All About Japan Autos

This year, the automotive industry was slammed with recalls. And now, at the conclusion of 2010, analysts are calculating a grand total. “Automakers recalled about 20 million vehicles in 2010, led by high-profile recalls by Toyota that prompted new scrutiny of the auto industry’s safety record,” says the Associated Press. “An analysis of federal data by The Associated Press shows that the number of recalls this year is the largest in the United States since 2004.” In 2004, 30.8 million vehicles were recalled.

The Associated Press breaks down this figure. Toyota recalled 7.1 million for faulty gas pedals, floor mats, stalling engines and brake failure. General Motors red-flagged about 4 million, and Honda and Nissan added another 2 million.

There are a few reasons for the high number of recalled vehicles. The Detroit News explains, “In addition to the massive Toyota recalls, this year’s spike reflects a growing number of complaints from consumers, increased scrutiny from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a ‘better safe than sorry’ stance from automakers eager to move faster to minimize bad publicity.”

Facing the highest recall since 2004, automakers are struggling to maintain their reputations as reliable manufactures – especially Toyota. “Although Toyota has recalled nearly 12 million vehicles over the last two years,” says Left Lane News, “the Japanese automaker points out its reputation for quality holds up over the long run.”

Toyota spokesman Brian Lyons told the Detroit News, “Some of Toyota’s biggest competitors have had twice as many recalls as we have over the past five years,” adding, “Toyota has had the lowest number of recalls of any major manufacturer over the past 10 years.”

The large number of recalls reveals an important issue: automakers prioritize profits over safety. The Detroit News suggests that the only way to combat this motive is to give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration more authority. “Auto safety advocates say the higher number of recalls and complaints this year are evidence that Congress should act on long-stalled legislation to give NHTSA more power — including ability to invoke an ‘imminent hazard’ — to get unsafe vehicles off the roads if an automaker refuses.”

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