2021 Jeep Cherokee Transmission Leak

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transmission hose leakIn March 2021, Chrysler / FCA USA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance (VSRC) organization received information about a potential trend in engine fires in certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.

The investigation found the problem to be that certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUVs were manufactured with transmission oil cooler (TOC) hoses with rubber that had been incorrectly cured. The suspect period began on January 19, 2021 and ended on March 8, 2021, when all suspect TOC hoses were removed from vehicle production.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, incorrectly cured rubber could allow the hose to weaken and rupture. Transmission fluid leaking from the ruptured hose could contact an ignition source and lead to a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury to occupants, persons outside the vehicle and could result in property damage.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the TOC hoses inspected and replaced as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is Y18 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-310.

2017 Fiat Spider 124
California Lemon Law Success

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Our client bought a new 2017 Fiat Spider 124.

Her first visit to the authorized service department was on January 23, 2018. There were two problems at the time. The first problem was that the check engine light was on and the other was a very serious problem as the vehicle had lost power while she was driving.

The next visit was on June 1st. It was in for a coolant leak, the vehicle RPMs were revving high and she requested they inspect the rear suspension as the tires were wearing unevenly. Her Fiat was at the dealership for 28 days.

It was at this point that she wanted to know more about the California Lemon Law and if she was driving a lemon.

She contacted the Law Office of Barry L. Edzant, a California Lemon Law Attorney with over 32 years of specializing in the Lemon Law. She spoke with Mr. Edzant and he then asked her to email some documents for him to review. After Barry reviewed the paperwork and explained to the client her rights, she decided to retain our law firm. A letter was sent to FCA, USA demanding that they buy back the vehicle under the California Lemon Law.

Our firm successfully got a full repurchase for our client for her defective 2017 Fiat Spider 124. The buyback included the reimbursement of all payments made to date, the down payment, the registration, paying off the loan less a mileage deduction allowed under the California Lemon Law. FCA also paid for the attorney fees.

If you think your vehicle may be a lemon, please contact the Law Office of Barry L. Edzant at 888-395-3666. We’ll be happy to answer your questions. We are a California statewide Lemon Law firm.

2017 Jeep Patriot
California Lemon Law Buyback

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Our client was very happy to buy her 2017 Jeep Patriot.

Her first visit to the authorized dealership was on July 31, 2017. She had multiple concerns that she shared with her service advisor. The tire light was on but all pressures were fine. The passenger front window would not go up with the driver side switch. There was also a problem in that the vehicle would only run for a few minutes when started with the remote.

The next visit was on November 10th because the check engine light was on.

Her last visit was December 6 and her Jeep Patriot was in the shop for 29 days as the check engine light was on again.

She contacted us in January and spoke with Barry L. Edzant, a California Lemon Law Attorney Specialist. He asked her to send our office some documents for him to review. After his review and consultation the client decided she wanted Barry to represent her.

A letter was submitted to FCA, USA demanding they buy back her vehicle under the California Lemon Law. FCA agreed to do so and reimbursed our client her down payment, all payments made, her registration, paid off the vehicle loan minus a mileage deduction the manufacturer is entitled to under the Lemon Law. They also paid the attorney fees. Needless to say our client was thrilled.

If you think your vehicle might be a lemon please give our office a cal and speak with Barry L. Edzant. The toll free phone number is 888-395-3666. Find out your rights under the California Lemon Law.

GM Software To Prevent EV Battery Fires

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General Motors will be contacting owners of select 2017-2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs previously repaired under National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) campaign number 20V-701.

The problem began in October 2020 when the NHTSA started an investigation into owner complaints of battery fires while their Bolt EV was charging. To reduce the risk of fires, GM provided a temporary fix in which the the vehicle’s software was updated to limit it’s charge to 90% of the battery’s capacity.

As part of the final repair, dealers will use diagnostic tools to identify potential battery anomalies and replace battery module assemblies as necessary. The fix will also include the installation of advanced onboard diagnostic software that detects potential issues related to changes in battery module performance. Customers will need to visit their Chevrolet EV dealer to have the service procedure performed. Once the remedy procedure is completed, the dealer will remove the 90% state of charge limitation and return the battery to its previous 100% charging capability.

Customers of 2019 model year Chevrolet Bolt EVs will be able to have this fix performed starting on April 29 and customers who own 2017 and 2018 model year Bolt EVs will be eligible to have the remedy performed by the end of May. GM will be making this diagnostic software standard in the 2022 Bolt EV and EUV future electric vehicles. According to GM, if a problem is diagnosed, the software will warn the driver with an illuminated warning lamp on the gauge cluster and drivers would need to have the vehicle towed to a dealer for repairs.

