After completing an investigation into difficult steering in certain 2014 FJ Cruiser‘s, Toyota has found a problem that will have owners returning their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility for repairs.

According to reports filed with the NHTSA, these vehicles are equipped with an optional “Trail Teams Ultimate Edition” package in which the front shock absorbers and springs are replaced with more robust off road suspension parts. In some of these vehicles, the two bolts which secure the front lower ball joint to the steering knuckle might have been tightened with insufficient torque . The bolts could loosen and fall out, resulting in the front lower ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle. Drivers could experience complete loss of steering control and an increased chance of an accident. Continue reading

Approximately two months after purchasing his new 2010 Cadillac SRX, the vehicle owner had already returned his truck to a GMC dealership for its first repair attempt. He subsequently provided GMC fifteen (15) more opportunities to repair the defect before he decided to contact the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. to demand the repurchase of his vehicle under the California Lemon Law. Continue reading

A problem relating to motor vehicle safety will have almost three hundred thousand 2010-2015 Cadillac SRX and 20112012 SAAB 9-4X vehicles returned to a manufacturer approved repair facility to have the problem fixed.

On the affected vehicles, the jam nut in the rear suspension toe adjuster link may not be torqued to the proper specification. A loose toe adjuster link can cause the vehicle to wander, activate the vehicle’s electronic stability control system, and cause excessive wear to the links threads. Drivers may notice loud metallic noises from the rear suspension when traveling over bumps or potholes. If the treads in the link become worn, the link could separate and create sudden vehicle instability , increasing the risk of an accident. Continue reading

Since the 1980’s, the NHTSA has been allowing a type of recall which lets automobile manufacturers restrict notices and repairs to a few states rather than making them nation wide. These “Regional Recalls” are usually due to the defect becoming a problem because of environmental conditions such as hot and cold climates or because of corrosion caused by road salt used in certain areas. Regional recalls can save automakers money, but consumer advocates have complained for years that because people are moving more frequently and driving in many different conditions, affected vehicles can be missed. Continue reading

Under the California Lemon Law, if you are experiencing repeated problems with your car, truck, or SUV, you may qualify to have your automobile bought back by the manufacturer. You must, however, allow an approved repair facility a reasonable number of repair attempts before you qualify. This includes four repair attempts for the same or similar problems, or two attempts if the defect is safety related and likely to cause serious injury.

When the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were approached by a 2010 Audi A4 owner who had allowed the dealer ten (10) opportunities to repair problems, it was evident the vehicle was a good candidate for lemon law protection. Continue reading