U.S. vehicle recalls hit 9-year high in 2013

DETROIT — Automakers recalled 21.9 million cars and trucks in the U.S. last year, a nine-year high.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says automakers initiated 632 separate vehicle recalls in 2013, up 9 percent from the prior year.

Companies are saving money by using more common parts. But that can force them to recall many more vehicles when something goes wrong.

Chrysler Group initiated the most recalls, with 36. Among those was a recall of 282,000 minivans whose air bags could deploy on the wrong side. In all, Chrysler recalled 4.7 million vehicles last year.

After Chrysler, General Motors had the most recalls, with 23. Mazda had the fewest, with two.

Toyota recalled the most vehicles, with 5.3 million in 15 separate recalls.

Mercedes-Benz recalled the fewest vehicles, with 747.