It's been the kind of year when the total number of recalls almost seemed to match auto industry production figures.
In August, Ford Motor Co. announced it was recalling 3.6 million vehicles, mostly trucks from the 1990s, to fix a speed control deactivation switch.
Last spring, Volkswagen started recalling more than 1,000,000 new VW Beetles from model years 2001 to 2007 to repair a brake light problem.
Even Toyota recalled 533,124 units of its 2004-2007 Sequoia and its 2004-2006 Tundra, citing problems with the lower ball joint on the vehicles' front suspension.
The Top Ten Recalled Cars For 2007
1. Volkswagen New Beetle
Model year(s): 2001- 2007
Potential number of vehicles: 1,002,000
Reason: Repair a brake light switch that may malfunction if installed incorrectly.
2. Toyota Tundra & Sequoia
Model year(s): 2004-2007 Sequoia; 2004-2006 Tundra
Potential number of vehicles: 533,124
Reason: Replace front suspension lower ball joint, which could wear prematurely and loosen.
3. Dodge Nitro & Jeep Wrangler
Model year(s): 2006-2007
Potential number of vehicles: 297,000
Reason: Reprogram electronic brake control module to solve a momentary delay in braking while driving uphill.
4. Honda Civic
Model year(s): 2006-2007
Potential number of vehicles: 180,000
Reason: Wheel sensors may not have been properly installed and may not fully seal hub assembly, creating risk that wheels may corrode and fall off.
5. Jeep Liberty
Model year(s): 2006-2007
Potential number of vehicles: 149,605
Reason: Replace heating and air-conditioning blower to prevent overheating.
6. Nissan Altima
Model year(s): 2007
Potential number of vehicles: 140,582
Reason: Replace air filter, which may ignite if it comes into contact with hot object.
7. Hyundai Tucson
Model year(s): 2006-2007
Potential number of units: 128,300
Reason: Replace driver air bag module to improve protection for individuals of small stature.
8. Jeep Wrangler & Dodge Nitro
Model year(s): 2007
Potential number of vehicles: 80,894
Reason: Reprogram power module software to reduce possibility of stalling.
9. Suzuki Forenza & Reno
Model year(s): 2006-2007
Potential number of vehicles: 75,697
Reason: Replace driver and front passenger seat belt buckles to reduce possibility of latch disconnecting.
10. Volkswagen Passat & Passat Wagon
Model year(s): 2006-2007
Potential number of vehicles: 58,000
Reason: Repair possible problems with wiper motors or braking in cold weather.
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