Product recalls in the US hit a record total in 2014 and recall rates are likely to remain high for the foreseeable future.  This report summarizes the history and present situation of recalls in three key industries: motor vehicles, food and pharmaceuticals.  Many of the largest recalls in history are listed and analyzed, along with their costs and regulatory fallout.  Recalls of Chinese made products are also examined.  A summary table listing various government agencies responsible for product recalls in different industries is provided for reference, along with important links from the new openFDA website that is currently in beta version.