Many prominent industries are rife with shocking scandals that will have you scratching your head, but none are as astonishing as the automotive industry. Known for a high degree of oversight and regulatory measures, it always comes as a surprise to hear that an industry of this magnitude could make so many mistakes, especially when they put people’s lives at risk. So here’s a look back at the 20 most shocking car scandals in history.
1. Chevrolet Corvair Safety Controversy
Presidential candidate and consumer rights lawyer Ralph Nader was responsible for publicizing this scandal in his book “Unsafe At Any Speed.” Nader exposed the Convair’s dangerous handling resulting in a dangerous tendency to roll the car over. The scandal was so prominent that it led to the creation of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
2. Toyota Unintended Acceleration
This scandal resulted in a slew of consequences for the Japanese car manufacturer when they were forced to enact sweeping recalls, introduce new safety features and pay billions of dollars in fines. The culprit: faulty floor mats and sticky accelerator pedals that cause abrupt unintended acceleration. Sadly, this issue led to numerous accidents and fatalities before it was corrected.
3. Ford Pinto Fuel Tank Controversy
This calculated misstep on Ford’s part tarnished the Ford Pinto and resulted in a litany of lawsuits. The scandal involved a faulty fuel tank that was prone to rupture and ignition following a rear-end collision. Despite internal memos revealing that Ford knew about the issue, they pushed on with the notion that lawsuits would be cheaper than fixing the flaw.
Michael Dorausch on Wikimedia Commons
4. GM Ignition Switch Recall
Resulting in over 100 deaths and several more injuries, this shocking scandal finally caused General Motors to recall millions of vehicles after knowing about the issue for over a decade. This deadly scandal was caused by faulty ignition switches in some GM vehicles that would randomly shut off the engine and disable vital safety systems like airbags.
5. Takata Airbag Recall
The infamous Takata airbag scandal resulted in one of the largest automotive recalls in history, as tens of millions of vehicles around the world were involved. This deadly scandal was caused by defective airbags that could explode upon deployment, effectively sending shrapnel towards passengers. After several injuries and deaths, Takata eventually succumbed to the scrutiny and filed for bankruptcy.
6. Tesla Autopilot Fatalities
The prospect of autonomous driving technology sure seems enticing (and is still actively being developed). However, Tesla’s autopilot system has been the target of much scorn due to several high-profile accidents that called into question the efficacy and reliability of the tech. Many have voiced concerns about its readiness while others have pointed out that some drivers were irresponsible and relied too heavily on it.
Natecation on Wikimedia Commons
7. Audi 5000 Sudden Acceleration
Although further investigations have absolved the German automaker, this noteworthy scandal was still a huge story in the 1980s, even garnering its own “60 Minutes” episode. The scandal revolved around unintended acceleration in their Audi 5000 model, which ultimately led to a slew of accidents and deaths. However, it was later found that this was due to driver error and not anything mechanical on Audi’s part.
8. Mitsubishi Recall Cover-Up
Consumer trust in the prominent Japanese automaker suffered a steep decline after it was discovered that the company had willfully covered up a slew of safety defects for decades. Everything from failing brakes to faulty clutches and fuel tanks was revealed to have been strategically concealed by Mitsubishi for years.
9. Volkswagen Emissions Scandal
Known to many as “Dieselgate,” this well-publicized scandal was responsible for widespread recalls and legal ramifications, as well as strongly affecting Volkswagen’s standing in the automotive world. The emissions scandal centred around the German automaker purposefully manipulating emissions tests through software in the diesel engines that allowed them to get away with emitting pollutants far above the legal limit.
Mariordo Mario Roberto Duran Ortiz on Wikimedia Commons
10. Fiat Chrysler Emissions Scandal
Over a whopping 100,000 Fiat Chrysler diesel vehicles were affected by this sweeping act of industrial misconduct. The established carmaker was accused of utilizing specially-made software to cheat emissions tests, similar to what Volkswagen had done just a few years prior.
11. Renault-Nissan Ghosn Arrest
Like something out of a movie, this infamous scandal involved Renault-Nissan’s Notorious CEO, Carlos Ghosn, being charged and arrested in Japan for a variety of financial crimes, including underreporting income and using company assets for himself. To make matters even worse, Ghosn then proceeded to escape Japan while on bail, eventually lading asylum in Lebanon.
12. Hyundai and Kia Fuel Economy Misrepresentation
Embroiling two of the world’s most prominent South Korean car manufacturers, this scandal not only damaged the reputation of the brands but also led to hefty fines and significant compensation. Things all came to ahead when It was discovered that both companies had exaggerated the fuel economy ratings of several vehicles they had sold in the US, resulting in swift consumer backlash.
13. Firestone Tire Recall
The reputations of both Ford and Firestone were tarnished after it was discovered that both companies were aware of this deadly defect and failed to act accordingly. The root of the issue was Firestone tires that were prone to tread separation, causing numerous accidents and deaths. The defect was mostly present on Ford Explorer SUVs, effectively implicating both companies.
14. Nissan CVT Transmission Issues
For several years throughout the 2010s, Nissan was the target of widespread criticism over the CVT (Continous Variable Transmission) present in several of its models at the time. The transmission in these vehicles was prone to premature failure, which resulted in the company offering extended warranties. However, this wasn’t enough to combat the complaints and legal actions levied at Nissan.
15. BMW Heated Seat Fires
This devastating defect resulted in a widespread recall and a significant design overhaul to correct the matter. The issue stemmed from reports that the heated seats in certain BMWs had begun to catch fire upon overheating. Several injuries and cases of vehicle damage were reported.
16. Subaru Engine Defects
Extensive recalls, a slew of consumer complaints, and extended warranties were the result of this massive automotive blunder. The scandal centred around excessive oil consumption and engine knocking occurring with Subaru’s Boxer engines, which were present in the Forester, Outback, and Impreza models. Many were quick to point out Subaru’s poor handling of the controversy and overall dependability.
17. Mazda Diesel Engine Scandal
Another in a long line of car makers manipulating emissions test data, Mazda had reportedly been guilty of skirting regulatory standards in Japan. The scandal delivered a devastating blow to the reputation of the company, eventually leading to several recalls, a public apology, and even an internal investigation aimed at preventing any future misconduct.
Photo by Tristan Beischel @Autoily.com
18. Lancia Flavia and Beta Rust Issues
Lancia, the storied Italian car manufacturer, was delivered a devastating blow in the 1970s when it was discovered that its Flavia and Beta models had been plagued with major rust problems, causing premature deterioration. The scandal tarnished the company’s image and reputation and even led to countries like the UK explicitly advising its citizens against buying these cars.
19. DeLorean DMC-12 Drug Scandal
The famed manufacturer of the beloved “Back to The Future” time machine was also embroiled in a scandalous controversy in 1982 when its founder, John DeLorean, was apprehended in a sting operation. Although later acquitted, DeLorean was charged with attempting to sell illegal narcotics in a bid to save his fledgling automotive venture, effectively destroying the company’s reputation.
Kevin Abato on Wikimedia Commons
20. Saab 9-3 Seatbelt Recall
Saab, the already struggling car manufacturer, had amassed more misfortune when it was discovered that the front seatbelt in its 9-3 was faulty and prone to fail in the event of a collision. Saab was forced to recall tens of thousands of vehicles in the aftermath of this revelation, further diminishing the company’s dwindling reputation.
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