Since the 1980’s, the NHTSA has been allowing a type of recall which lets automobile manufacturers restrict notices and repairs to a few states rather than making them nation wide. These “Regional Recalls” are usually due to the defect becoming a problem because of environmental conditions such as hot and cold climates or because of corrosion caused by road salt used in certain areas. Regional recalls can save automakers money, but consumer advocates have complained for years that because people are moving more frequently and driving in many different conditions, affected vehicles can be missed. Continue reading

Under the California Lemon Law, if you are experiencing repeated problems with your car, truck, or SUV, you may qualify to have your automobile bought back by the manufacturer. You must, however, allow an approved repair facility a reasonable number of repair attempts before you qualify. This includes four repair attempts for the same or similar problems, or two attempts if the defect is safety related and likely to cause serious injury.

When the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were approached by a 2010 Audi A4 owner who had allowed the dealer ten (10) opportunities to repair problems, it was evident the vehicle was a good candidate for lemon law protection. Continue reading

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) faced criticism during a consumer protection subcommittee last week as Senator Clair McCaskill questioned the agencies effectiveness in protecting consumers from defective automobiles. Deputy Administrator, David Friedman was grilled about the agencies roll in the delay of General Motors’ recalls, including defective ignition switches which have been linked to 20 deaths. Continue reading

Owners of some 2015 Honda Fit vehicles will be contacted by the automobile manufacturer to return their vehicles to an approved dealer to have the A-pillar interior cover inspected. During assembly, it is possible that the A-pillar interior cover designed for vehicles without side curtain airbags may have been installed on vehicles that have side curtain airbags. The incorrect cover could alter the performance of the airbag, increasing the risk of injury during an accident. Continue reading

A failing fuel pump relay within the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) of certain 2011 Dodge Durango and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicles could result in drivers experiencing stalling and a no start condition. The cause has been identified as a deformation of the relay contact spring due to ambient heat around the pump relay. The vehicle may intermittently or permanently not start, not start the first time, not stay running, or the fuel pump may continue running when the vehicle has been shut off. Continue reading