If you watch the news or read the headlines, you’ve probably seen reports of cars or trucks being recalled by various auto manufacturers. If you’re like most people, you probably won’t think twice about most of these stories, simply because they happen all the time for one reason or another. This year, however, has been different than all others when it comes to auto recalls. That’s because there have been tens of millions of vehicles recalled in the U.S. so far this year. According to data from U.S. auto makers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the United States has seen a record-breaking number of auto recalls in 2014 - an estimated 56 million. To show how much this really is, 56 million is roughly more than three times the amount of new cars and trucks Americans will buy this year. Just like any year, 2014 has seen recalls for many different reasons, some less serious than others. However, there have also been a number of recalls for serious issues that place consumers at risk. Two of the most notable recent auto recalls include:

• Defective Airbags

  Nearly 8 million U.S. vehicles have been recalled due to defective airbags manufactured by Takata. These defective airbags can malfunction and explode during deployment, sending shrapnel at drivers and passengers. Several deaths and a number of injuries have been associated with the product. Late last month, the NHTSA released a consumer advisory urging owners of vehicles recalled for defective airbags to take immediate action.

• Faulty Ignition Switches

  General Motors has been making headlines for months over injuries and deaths associated with defective ignition switches. The faulty ignition switches can switch out of the on position and into the accessory positions through no fault of drivers while being operated. This can cause power to be shut off from the engine and other necessary components, including power steering, brakes, and airbags. In the latest news, GM defective ignition switches have been linked to 32 deaths and rising.

These issues have accounted for millions of auto recalls, as well as many preventable tragedies. To keep yourself and your passengers safe in the event of recalls, safety experts recommend that you always bring vehicles in for service after receiving a recall notification. If you are unsure whether your vehicle has a recall issue that hasn’t been fixed, you can check online at your manufacturer’s website or by using the NHTSA VIN search tool. If you have questions about auto recalls, defective auto parts, or your rights after an auto accident, contact a New York City personal injury lawyer from Jaroslawicz & Jaros, PLLC.