California Lemon Law blog – Page 176 – A blog by the Law Office of Edzant Price LLP

The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates represents clients to the highest legal standards. With over 24 years of California Lemon Law experience, we have successfully represented thousands of clients throughout the state in all types of lemon law cases. We take pride in the fact that almost 100% of our cases are able to reach satisfactory settlements without litigation, making the process fast and stress free for our clients. Our goal is not to be the “largest” lemon law firm in California, but to continue to be the “BEST”. Below is a list of some of our most recent success stories where we helped consumers get settlements for their lemon vehicles:

1. 2008 Audi RS4: Full buyback – Hesperia, CA – 50,409 miles
2. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe: Cash & Keep – Clovis, CA – 45,187 miles
3. 2007 Volkswagen Passat: Full buyback – Ramona, CA – 45,481 miles
4. 2011 Hyundai Sonata: Full buyback – Walnut, CA – 5,226 miles
5. 2010 BMW 550IA: Full buyback – Fountain Valley, CA – 27,107 miles
6. 2009 Mercedes Benz GL550: Full buyback – Wilcox, CA – 41,619 miles
7. 2009 Audi A4: Cash and Keep – Sherman Oaks, CA – 32,240 miles
8. 2006 Saab Aero: Full buyback – Sierre Madre, CA – 75,351 miles
9. 2011 Dodge Ram 2500: Full buyback – Arvin, CA – 7,577 miles
10. 2006 Dodge Ram 3500: Full buyback – Cypress, CA – 67,695 miles
11. 2009 Honda Civic LX: Full buyback – Torrance, CA – 13,325 miles
12. 2010 Nissan Murano: Cash & Keep – Yorba Linda, CA – 21,270 miles
13. 2010 Jaguar XF: Full buyback – Chino Hills, CA – 16,058 miles
14. 2008 Smart 2D Passion: Full buyback – Oakland, CA – 39,637 miles
15. 2011 BMW 550i: Full buyback – West Hollywood, CA – 15,206 miles
16. 2010 Chrysler 300: Cash and Keep – Beverly Hills, CA – 24,825 miles

If you live in California and and think your vehicle could be a lemon, contact our Lemon Law Offices, or fill out our Lemon Law Case Review, for a FREE consultation.

Anywhere in California (free call): 1.888.ExLemon (395.3666)

California Lemon Law in Los Angeles: 310-475-1700
California Lemon Law in San Francisco: 415-285-5366
California Lemon Law in San Diego: 619-229-6900
California Lemon Law in Orange County: 949-856-4333
California Lemon Law in Palm Springs: 760-395-1000
California Lemon Law in San Fernando Valley: 818-837-0500

Chrysler will be recalling a small number of 2012 Chrysler Town and Country and 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans because the lift gate pinch sensor may not function properly. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an increased force may be needed to stop the power liftgate during the final closing stages and consumers could be injured if the door closes on an appendage. Owners receiving a notice can take their vehicle to their Chrysler or Dodge dealership to get the pinch sensor replaced. For more information about the problem contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain vehicles because the transmission range selector (TRS) may have been calibrated out of specification for reverse gear. The transmission may not go into reverse as expected, “R” may not be illuminated on the dashboard to signal to the driver that the vehicle is in reverse, and the back up lights may not illuminate when the vehicle is in reverse. These conditions will increase the chance of injury for drivers and pedestrians. Ford will be notifying owners of the problem starting at the end of June, and dealers will inspect and replace the TRS as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332. The vehicles involved in the recall include:

A Los Angeles County judge has reversed a court decision to award a former attorney almost $10,000 over fuel economy claims for her 2006 Honda Civic. The case received national attention last year, when Heather Peters opted out of a class action settlement that would have paid Civic hybrid owners up to $200 or $1000 off the purchase of a new car. Honda appealed the court decision, and Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Dudley W. Gray reversed the small-claims judgment last Thursday.

According to Gray, the automaker was within its rights to advertise the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy ratings for the vehicle and rejects the idea that it was misleading. He added that Federal regulations control the fuel economy ratings posted on vehicles, but they are only there for comparison among vehicles and don’t take into account conditions that could affect fuel economy such as how people drive and the condition of their vehicle.

Peters lawsuit has prompted almost 40 other Civic owners to seek similar recourse. Honda has already won 18 of the suits and has lost one case, in Santa Barbara, involving a 2003 Civic hybrid. Peters said that although she is disappointed with the final ruling, she is glad she raised awareness that Honda is no longer the great brand it used to be.

BMW has announced that they will be recalling certain 2012 3-Series vehicles because the head restraints fail to comply with the Federal motor vehicle safety standards. According to the recall report, when the head rest is in the highest position it exceeds the downward movement limitations of 25mm. The head restraint could move down during a crash, increasing the risk of neck injuries. BMW will be notifying owners in May and will correct the problem by attaching a clamp to the front seat head restraint posts. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

Chrysler has announced that they will be recalling certain 2011-2012 Chrysler 300 and 2011-2012 Dodge Charger vehicles for electrical problems. According to Chrysler, the plastic insert surrounding the fuse for the power distribution center could distort due thermal expansion and contraction. This distortion could interrupt power to the anti-locking braking system (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) system, making them inoperable. Chrysler will fix the problem by relocating the fuse to a cooler area. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is upgrading an investigation into complaints of severe corrosion in the rear wheel wells of certain 2004 Ford Freestar and 2004 Mercury Monterey minivans. The anchor plate for the rear seats on these minivans is mounted on the rear wheel well and difficulty latching the seats is being blamed on the corrosion. There have also been complaints of the anchor mounts detaching from the vehicle completely. The upgraded investigation will include 2005-2007 Freestar and Monterey vans bought and registered in both salt belt and non salt belt states. If the investigation should lead to a recall, almost 83,000 vehicles could be affected.

“Buy Here Pay Here” (BHPH) automobile sales are under attack by a new bill that hopes to regulate business practices of these car dealerships. A recent article in the Los Angeles Times stated that 20% of all used car purchases in the U.S. are financed with BHPH deals. Many of these dealerships are known for high purchase prices, interest rates nearly triple the national average, and aggressive repossession practices. These unregulated loans are known for taking advantage of people with poor credit histories who need a car but can’t get a loan.

Senate Bill 956 contains several important protections that will prevent these dealerships from taking advantage of California consumers. The bill hopes to:

Impose regulations that requires “Buy Here Pay Here” auto dealerships to obtain a California Finance Lender license.
Limit loans to a maximum 17 ¼ % interest rate.
Give consumers an eleven day “grace period” after due payments before the vehicles can be repossessed.
Require BHPH dealers to provide written notices to their customers informing them of their legal rights.

The Bill is expected to be reviewed within the next month.

California Lemon Law Vehicle Buybacks

Chrysler Minivan Liftgate Problem

Inaccurate Reverse In Ford Transmission

Court Decision Reversed In Fuel Economy Case

BMW 3 Series Head Restraint Safety

Chrysler Brake And Stability Problem

Corrosion Affects Seating In Ford Minivans

Protection From Buy Here Pay Here Autos