U.S. Recalls Totaled 22 Million in 2013

Carmakers conducted 632 campaigns to recall nearly 22 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The agency's 2013 tally compares with 581 campaigns and 16.4 million recalled vehicles in 2012. The industry's highest annual volume was 30.8 million units in 2004.

Toyota Motor Corp. recalled some 5.3 million vehicles last year, leading NHTSA's list for the second consecutive year. Chrysler Group was second with 4.7 million units, followed by Honda/Acura (2.8 million units), Hyundai (2.2 million), Ford (1.2 million) and Kia (1.1 million). General Motors recalled only 757,700 vehicles in 2013.

The best brand on the agency's list is Mercedes-Benz, which recalled only 747 vehicles last year.

NHTSA notes that the largest carmakers generally top its list, since they sell the most vehicles. The agency reports that carmakers have recalled nearly 541 million vehicles since it began tracking such repairs in 1966.