Tag Archives: lemon laws

Automobile Quality Drops For 2011 Models

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According to this years J.D. Power & Associates annual U.S. automobile quality study, 2011 model year automobiles have ten percent more problems than last years models. While the overall quality of vehicles has improved, consumer complaints seemed to focus on significantly redesigned cars and trucks. The Ford Motor Co. took the biggest hit, falling to 23rd from 5th place just a year ago. Most complaints, however, were about the on board MYFord Touch infotainment system offered on the 2011 Edge and Explorer crossovers. According to Dave Sargent, vice president of vehicle research at J.D. Power, Ford would have been one of the top contenders in reliability if it wasn’t for MyFord Touch. “They made the decision to be a leader in this area, leaving them in a vulnerable position.”

The top of the list was controlled by luxury automakers and foreign brands, Japanese vehicles moved up ahead this year but played it safe by not introducing too many new models to its already established line up. Lexus lead the pack with Honda close on it’s heels receiving seven segment awards. Toyota saw an impressive increase in reliability after being plagued by problematic recalls of previous years.

The top 10 most reliable auto manufacturers, based on the least number of problems reported in the first three months of operation were:

  • Lexus
  • Honda
  • Acura
  • Mercedes-Benz
  • Mazda
  • Porsche
  • Toyota
  • Infiniti
  • Cadillac
  • GMC

Ford Sync Technology Expands

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Ford has announced that they will be expanding their Sync AppLink software program to an additional ten models for the 2012 new vehicle line up, as well as significantly increasing their development team for the Sync over the next four years. Ford’s Sync infotainment system, first introduced on the 2011 Fiesta, has become popular amongst drivers who demand communication and internet mobility hands free through their smartphones. According to Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Solutions, the number of apps for the Sync has grown over 150% in the last six months and developers have shown much interest in working with Ford to develop their apps to work with Sync. It is important to develop the Sync system to keep up with the demands of the customer while allowing for easy upgrades in app development.

The Sync AppLink will be available in the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion hybrid, Fiesta, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series, Shelby GT500 and Mustang. Ford also said it will expand the availability of rear seat inflatable seat belts to three additional vehicles beginning next summer. They will now be made available on the 2012 Ford Flex as well as the Lincoln MKT and MKZ.

Children And Automobile Safety

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Auto safety group, KidsAndCars.org, are petitioning General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall vehicles built before 2001, to have internal trunk release mechanisms installed. This comes after two boys died last week after locking themselves in the trunk of a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. The incident, according to the safety group, is “eerily similar” to a case two years ago where a boy and his sister died in the trunk of the same model vehicle.

Kids And Cars first started as the Trunk Releases Urgently Needed Coalition (TRUNC), a group that focused on getting trunk release mechanisms installed in vehicles, but since then have broadened their area of concern to general safety of children. The group was the main push behind the federal regulation for glow in the dark trunk release handles inside of all vehicles built in 2002 and newer, and are currently pushing to have mandatory back up cameras installed in all new vehicles. KidsAndCars.org was the first and only organization to not only recognize the dangers, but also to begin collecting data and bring national attention to these incidents.

VW Recalls Vehicles For Tire Monitoring System

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Volkswagen is recalling certain 2012 CC model vehicles for failing to comply with the Federal motor vehicles safety standards for tire pressure monitoring. Certain vehicles that had their factory installed wheels and tires replaced with accessory wheels and tires may not have the proper tire pressure monitoring sensors (TPMS) installed. With the incorrect sensors, the driver will receive inaccurate warnings for the inflation of the tires. Improper tire pressure can lead to premature wear and eventual failure of the tires. Volkswagen will replace the sensors with the proper part for the accessory wheels. Owner wanting more information on the recall can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.

Mazda Recalls Cars For Windshield Wiper Problem

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Mazda has announced a recall that will affect over 100,000 2008-2009 Mazda 3 and Mazda Speed 3 vehicles built between January 2008 to November 2008. During assembly, the ground terminal from the windshield wiper motor may have been damaged causing an increased electrical resistance. If the resistance becomes too high or the wire should become break completely, the windshield wipers will stop working. The loss of the wiper function in poor weather could reduce the drivers visibility, increasing the risk of an accident. Dealers will rectify the problem by installing an additional ground harness to the wiper motor. Owners wanting additional information on the recall can contact the Mazda customer assistance center at 1-800-222-5500.

Porsche Recalls 911 Wheel Assemblies

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Porsche is recalling some high performance 911 vehicles, built between May 2009 to September 2010, for problems with the wheel assemblies. The recall involves some 2010-2011 911 models equipped with center locking hub and wheel assemblies. Under racing conditions, the assemblies could wear prematurely leading to wheels that could loosen increasing the risk of an accident. Porsche was notified of the problem by a German dealer sponsored racing team that found a broken center locking wheel hub on a GT3. Porsche has found two other racetrack incidents since then. Porsche will inspect and replace the central bolts and any other related components as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Porsche at 1-800-767-7243. The vehicles involved in the recall are:

Chrysler Recall 2011 Vehicles For Steering Problems

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Chrysler has announced a recall that will have over 11,000 Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep owners, bringing in their vehicles to get the steering column inspected. The recall involves some 2011 model year vehicles that may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet. The missing or incorrectly installed rivet does not affect the steering of the vehicles under normal driving conditions, but in the event of an accident, the steering column may not be able to support the load of the airbag deployment. This condition may increase the potential for injury in the event of a frontal crash. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403. The vehicles involved in this recall are:

Volvo Recalls 2012 S60 For More Fuel Issues

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Last week, Volvo recalled almost 8,000 2012 S60 sedans for issues with the fuel pump software that could lead to hesitation or stalling. Volvo has announced another recall this week for the same vehicle with the same issues, but the problem is not related to software. According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a fuel line connector was manufactured out of specification which could result in the locking function not being engaged. Drivers may notice a fuel smell or a leak, and if the line disconnects completely, the vehicle will stall. The recall will affect certain 2012 S60 vehicles built between January 18, 2011 to January 28, 2011. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Volvo at 1-201-768-7300.