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Ran across this article today and thought it was interesting to see how stupid automakers can be. I've reported 3 (I think) recalls this year in this forum. Horrible! What happens when we design flying cars? You can read the rest of the article here. Here's the 10 list pulled from the article:
1. Faulty ignitions: Ford Motor Co. offered to replace 8.6 million faulty ignitions in 1996 after more than 875 consumers complained about the device causing a small fire. Vehicles affected include 1988-93 Escorts, Mustangs, Tempos, Topazes, Thunderbirds, Cougars, Crown Victorias, Grand Marquis, Lincoln Town Cars, Aerostars, Broncos and F-series trucks. 2. Engine mounts: General Motors recalled 6.7 million cars and trucks in 1971 because of an engine mount that sometimes separated, allowing the engine to lift and push down on the throttle, causing the vehicle to take off like a rocket. Models affected were Belair, Brookwood, Camaro, Caprice, Chevrolet, Chevy II, G Series, Impala, Kingswood, Nova, P Series, C Series and Townsmen. 3. Suspension bolts: GM offered to replace the bolts on the suspension of 5.8 million cars in 1981. If the bolts wiggled loose at the wrong time, the driver would lose the ability to steer the car. Models affected were Buick Century and Regal, Chevrolet El Camino, Malibu, Monte Carlo, GMC Caballero, Oldsmobile Cutlass, Pontiac Grand Prix and Lemans. 4. Shoulder harnesses: The shoulder harnesses for seat belts on 1970 and 1971 Ford vehicles, including Rancheros, Lincolns, Mercurys and Fords (there was a model then called a Ford, a Ford Ford, so to speak), tended to fray and come loose from the metal that attached them to the frame. In 1972, Ford asked to replace them in 4.1 million cars and trucks. 5. Engine shields: In 1973, GM asked to install 3.7 million shields beneath the engines of many of its models to prevent stones from getting into the steering mechanism and disabling it. Affected models included Buick Centurion, Electra, Estate Wagon, LeSabre, and Riviera; Chevrolet Belair, Biscayne, Brookwood, Caprice, Impala, Kingswood, Kingswood Estate, Townsmen, Oldsmobile 88 and 98, and Pontiac Bonneville, Grand Ville and Catalina 6. Safety belt releases: The red release buttons that said "Push Here" on the safety belts of Hondas and Acuras cracked and disintegrated causing the belt to fail or trap passengers in their seats, an even more serious problem in the event of an accident. In 1995, American Honda Motor Co. recalled 3.7 million Civics, Preludes and Accords; also coming back were Acura Legends, Integras and NSX models. 7. Wiper arms: In 1972, Volkswagen of America offered to replace the windshield wiper arms on 3.7 million aging VW Bugs built between 1949 and 1969 because they worked loose and allowed the windshield wipers to go careening off into space.
8. Tailgate cables: In 2004, GM asked to replace tailgate cables on 3.6 million Silverados, Sierras, Escalades and Avalanches because they corroded and could break. So far 134 minor accidents have been reported, mostly because people were standing on the tailgate, something GM warns people not to do anyway. 9. Fuel-line connectors: In 1987, Ford recalled 3.6 million cars and trucks with faulty fuel line connectors that allowed fuel leaks and led to engine compartment fires. Affected models included virtually every model Ford made, including F15-350 trucks, all the Lincoln and Mercury models, Aerostar and Econoline vans, Broncos, Crown Vics, Escorts, Tauruses and Mustangs. 10. Axle assemblies: In 1984, GM recalled 3.1 million potentially defective axle assemblies that could cause the wheels to fall off. Only the parts manufactured at a plant in Buffalo, N.Y., were affected, but the company couldn't determine in retrospect which cars and trucks had axles that would fail, so all of them were recalled for inspection. Affected models included Buick Century and Regal; Chevrolet El Camino, Malibu, Monte Carlo and Caballero; Oldsmobile Cutlass; Pontiac Grand Prix and LeMans.
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