Auto recalls increased 25% in 2007, a new report finds. However, the majority of the recalls involved older models, indicating that automakers are building more reliable vehicles. 14.2 million vehicles were recalled in 2007, up from 11.2 million last year.
Most of the increase can be attributed to the 5.5 million vehicles recalled by Ford for a faulty cruise control switch. Of the 5.5 million vehicles, 4.8 million were 2004 and earlier models. Volkswagen also contributed to the recall increase by recalling 1.5 million vehicles.
The other top five automakers all saw a decrease in recalls, with General Motors seeing the most improvements. GM recalled 537,992 vehicles in 2007, down from 1.37 million in 2006. Honda also saw a sharp decrease in recalls, improving by 54% to just 547,215 vehicles. Chrysler and Toyota also saw improvement, albeit by a slim margin.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s final recall numbers for 2007 will be available early next month.
