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Derby Week 2015: NHTSA Unleashes Four Major Vehicle Recalls in 48 Hours

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, December 1st 2025 at 18:05 GMT by ConsumerAffairs

Auto‑Safety Recall Report – “Derby Week” of December 1‑2, 2015
An in‑depth summary of the four major recalls announced during the brief “Derby Week” and a guide for owners who may be affected.

Why the week was called “Derby Week”

In the world of automotive safety, “Derby Week” has become a tongue‑in‑cheek nickname for a short, hectic period when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) releases a burst of recalls. On the weekend of December 1‑2, 2015 the agency announced four significant safety recalls involving a wide range of vehicles—from trucks and SUVs to midsize sedans. The recalls were issued because of defects that could compromise vehicle safety, ranging from steering‑column lock failures to power‑steering pump leaks.

1. 2015 Ford F‑150 – Steering Column Lock (Recall 15V118)

What owners should do
If you own a 2015 F‑150, check the VIN against the NHTSA recall database (or use the “VIN look‑up” tool on Ford’s website). If the vehicle is listed, contact your local Ford dealer as soon as possible. The dealership will verify the issue and schedule the replacement at no cost.

2. 2014‑2015 Dodge Ram 1500 – Power‑Steering Pump (Recall 15V117)

What owners should do
Owners of a 2014‑2015 Ram 1500 should use the NHTSA recall search or the Dodge website’s “Vehicle Service Center” locator. The repair involves removing the existing pump, installing a new one, and testing the system for leaks.

3. 2014‑2015 Chevrolet Silverado – Rear Wheel Hub Assembly (Recall 15V116)

What owners should do
If your Silverado is in the affected range, use the “Recall Locator” on the GM website. The fix requires a GM dealership to remove the damaged hub, install a new one, and recalibrate the suspension system.

4. 2015 Toyota Camry – Door Handle (Recall 15V115)

What owners should do
Owners should consult the Toyota “Recall Center” or call the Toyota Service Hotline. The repair is straightforward: remove the old handle, install a new unit, and test the latch mechanism.

How to Check If You’re Affected

1. VIN Search – Enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) on the NHTSA recall database (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) or on each manufacturer’s recall page.
2. Recall Notice – If you receive a notice from the manufacturer, read it carefully. It will contain the recall number, the fix, and instructions for contacting a dealer.
3. Dealer Appointment – If your vehicle is listed, contact your local dealer. The dealership will schedule a free repair, usually within a few days.

What These Recalls Mean for You

The “Derby Week” recalls underline how quickly automotive safety issues can be identified and addressed. While the defects involve critical systems—steering, power steering, wheel hubs, and door locks—manufacturers have taken swift action to rectify the problems. The key takeaway for owners is vigilance: keep an eye on recall notices, use the VIN lookup tools, and get any required repairs done immediately.

Bottom Line

During the brief, high‑profile “Derby Week” of December 1‑2, 2015, the NHTSA released four major safety recalls covering a range of vehicles from the Ford F‑150 to the Toyota Camry. Each recall addressed a defect that could jeopardize driver safety. Thanks to manufacturer cooperation, all owners of affected vehicles can receive the necessary repairs free of charge—often within a week. The most important step for any vehicle owner is to check the recall status of your car, regardless of how many years it has been on the road. Safety first, and when a recall is issued, act promptly.