact resulted in separation of the driver’s seat belt webbing. NHTSA is investigating to further examine seat belt behavior and determine a root cause for the breakage. Affected Population: 110,000; Complaints: 2 (EA18005)

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Ongoing Problems

Exploding Takata Airbags

Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Fires

GM Ignition Switch Defects

Major & Historic Recalls

Some recalls and investigations stand out from the rest. For example, the Ford Pinto will always be remembered for its exploding gas tanks long after everything else is forgotten about the car. Find out more about these recalls here.