Certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans, equipped with center third row seats or an optional three passenger second row seat, could experience a malfunction of the seat belt system. According to the defect report, the overhead seatbelt bezels could break and trap the seatbelt in the stowed position. Unbelted occupants could suffer additional injuries and/or become a projectile during a crash. Continue reading
Category Archives: Fiat
Fiat 500 Could Experience Loss Of Engine Power
Chrysler will be asking the owners of certain 2012-2016 Fiat 500 and 2013-2016 Fiat 500E vehicles to return to their dealerships to repair two separate problems that could result in loss of motive power.
2012-2016 Fiat 500: These vehicles are equipped with a C514 manual transmission which could experience a cracked or damaged clutch diaphragm spring. If the spring fails the driver will not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power. Continue reading
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Unexpectedly Sifts Into “Park” or “Neutral”
Chrysler (FCA) will be asking the owners of certain 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee‘s to return to their dealership for a problem that could leave their vehicle stopped and unable to move. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the affected Grand Cherokee’s may have been built with a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) solenoid wire harness that was incorrectly crimped. If electrical connection is lost to the solenoid, the transmission shifter may unexpectedly become locked in “park” or “neutral”. Continue reading
2014 Jeep Cherokee Buyback For Safety Defects
The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates P.C. were contacted by the owner of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee who was experiencing repeated problems with her vehicle. After numerous complaints to her FCA dealer, two safety recalls, and five (5) unsuccessful repair attempts, she decided to contact us for advice. We analyzed our client’s potential lemon law case by reviewing the repair orders and purchase contract, and determined that she had a valid claim to have the vehicle repurchased. Her list of problems included: Continue reading
Fiat 500L Airbag Manufacturing Defect
A manufacturing error will have a small number of 2015 Fiat 500L owners returning to their dealership for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the passenger airbags may have experienced irregularities during the folding process and may not meet the design specifications in accordance with FMVSS 208. During an accident which requires front passenger airbag deployment, the airbag may not inflate as intended, increasing the risk of injury to a front passenger in certain types of crashes. Continue reading
NHTSA Fines Fiat Chrysler For Recall Deficiencies
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
2013 Fiat 500 Electric California Lemon Law Buyback
After leasing his 2013 Fiat 500 Electric in January 2014, the owner began experiencing repeated problems with his car. He had been taking the vehicle back in since February 2015 and had given his Fiat Chrysler (FCA) dealership five chances to try and repair his Fiat. His 500E had been out of service for over 32 days within the first 18,000 miles and the problems were still not fixed. Continue reading
Fiat Chrysler Investigated For Recall Deficiencies
In October 2014, the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an audit query to investigate the delays of recall campaigns 13V-528 and 13V-529, after owners complained about difficulty obtaining service appointments and part availability issues. The NHTSA experienced additional concerns with the administration, execution, and pace of an additional 22 safety recalls as a result of complaints from vehicle owners involving part availability issues, lack of notification, and misinformation from dealers. Continue reading
