Final answer:
The decision to recall vacuum machines due to an overheating prevention feature failure with a mean rate of 17% depends on the seriousness of the issue, industry standards, customer safety, legal implications, and the sample size used for testing. A known defect with significant risk typically necessitates a recall to avoid potential liability and consumer harm. The correct option is D.
Step-by-step explanation:
A vacuum manufacturer has run tests on their machines and discovered that the feature designed to prevent overheating fails at a range of 18% with a mean failure rate of 17%. The decision to recall the machines is complex and depends on various factors including the sample size, industry standards for acceptable failure rates, considerations of consumer safety, and potential legal and financial impacts.
In a Counter Example Situation, we find that when an item with a known defect that can result in harm is not recalled, it can lead to injuries or even deaths, and the manufacturer can be held liable. Therefore, if the safety risk due to the failure rate is deemed significant, it would be advisable to recall the machines. However, if the mean failure rate of 17% is within acceptable industry standards and the defects do not pose a serious risk to safety, the recall may not be required.
To make an informed decision, the manufacturer should consider the following factors:
- The seriousness of possible overheating incidents.
- Comparative failure rates within the industry.
- Customer feedback and reports of actual incidents.
- Potential legal implications based on consumer safety laws.
- Sample size of the tests conducted to ensure statistical significance.