Unsecured Side Curtain Air Bags Found In GM Vehicles

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General Motors has decided that a safety defect affecting airbags exists in certain 2010-2015 and 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles.

According to the defect report, in October 2020, a third-party vehicle repair business contacted GM requesting repair assistance on a 2018 Buick Enclave. After removing the headliner to attempt to repair a sunroof water leak, the repair shop identified two fasteners that were not installed and one missing weld nut attaching the roof-rail airbag (RRAB) to the vehicle. Further investigation found that certain stampings associated with the connection of the roof rail airbag to the vehicles had damaged, out of position or missing weld nuts. Although the problem was identified during vehicle assembly, the repairs may have been missed or preformed incorrectly.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts GM’s number for this recall is N202321200 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V246.

2016 Dodge Ram 1500 Lemon Law Help

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Our client was very happy when he purchased his 2016 Dodge Ram 1500.

He first had some concerns on February 6, 2017 when he tried putting gas from the nozzle and the filler tube came loose and dropped down. He also had a check engine light message on.

His next visit to the Dodge dealership was on August 23rd because his tailgate was opening randomly.

On December 4th he was back meeting with his service advisor as he noticed a red liquid leaking from the passenger side area of the engine.

On November 26, 2018 he brought his Ram 1500 in for numerous recalls. He also told them about a hard clunk as the vehicle was shifting between gears. The vehicle also exhibited hard shifting and the RPMs were revving really high.

He was back on January 10, 2019 because the vehicle was again exhibiting a hard clunk between gears. He was also noticing hard shifting and sometimes there was a delay when putting the vehicle into reverse. The dealership had the vehicle for 42 days.

At this point he was very frustrated and contacted our office and spoke with California Lemon Law attorney, Barry L. Edzant. Barry requested he send him some repair orders to review along with some other documents. He became a client shortly thereafter. A letter was sent to FCA, USA demanding that they buy back our client’s 2016 Dodge Ram 1500 under the California lemon law.

He did take the vehicle in again on May 9, 2019 as he was hearing a clunking noise coming from the engine compartment when shifting between 5th and 6th gear and while slowing down and taking off. He also complained the vehicle was having other problems with the gears.

Our firm successfully got a repurchase for our client for his defective Dodge Ram 1500. The buyback included the reimbursement of all payments made to date, the down payment, the registration, paying off the loan less a mileage deduction allowed under the California Lemon Law. FCA, USA also paid for the attorney fees.

If you think your vehicle may be a lemon, please contact the Law Office of Barry L. Edzant at 888-395-3666. We offer free consultations and we’ll be happy to answer your questions. We are a California statewide Lemon Law firm.

Mercedes Benz Floor Mat Carpets Wet

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An investigation into reports of water intrusion into the passenger compartment of certain 2020-2021 Mercedes Benz GLE and GLS, cars and SUVs has led to a recall of over 6,000 vehicles. Owner notifications are expected to be mailed out in June.

According to the defect report, at the end of May 2019 Mercedes Benz launched an investigation into customer complaints of water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells of certain GLE and GLS vehicles. The investigation revealed a deviation in the assembly process of the air conditioner drain hoses that would allow the drain hose to disconnect and condensation to enter the passenger compartment. If a significant volume of condensation enters, it could cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components.

NOTE: Drivers may experience problems with door locks and the vehicles emergency call (eCall) feature; the engine may not start or may enter limp-home mode. Sings that the problem exists include wet carpets in the front foot wells and fogged windows.

Vehicles Affected Include
2020 GLE350
2020 GLE450
2020 GLE580
2020 GLS450
2020 GLS580
2021 AMG GLE53

Dealers will inspect and correct the installation of the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary. The NHTSA recall Campaign Number is 21V-288.

2021 Porsche Cayenne – Rear Axle Lock Nuts Could Break

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Porsche North America, Inc. (Porsche) will be contacting the owners of certain 2021 Cayenne vehicles because of a problem affecting the rear axle suspension. The Porsche models affected include 2021 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne GTS Coupe.

According to the defect report, lock nuts on the trailing arm of the rear axle have not been manufactured according to specifications. The problem could cause a loose thread connection that may allow respective suspension components to move beyond the intended position. If the screw connection fails, the driver could experience a sudden loss of driving stability with a significant change to driving behavior and a loss of vehicle control. Drivers may notice noises and vibrations due to the loosening of the connection, but these warning sings are not guaranteed.

Porsche will instruct owners of affected vehicles to return to their dealers to have the lock nuts replaced. The recall is expected to begin June 2021. Porsche’s number for this recall is AMA9 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-271.