U.S. Auto Recalls Rise 61% to 30.7 Million

General Motors Corp., Ford Motor Co., Toyota Motor Corp. and other automakers recalled a record 30.7 million vehicles in the U.S. last year, increasing costs and further diminishing public perception of auto quality.

Recalls surged 61% from 2003, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2004 total surpassed the previous high of 24.6 million in 2000 as manufacturers speeded the introduction of models and used less expensive parts.