The number of vehicles recalled in the U.S. hit a record level for a second consecutive year in 2015, even after rising dramatically in 2014.
DETROIT, MI - The number of vehicles recalled in the U.S. hit a record level for a second consecutive year in 2015, even after rising dramatically in 2014.
They totaled 51,259,648 vehicles last year, compared with 50,989,948 in 2014 and just 20,252,849 in 2013.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released vehicle recall figures Thursday, as it announced a new "Safe Cars Save Lives" campaign for raising awareness among consumers.
About 25 percent of all vehicle recalls are left unrepaired every year, according to NHTSA. Its Safe Cars Save Lives campaign will include online banner ads and several safety videos.
NHTSA is urging consumers to check its VIN look-up tool online (vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/) at least twice a year to see if their car or truck is affected by a safety recall.
The record number of recalls in 2015 was driven in large part by an unprecedented recall of vehicles containing airbags made by Takata Corp. That recall affects at least 19 million vehicles in the U.S. and 23 airbags within those cars and trucks.
"Recalls are a serious safety issue that should be promptly addressed," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said Thursday in a release. "An informed consumer is one of our strongest allies in ensuring recalled vehicles are repaired. Do not wait to act if your car is under recall and the parts are available."
David Muller is the automotive and business reporter for MLive Media Group in Detroit. Email him at dmuller@mlive.com, follow him on Twitter or find him on Facebook.