The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were contacted by the owner of a 2012 Ford Fiesta experiencing repeated problems. Our client had purchased the Fiesta in September 2011 and was experiencing safety related problems with the transmission. The vehicle was difficult to shift, would shutter, and often slip out of gear while driving. After giving her Ford dealership four (4) opportunities to repair the problems she decided to contact us for advice. Continue reading
A manufacturing error affecting certain 2014-2015 Acura MDX and MDX AWD vehicles will have approximately 106,439 owners returning to their dealership for repairs.
According to reports, during manufacturing of the A/C compressor clutch drive bolts, certain lots failed to receive the proper dielectric topcoat. As a result, the bolts are more susceptible to corrosion and could break during operation. In addition, some bolt lots did not receive sufficient curing of the e-coat which could result in low torque values and low hardness. The bolts could loosen and fall off during operation. Continue reading
Volkswagen will be asking the owners of certain 2014-2015 Audi SQ5 vehicles to return to their dealerships for a problem affecting the steering motor sensor. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the affected cars have an electric power steering assist system that could experience a steering motor sensor fault as the result of cold ambient temperatures. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist, drivers will be alerted with a power steering warning light and extra steering effort will be required at lower speeds. The problem could increase the risk of a vehicle crash. Continue reading
Fiat Chrysler will pay up to $105 million in penalties and fines, and will buy back almost half a million recalled vehicles after an NHTSA investigation found the automobile manufacturer violated auto safety regulations. The fines include a $70 million cash payment, an agreement that Fiat Chrysler will spend $20 million improving its recall process and an additional $15 million payable if the automaker is found to have committed any further violations. Continue reading
Some 2013-2015 Chrysler vehicles equipped with RA3 or RA4 model radios may have certain software vulnerabilities which could allow third party access to some vehicle control systems. If the system is exploited, an unauthorized remote modification could expose the driver, occupants, and other individuals within the proximity to a potential risk of injury. Although FCA US has determined that the defect is not a safety problem, it has decided to conduct a remedial campaign in the interest of protecting its customers. Continue reading
General Motors have announced that certain 2014-2015 Chevrolet Spark and 2015 Chevrolet Sonic vehicles may fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 114 S5.1.3, “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention” and to FMVSS 208 S7.3, “Occupant Crash Protection.”
The radio software in these vehicles may cause the radio to lock up. The radio display will go blank and stops playing all audio functions, including vehicle chimes related to warnings for key left in ignition and driver safety belt not in use. In addition to the vehicle chime malfunction, the radio may not turn off, causing battery drain and a potential no start condition. Continue reading
The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were recently contacted by the owner of a 2013 Audi Coupe, who was looking for advice about his defective vehicle. He said he was experiencing problems with the engine and transmission which caused the vehicle to accelerate poorly, hesitate, and surge under normal driving conditions. The vehicle also had a defective suspension which required repeated repairs to the rear differential. His dealership verified that the vehicle was undriveable, but they were unable to offer any solutions. Continue reading
Volvo have announced a safety defect affecting the airbags in a small number of 2016 Volvo XC90 luxury crossover SUV’s. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the electrical wiring for the front seat Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) may have been assembled incorrectly, increasing the risk of damage to the wiring insulation. If this happens, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning light will illuminate and the vehicle diagnostic system will alert the driver with a “SRS Airbag Service Urgent, Drive to workshop” warning. Continue reading
