Q: Is there a make of automobiles sold in this country that has not had a recall in the past few years? If so, which one?
—Roy Graham, Sandy Springs
A: Mercedes-Benz had the lowest recall rate from 1985 until March 2014, according to iSeeCars.com. The website compared recall data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration with sales figures to find that Mercedes-Benz had recalled 2.1 million of the 5.1 million cars it sold during that time, a rate of 0.41, which means that 41 of every 100 cars sold have been recalled.
Mazda was second with a recall rate of 0.55 (5.2 million recalls on 9.4 million sales), followed by General Motors, which was at 0.65 before this spring’s flood of recalls. Hyundai was the worst at 1.15, with 9.9 million recalls out of 8.7 million sales, which means some models have had multiple recall campaigns.
Q: There was a prisoner who was offered a modeling contract based on a mug shot. What was that man in prison for and how much money was his modeling contract worth?
—William McKee Jr., Flowery Branch
A: Jeremy Meeks, who was arrested on gun charges on June 18 in Stockton, Calif., didn't receive a modeling contract but has hired a publicist. Meeks, who has been labeled "Hot Mugshot Guy," hired Hollywood talent manager Gina Rodriguez, who also has represented "Octomom" Nadya Suleman and "Teen Mom" star Farrah Abraham. She denied early reports that Meeks had signed a modeling contract.
Meeks was transferred to federal custody and now faces one felony gun charge that could lead to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fine.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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