The Largest Product Recalls in U.S. History 

Not a day goes by without news of another product recall in the United States. Whether it’s a manufacturing flaw or a design oversight, the list of product recalls continues to grow—putting millions of consumers at risk. Some of the largest product recalls in history have not only made headlines but also led to famous product liability cases, often resulting in multi-million-dollar settlements for the victims.

From cars with defective airbags to contaminated food sold by major retailers, these incidents reveal serious lapses in quality control and corporate responsibility. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the latest product recalls and examine the legal consequences they carry, both nationwide and right here in California.

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective product, you may be entitled to compensation. At Adamson Ahdoot, our experienced product liability attorneys are ready to help. Call us today at (800) 310-1606 or submit your consultation online. We can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

What Is a Product Recall, and Why Do They Happen?

A product recall is more than just a company pulling an item off the shelf—it is a critical action taken to protect consumers from harm. According to the American Society for Quality (ASQ), a recall is defined as a request to return, exchange, or replace a product after discovering defects that may reduce its performance, pose a danger to users, or create legal liability for the manufacturer.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes a recall as a way to remove unsafe or noncompliant items from the market. Especially if they violate state or federal laws. While many FDA product recalls are initiated voluntarily by manufacturers or distributors, they reflect a legal and ethical obligation to protect public health.

Another important consumer protection agency is the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This product safety commission oversees recalls of defective products ranging from children’s toys to household appliances—items that can pose a serious risk if they malfunction.

The most common causes of a recall include:

• Contaminated or mislabeled food.
• Medications with hidden or undisclosed side effects.
• Toys that pose a choking hazard.
• Any defective item that may cause injury, fire, or other danger.

Largest Product Recalls of All Time

To understand the real impact a defective product can have, it’s enough to look at some of the major product recalls in history. Over the years, many well-known brands have faced multi-million dollar lawsuits affecting millions of consumers across the United States and beyond.

Some of the most recent product recalls have involved household names such as Toyota, Johnson & Johnson, and Boar’s Head. In 2024, Boar’s Head made headlines when it voluntarily recalled over 7 million pounds of ready-to-eat meat, including cooked ham and salami. The main reason for this product recall was listeria contamination at its plant in Jarratt, Virginia.

But Boar’s Head is just one example. What other products have been recalled recently? What are the facts about product recalls in the 21st century? Over the past two decades, both government oversight and consumer awareness have increased. Agencies like the FDA now maintain public databases listing all recalled products, allowing consumers to stay informed and protected.

Here are some of the most famous and impactful product liability cases in U.S. history:

• Firestone Tire Recall (2000)

Over 13 million defective tires manufactured by Firestone (a subsidiary of Bridgestone) were installed on Ford trucks and SUVs. The tires were linked to dangerous tread separation that caused vehicles to roll over. It’s estimated that the defect has caused at least 271 deaths and more than 800 injuries in the United States.

• Takata Airbag Recall (2008)

Although complaints began in 2008, it wasn’t until several years later that this massive recall gained worldwide attention. The Takata airbag defect became one of the largest and deadliest recalls in automotive history. It affected nearly 67 million vehicles in the U.S. and over 100 million worldwide. These airbags could explode when deployed, sending out sharp metal shrapnel. At least 35 deaths have been confirmed.

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Recall (2016)

Tech giant Samsung was forced to recall its flagship smartphone due to faulty batteries that caused the devices to overheat and even catch fire. The situation gained worldwide media attention and led to a ban on carrying the device on airplanes. The incident remains one of the most dramatic technology recalls of the decade.

Legal Impact of Defective Products

When a defective product causes injury, the victim has the right to file a product liability claim. In California, consumer rights on defective products are particularly strong. State laws are designed to protect injured individuals by holding companies accountable for unsafe goods and foreseeable risks. This means that manufacturers, distributors, and sellers can all face serious legal consequences if their product causes harm.

Furthermore, if a company neglects to take timely action—such as issuing a recall—the legal consequences can become even more severe. Failure to recall dangerous products from the market can expose the company to a greater liability claim​. This demonstrates a disregard for consumer safety and can result in class action lawsuits, substantial financial penalties, and sanctions from regulatory agencies.

In these situations, the support of an experienced product liability attorney is invaluable. A legal expert can investigate the cause of the defect, identify all parties involved in the product’s supply chain, and establish legal responsibility. They can also help you pursue compensation for physical injuries, lost income, and emotional distress. In most cases, responsible companies carry product liability insurance, which means an attorney can negotiate with insurers to secure the maximum compensation available.

Product Liability Lawsuits and Settlements in California

California is known for some of the largest product recalls in the nation, largely due to the volume of goods sold through both physical and online retailers. As digital marketplaces continue to grow, consumers are exposed to an ever-expanding range of products. Many of which may not meet adequate safety standards. On platforms like Amazon, defective items are frequently reported, with an estimated five to six injury-causing products flagged every day.

The issue also extends to food products, with well-known stores like Trader Joe’s, Target, and Costco frequently appearing on product recall lists. Without going any further, Walmart has recalled several food products in the last month. In April, the store voluntarily pulled its Marketside Celery Sticks product from shelves due to potential listeria contamination.

Among the most notorious defective product cases examples in California, the following stand out:

• Monsanto Case (2018): Dewayne Lee Johnson, a former school groundskeeper, filed a defective product lawsuit against Monsanto. He alleged that prolonged use of the herbicide Roundup led to his diagnosis of terminal Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A jury initially awarded him $289 million, but the amount was later reduced on appeal.
• General Motors Case (1985): A California jury awarded $4.9 billion to six people who were burned in a car accident. The lawsuit accused General Motors of defective product design in the Chevrolet Malibu. The problem was with the vehicle’s fuel system, which exploded on impact.

Trust Adamson Ahdoot With Your Case

A defective product can turn your life upside down in an instant. Whether it’s a contaminated drug, a harmful cosmetic, a dangerous toy or a defective vehicle, the consequences can be severe.

At Adamson Ahdoot, we know how overwhelming it can be to deal with the repercussions of a dangerous product. Every week, people are injured by products they thought were safe. If this has happened to you, please know that you’re not alone.

With over 100 years of combined experience, our legal team is ready to fight for you. Let a skilled product liability lawyer at Adamson Ahdoot pursue the compensation you deserve. Call (800) 310-1606 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation and let us help you move forward with confidence.