US top 10 vehicle recalls

Toyota's recall of more than five million vehicles in the United States alone ranks No4 on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's top 10 hit parade. Domestic carmakers General Motors, Ford and Chrysler dominate the list, because up until recent years imports - apart from Volkswagen - have been thin on the ground in the US and any recalls weren't felt across the land. The top 10 recalls since NHTSA records were kept:

10: HONDA Vehicles recalled: 3.7 million. Year of recall: 1995.
The release button on the seatbelt buckle could break in certain circumstances, potentially causing the pieces to fall into the buckle, which could have caused the seat belt to fail during a crash. The company recalled all models with a Honda or US Acura badge made between 1986 and 1991.

9: VOLKSWAGEN 3.7 million, 1972.
The bolt attaching the windshield-wiper arm to the actuator shaft could come loose, causing the wiper to suddenly stop wiping. Every VW sold in the US from 1949 until 1969 was recalled. Most, of course, were Beetles.

8: GENERAL MOTORS 3.7 million, 1973.
At high speed in gravel, the recalled GM models could scrape the ground, scooping up gravel that would fly up into the engine compartment where it could jam the steering gear. GM installed shields on full-sized sedans built between 1971-73.

7: FORD 4 million, 1972.
Seatbelt buckles could release in a crash because of a poorly made plastic part in the buckle mechanism. Ford recalled all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles built in 1970-71.

6: FORD 4.5 million, 2009.
A cruise-control mechanism could overheat and smoke, or catch fire. It was the second recall by Ford for the same reason.

5: FORD 4.5 million, 2005.
The original problem with the cruise-control. Combined, Nos 5 and 6 would be the top recall, but the NHTSA lists both as separate incidents.

4: TOYOTA 5.4 million, 2009.
Vehicle floor mats could jam the pedal causing unintended acceleration. The recall was initiated in 2009 and expanded in 2010. Another 2.3 million vehicles were recalled over problems with the accelerator pedal.

3: GENERAL MOTORS 5.8 million, 1981.
A bolt attaching the front suspension to the car could break, which could cause the suspension to suddenly collapse. The company recalled its mid-size cars built between 1978 and 1981.

2: GENERAL MOTORS 6.7 million, 1971.
Engine mounts on Chevrolets could break, letting the engine move around, ultimately jamming the throttle. This affected a variety of Chevrolet models from 1965-69.

1: FORD 7.9 million, 1996.
The ignition switch on the recalled vehicles could overheat and smoke or catch fire. Ford recalled most of its models built between 1988 and 1993.