Auto recalls in the U.S. reach a record high in 2015

For Nashville drivers, staying safe on the road involves a lot more than just adherence to traffic laws. The condition of the vehicle being driven also plays a major role in driver safety, which is why recent news of the massive number of vehicle recalls in 2015 has many car owners on high alert.

USA Today reports on this troubling increase in defective vehicle recalls. Auto manufacturers issued more than 800 separate recalls in 2015 alone, which included 51.2 million vehicles. While 2014 also showed record highs, recall counts were much lower in previous years. Recalls only concerned up to 20.3 million vehicles per year from 2005 to 2013, which is in stark contrast to recent totals. Officials point to greater vigilance in identifying defects, which comes as a result of the numerous scandals plaguing the auto industry.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has taken note of this increase in recalls and accordingly the agency is seeking ways to prioritize passenger safety with the help of automakers. These efforts culminated in an agreement forged between the NHTSA and 18 manufacturers hoping to undo some of the damage cause by rising recall rates, as well as the numerous high-profile recalls in recent years. These include Takata’s recall of exploding airbags, Volkswagen’s dishonesty regarding vehicle emissions and GM’s notorious ignition-switch issue.

While the combined efforts of the auto industry and NHTSA offer some assurance to drivers, Safecar.gov provides a few useful tips on how to best identify safety-related vehicle defects. It’s recommended that drivers should be fully aware of the condition of all critical vehicle components, and should promptly contact their dealership if a seemingly serious issue arises. Recognizing potential fire risks is also important, which is why drivers should always be aware of problems with their vehicle’s fuel system. Additionally, any issue with steering components will require closer inspection, as this can impact a driver’s ability to properly control a vehicle.