NHTSA Vehicle Safety Recalls Week Is March 3-9

 Posted on March 05, 2025 in Car Accident

As an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s purpose is to reduce the number of injuries, deaths, and economic losses from motor vehicle crashes. To that end, the NHTSA urges drivers to check whether their vehicles have any open safety recalls twice a year. The Safe Cars Save Lives campaign educates drivers about how to check for recalls and what to do if your vehicle has been recalled.

We at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. care about your safety and join the NHTSA in reminding you to check for recalls on your vehicles. If you are injured in an accident caused by a recalled vehicle, even if it is yours, contact our knowledgeable Fort Collins, CO personal injury attorney to explore your options for compensation.

How Many Cars Are Recalled in the U.S.?

In 2024, there were 1,073 separate safety recalls that affected over 29 million vehicles and more than 6 million pieces of automotive equipment. Automakers Chrysler, Ford, BMW, General Motors, and Mercedes-Benz USA had the most recalls, with Tesla, Ford, Honda, and Chrysler/Stellantis recalls affecting the most vehicles.

The NHTSA provides several ways for consumers to check for safety-related recalls:

• Vehicle lookup tool

• Sign up for Recall Alerts

• Download the free SaferCar app

• Check the Investigations and Recalls Resources page of the NHTSA website

If you are not the original owner of your vehicle, you may not be getting recall notices from the manufacturer. In such cases, it is especially important for you to check for recalls yourself.

What Was the Largest U.S. Vehicle Recall?

Airbags manufactured by Takata were installed in tens of millions of U.S. vehicles from multiple automakers. These airbags have a defect that could make them explode when deployed. Airbag explosions have injured over 400 and killed 28 people. Approximately 67 million airbags are under recall, and around 9 percent of those have yet to be repaired. Airbags installed in some vehicles are more likely to explode, leading the NHTSA to issue a Do Not Drive warning to consumers.

Can I Collect Compensation if a Recalled Vehicle Injures Me?

As with any motor vehicle crash, fault needs to be determined before you know who and what was responsible for causing it. Suppose defective tires caused a blowout, and that blowout led to a crash. That car’s driver might share some of the responsibility, but the tire manufacturer is probably at fault also. If that same car causes a different accident unrelated to the tires, the tire manufacturer likely does not share the blame.

A skilled lawyer can investigate your crash, and the results should identify all at-fault parties. Then, we can help you pursue the maximum amount of compensation available to cover your damages.

Contact Our Dedicated Larimer County, CO Car Accident Lawyer

For the best chance of maximizing your compensation, you need to choose the right Fort Collins, CO personal injury attorney. Call 970-225-2190 or contact Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. online now to arrange for your free consultation.