An incorrectly assembled airbag will have a small number of BMW owners returning their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility to correct the problem. The vehicles affected include the 2014 BMW i3 and 2014 Mini Cooper hardtop. BMW has already informed drivers to keep the front passenger seat empty until the problem can be corrected. Continue reading
Category Archives: Lemon Alert
Are Customer Satisfaction Campaigns Affecting Vehicle Safety?
Customer satisfaction campaigns, also known as secret warranties or silent recalls, is a practice used by automobile manufacturers to correct relatively minor issues that could affect driver’s comfort or the vehicle’s appearance. Instead of dealing with thousands of customers, the manufacturer deals with complaints on a case by case basis. In many cases, those who are unaware that a satisfaction campaign exists, end up paying for the manufacturing mistake. Continue reading
2014 Ford C-Max and Focus Steering Defect
A safety defect in the steering system of certain 2014 Ford C-Max and Focus vehicles will have customers returning their cars for repairs. According to reports on the NHTSA website, on August 12, 2014, Ford was notified by their steering gear supplier that some gears were produced with less than the intended number of ball bearings. Steering gears with this condition could experience deformation and degradation of the ball bearings which could result in loss of steering control. Continue reading
2010 Chevrolet Malibu Repurchased Under California Lemon Law
After analyzing repair orders and the purchase contract of a potential lemon law case, we determined that the owner of a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu did have a valid claim to have his vehicle repurchased under the California Lemon Law. He had complained to the dealer many times about his cars problems and had six (6) unsuccessful repair attempts for various defects. These problems included:
- Defective Engine Cooling System
- Defective A/C System
- Defective Thermostat
- Defective Temperature Gauge
- Defective Control Valve Assembly
- SES Light Remains On
Buick, Cadillac, And Chevrolet Sedan Steering Problem
General Motors will be asking owners of certain Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet sedans to return their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility to have their vehicles steering system inspected and repaired. According to reports filed at the NHTSA website, the fasteners holding the intermediate shaft and the steering gear, and/or at the lower control arm to the lower ball joint may have not been torqued to the correct specifications. The fasteners could loosen, parts could separate, and the driver could experience complete loss of steering. Continue reading
Aston Martin DB9 And Rapide S Transmission Problem
Aston Martin has determined a defect relating to vehicle safety exists on certain 2014 DB9 and 2014 Rapide S sports cars manufactured from June 2013 until July 2014. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the transmission control switches could contain a circuit board with a defect that can cause it to short out. The problem could result in the transmission to unexpectedly shift into neutral and loss of motive power. While the driver will be unable to maintain speed, the steering and brakes will remain fully functional and in most cases will be drivable again after the engine is shut off and restarted. Continue reading
Chrysler Shock Defect Safety Problem
In June 2014 Chrysler opened an investigation into shocks installed on certain 2015 Chrysler 200, 2014 Jeep Cherokee, and 2014 Ram 1500 vehicles, as a result of shock supplier, Hitachi, having a KL rear shock ring split during bushing press operation. The investigation found that, due to an inadequate inspection process at the supplier, the ring loop at the rear shock attachment may have a weld that is insufficient to carry the load of the vehicle. The loss of one of the two welds could result in damage to chassis components and tires, and decreased brake function. Continue reading
Chrysler Defective Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)
Owners of certain Chrysler and Dodge minivans, Jeep Grand Cherokee SUVs and Ram pickups, have filed complaints with the NHTSA over safety concerns caused by their vehicles’ Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM).
The TIPM consists of a computer, relays, and fuses that control and distribute power to the vehicles electrical systems. These include safety systems, security system, ignition, electrical power-train, airbags, fuel pump, windshield wipers, headlights, turn signals, and power windows and doors. Drivers report electrical problems which have resulted in unsafe driving conditions on numerous occasions. Continue reading
