2010 Automotive Recalls by Manufacturer and Model

2010 was an active year with regard to auto recalls for foreign auto makers as well as domestic. No foreign brand was hit harder than Toyota, though several broad recalls came from many domestic manufacturers including Chevrolet, Dodge, and Ford. Toyota saw a tumultuous year which included resignation from key executives, congressional scrutiny, and slumping sales. Listed below are the large scale recalls from 2010 listed by manufacturer, model, and component affected. If your car is on the list make sure you contact your local dealership to inquire on the steps to address the faulty parts.

2010 Major Toyota Recalls
Models: '05-10' Avalon, '09-10' Corolla, 08'-10' Highlander

2010 was a crushing year for the Toyota brand which is known for its reputation of high quality, well-built automobiles. Brake problems plagued nearly 750,000 models of the Highlander and Avalon in the United States alone, nearly 1.5 million globally. Years affected include the 2005 through 2006 Highlander SUV as well as the 2005 through 2006 models of the Toyota Avalon. Sub-brand Lexus was also included in this recall. The recall targets a brake leak that allows small amounts of brake fluid to be released which illuminates the brake light warning on the dash.

The brake problems compound earlier recalls based upon faulty accelerator pedals which could accelerate out of control due to a faulty mechanism. The accelerator problems affected several models including Highlander, Corolla, Venza, Matrix, and the Pontiac Vibe which was developed in a joint venture between Toyota and GM.

2010 Major Ford Recalls
Models: 2010 Ford Fusion, Explorer, Sport Trac, and Transit Connect

The 2010 Ford recall list is relatively small in comparison to Toyota. The 2010 models of the Ford Fusion, Explorer, Sport Trac, and Transit Connect saw recalls though the numbers are quite low. The recall is for a faulty recliner mechanism for the front seats and has no bearing on drive-ability or performance while operating the vehicle. There is a simple fix provided by dealerships which you can receive by contacting your local certified dealer. The total numbers of recalled vehicles include just over 33,000 for each model listed above.

2010 Major Dodge/Chrysler Recalls
Models: 2010 Nitro, Journey, Avenger, and Charger

2010 was a successful year for Dodge in reputation and quality assurance. Like Ford the number of recalls were low and only affected a small portion of the models produced. The problem recalled for the 2010 models of the Journey and Avenger include a faulty electronic steering assist system. Leaked power-steering fluid can make contact with hot engine parts providing a fire hazard. Contact Chrysler if your specific model is listed in this recall. This recall only affects roughly 26,000 of each model.

The 2010 model of the Dodge Nitro saw 20,000 recalled due to problems with the master cylinder releasing small amounts of brake fluid resulting in reduced brake performance. This increases the risk for accident and if you're Nitro is included it's paramount to contact Chrysler to receive instructions on where to go to fix this problem

Finally, The 2010 Dodge Charger has a faulty electronic system module component that needs to be addressed on 37,000 models produced in 2010. The issue involves the ability to remove the key from the ignition while the engine is in gear causing a potential crash hazard.

2010 Major Chevrolet/GM Recalls
Models: 2010 Impala, 2005-2010 Cobalt, 2007-2010 Pontiac G5

2010 saw recalls of the Impala and Cobalt for the Chevy model line and the Pontiac brand G5. The Impala had just over 300,000 models affected by recall while the Cobalt and G5 had just over 1-million total. The recalls focused on two separate components with the Impala being recalled for faulty safety belt issues and the Cobalt and G5 recalled for a problem with the electronic steering assist system.

The 2010 Chevrolet Impala problems focused on the anchorage of the restraint which could contribute to injuries in the result of a crash. The Cobalt and G5 have issues with the electronic power steering assist system. The driver could experience a loss of steering assist resulting in a potential crash hazard. If you don't have the electronic steering assist option on your model your not affected by this recall.