Category Archives: Lemon Alert

Auto Rental Companies Question Recall Pledge

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Three major car rental companies in the United States are refusing to pledge to not rent or sell vehicles with recalls on them, because the pledge does not make exceptions for minor recalls, such as updates to the user manual or door stickers. The companies say they support federal legislation to make rental vehicles safer and they have already pledged to not rent dangerous vehicles, but they feel exceptions should be made for minor recalls that don’t affect safety. Lawyers for the companies say that it is unreasonable to “ground” a vehicle for such minor recalls and a pledge to notify customers of the problem prior to renting them the vehicle should be enough.

The pledge was introduced by Senate chairman Barbara Boxer earlier this year in response to a 2004 rental vehicle accident that claimed the life of two sisters. Boxer says it is unreasonable to make exceptions because all it will do is create legal loopholes. She feel consumers should put pressure on the rental companies to support the pledge, and urges customers to avoid the companies that don’t comply until they make the commitment.

The problem of unfixed recalls continues to plague not only rental car companies, but is an issue with taxis, limousines, used car lots and privately owned vehicles as well.

Consumers Fail To Respond To Recalls

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After three recalls and multiple recall notices, owners of certain 1998-2003 Ford Windstar minivans continue to fail to bring in their vehicles to get their recalled rear axles replaced. The automaker had even offered to buy back the vehicles with cracked or perforated axles, but only 60% of the vans have been repaired. There has been substantial talk in the news lately about vehicles being rented and sold with unfixed recalls on them. Automobile manufacturers, rental companies, and car lots have all been working with the government to improve recall notification policies and to improve the recall process, but ultimately it is up to the consumer to take their vehicles in to their local dealerships for repairs. Recalls often seem insignificant to some consumers because of the constant bombardment of recall notices, also known as “recall fatigue”. Unfixed recalls not only affect the occupants of the vehicle, it can have dangerous repercussions to everyone on the road.

Ferrari Crankshaft Manufacturing Error

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Approximately one hundred 2011-2012 Ferrari 458 high performance sports cars will be recalled in the United States for a manufacturing problem that could lead to engine damage. The problem was found by Ferrari as they did a routine inspection of one of their fleet vehicles. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a programming error in the factory caused the crankshaft to be formed incorrectly. The error could lead to excessive engine vibration and eventually engine seizure. Ferrari will notify owners who will be given the option of having their engines repaired or replaced. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Ferrari at 201-816-2600.

Buick Regal Lighting Problem

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General Motors is recalling certain 2012 Buick Regal vehicles for a problem with parking lamps. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the parking lamps do not activate when either the parking lamps or headlamps are turned on. The inadequate lighting will reduce the visibility of the vehicle and increases the potential for an accident. GM will be notifying owners this month and will fix the issue by reprogramming the body control module. For more information about the problem, contact GM customer services at 1-800-521-7300.

Honda Odyssey Defective Liftgates

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Honda is recalling certain 2008-2009 Odyssey minivans, equipped with power liftgate systems. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began an investigation into the problem last September after receiving seven complaints alleging unexpected closing of the vehicle’s liftgate. The results found that a manufacturing flaw in the doors gas filled struts, allows the pressurized gas to leak, reducing the strut performance. Honda will be notifying owners and dealers of the problem and will replace both struts free of charge. For more information on the defect, contact Honda customer service center at 1-800-999-1009.

Honda Defective Window Mechanism

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Two disgruntled Honda drivers have filed a class action lawsuit against Honda for defective window mechanisms that allowed the vehicles window to fall inside the door. According to the suit, a defective piece of plastic used to keep the windows in place while it is being operated, wears and breaks under normal operating conditions. The defect not only poses a hazard to drivers and passengers, but the $400 bill and loss of the use of the vehicle while repairs are being made are unacceptable. The suit also alleges that Honda knew that the fix made available to consumers resulted in repeated window regulator failures on the same vehicle. The vehicles involved in the law suit include the Honda Odyssey, Honda Pilot, Honda Element, Honda Accord, Honda CR-V, Honda Civic, and Acura MDX from model years 1994 to 2007.

Check Engine Light Problems

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Since the early 1980’s, computers have increasingly controlled and monitored vehicle systems and performance. When the computer finds a problem with your vehicle, it notifies the driver, and stores a “trouble code” in its memory that can later be read by a technician. One of the most misunderstood warnings of a vehicles performance monitoring system is the “check engine” light. While most illuminated “check engine” lights don’t mean your vehicle is experiencing a catastrophic problem, ignoring it often results in expensive repairs. If your “check engine” light does come on, here are some tips on what you should do:

  • Look for signs that that problem requires immediate attention: Foreign noises, illuminated dashboard lights, overheating engine, or low oil pressure means you should pull over and shut off the engine as soon as it is safe to do so.
  • Check your gas cap: Today’s vehicles are monitored for fuel efficiency and emissions, and a loose or broken gas cap means gas can evaporate, wasting fuel. Today’s vehicles will warn you with a “check engine” light, if the efficiency standards are not being met. (Other efficiency and emission problems include bad spark plugs, oxygen sensor, catalytic converter and the air flow sensor.)
  • If you have a 1997 or later General Motors vehicle and have an OnStar subscription, the people at OnStar can remotely read your vehicles trouble codes and tell you how serious the problem is.
  • Reduce speed and load. This will most likely not get rid of the “check engine” light, but reducing the speed and load on the vehicle could reduce damage to your engine, only if you have no other choice but to drive it.

Have the code read and the problem fixed as soon as possible. Some automotive parts stores will read and interpret the code for you free of charge, or automobile parts stores will sell the tools and instructions to hook up and decipher the codes.

Nissan Reports Oil Leak Problems

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Nissan has announced that they will be recalling certain Nissan and Infiniti vehicles for oil cooler and oil filter bolts that may have been manufactured below specifications. If the bolts break, sever oil leaks could lead to a reduced engine oil pressure and eventually to a seized engine. Under the recall Nissan will replace the connector bolts on the following vehicles:

Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261