Do RECALLS Impact Your Buying Decision?

Although it seems like we had just gotten past a rather quiet period for recalls, we're starting to see more. A lot more.

And these notices are increasing in scale.

Take, Ford's latest announcement that it is recalling about 1.2 million Explorer vehicles produced from 2011-2017. That's an immense volume of vehicles that need to be fixed. It's no Takata but still.

As I've started to take note of this, anecdotally, greater increase in recalled products, it got me thinking. Do these recalls actually change buying decisions? Do recalls impact perceived and actual quality from the buyer's point of view?

For example, given Fiat Chrysler Automobiles' (FCA) consistent recalls for its staple products like the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler and RAM 1500, does that yield buyers who find themselves second guessing their purchasing decision?

skytop - 6/13/2019 3:25:15 AM

+3 Boost

Doesn't bother me. Glad manufacturer is demonstrating responsible behavior.

HoustonMidtown - 6/13/2019 6:48:22 AM

+4 Boost

No

TomM - 6/13/2019 7:40:11 AM

+2 Boost

Depends

IF a car manufacturer decides to LONG try to DELAY efforts for repairs - I would be concerned. However - more problems - so many are software "fixes" to cover small problems that are generally minor that I doubt you will ever get a car that has no changes needed.

MDarringer - 6/13/2019 8:12:04 AM

+1 Boost

Most people realize that recalls happen now for the slightest concern. A handful of vehicles could have an issue and they will recall a million to double check them.

countguy - 6/13/2019 8:41:23 AM

+2 Boost

Depends on what the recall is for and how quickly it is fixed.

t_bone - 6/13/2019 9:46:34 AM

+2 Boost

Been sitting on an airbag recall for awhile. Wonder if I'm statistically more likely to get into a fatal car accident on the to/from dealer trip than the supposed odds with the airbag.

TomM - 6/13/2019 10:40:33 AM

+2 Boost

Well obviously - if all you have been doing is sitting in the vehicle - you are less likely to get into a fatal accident - it is when you actually start the vehicle and take it on the road that your problems start to multiply.

MDarringer - 6/13/2019 4:41:38 PM

0 Boost

The Takata recall was asinine. They recalled all those cars and the only replacement parts were defective Takata parts. A recall should not be announced until replacement parts--if needed--are deployed.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 6/13/2019 8:38:40 PM

+2 Boost

No because I drive a Toyota. The goofy gas pedal recall was the fault of clueless owners. People seemed to be dumb enough to pile new floor mats on top of old ones. I think they said they shaved a 1/4" off the bottom of my gas pedal to compensate for the poor decision making of other people. Darwin contestants are always with us.