Ford has announced a recall for certain 2010-2011 Ford Fusion and 2010-2011 Mercury Milan vehicles equipped with 17 inch steel wheels. The recall comes after a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) investigation in January, where customers complained of cracking wheel studs on their low mileage vehicles. Ford said drivers could experience vehicle vibration leading to the wheel separating from the vehicle completely. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Auto Sales Strong In November
The end of 2011 looks promising for the auto industry as vehicle sales climb almost 14% in November. Analysts predict that lower gas prices and a wider availability of Japanese automobiles, could lead the industry reaching its highest December sales in two years. The Big Three automobile manufacturers showed the biggest increases with Chrysler sales up almost 50%, Ford up 13%, and General Motors up 7%.
According to Edmunds.com, “Many consumers who held off buying a new vehicle because of the uncertain economy, or because of inventory shortages that caused prices to jump, are now making a purchase. The result is a “mini-bubble” that will most likely end in early 2012.
Alternatives To Buy Here Pay Here Auto Sales
Studies have shown that low-income people can increase their income, are more involved in the community, and have better access to healthcare when they have their own transportation. It is also estimated that one in four needy families do not have a car. The U.S. Transportation Department plans to spend over $100 billion on roads, bridges, public transit, and rail projects, but has little money allocated to help the poor purchase a car. Some feel that the government actually made it harder with programs like “Cash For Clunkers”. The program resulted in higher priced used automobiles by removing almost 700,000 running vehicles from roads. In some states, people receiving government aid are restricted to how much they can spend on a vehicle, leaving them with an unreliable car or no car at all.
Consumers that need a car, but have bad credit, feel they have no alternative but to turn to Buy Here Pay Here dealers. These dealerships advertise themselves as providing a valuable service to consumers, as they make big profit off the misfortune of others. Prices and interest rates are high, and the chance of having your vehicle repossessed is one in four, allowing the dealership to sell vehicles over and over again.
There is about 160 nonprofit organizations nationwide that try to provide affordable used cars to needy families. Some receive public funds, but for the most part they operate on donations and can help only a small percentage of families that need it. Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04) has tried for years to get the government to help the poor buy cars. In 2005 and again in 2007, she sponsored legislation to provide $50 million a year for low-income car ownership programs. Both bills were rejected.
Nissan Rogue Power Steering Problems
Nissan is recalling certain 2011 Rogue compact crossover SUV’s built between August 10, 2010 and October 30, 2010. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a problem with the power steering assist could make it difficult for the driver to steer the vehicle. Nissan said that a circuit board may have been positioned improperly on the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist control units, leading to extra stress on the solder terminals. The solder joints could crack and the connections could separate from the board. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Honda Airbag Problems Continue
The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is pushing for a civil penalty against Honda Motor Co. for an airbag defect linked to two deaths and almost twenty injuries. The recall which now involves a total of over 2.7 million vehicles, first started in 2008, and has been expanded several times. According to the report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the airbag could deploy with too much pressure sending metal fragments that could injure occupants in the vehicle. According to the CAS, Honda failed to disclose what they knew about the recall, which resulted injuries that should have been prevented. The vehicles involved in this recall include:
- 2001-2002 Honda Accord
- 2001-2002 Honda Civic
- 2002 Honda Odyssey
- 2002-2003 Honda CR-V
- 2002-2003 Acura TL
- 2003 Acura CL Coupe
- 2003 Honda Pilot
Owners wanting more information about the recall can go to http://owners.honda.com/recalls or call (800) 999-1009; Acura owners can go to http://owners.acura.com/recalls or call (800) 382-2238.
Unexpected Brake Travel In Subaru Vehicles
Subaru is recalling some 2012 Impreza sedans and wagons, 2012 Legacy and, 2012 Outback vehicles after customers complained about the increase in the amount of brake pedal travel. According to the recall report, these vehicles may have a master brake cylinder that could malfunction, leaving the driver to misjudge the amount of brake pedal required to slow or stop the vehicle. Subaru will inspect and replace any affected master brake cylinders free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Get The California Lemon Law Working For You
Shortly after purchasing a new Hyundai Entourage in 2009, a Tulsa family started to have problems with the mini vans side door opening while they were parked or backing down the driveway. After two years, 12 repair attempts, and over 65 days in the shop, the problem still wasn’t fixed. When the company finally offered to replace the vehicle, the manufacturer no longer carried a vehicle that would work for the family. The company agreed to buy back the van under the state’s lemon laws, but the offer did not include paying off a $22,000 loan on the vehicle. The family went to 2News Problem Solvers, who contacted the manufacturer and eventually got the families money to go buy a vehicle that suited them.
The story eventually had a happy ending, and the TV station got a good story, but under the California lemon law, the problem should have been solved much sooner. Because the requirements of the lemon laws are technical, and different manufacturers may interpret their obligations differently, it is important that you contact a qualified California lemon law firm to protect your rights.
The law offices of Delsack & Associates have over 23 years of California law experience. The legal services provided by the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates are FREE in most lemon law cases. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by making only one toll free call to our offices at 888-395-3666 or completing and submitting our Lemon Law questionnaires. Find out if you qualify under California’s lemon law and Get Rid Of Your Lemon Vehicle Today!
Chevy Volt Investigated For Fire
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into General Motors electric hybrid vehicle, the Chevrolet Volt. The investigation comes after a battery fire consumed three vehicles at their test facility, two weeks after performing side impact and rollover tests. Follow-up tests to simulate the incident resulted in two out of three vehicles resulting in a thermal reaction within the battery. According to the NHTSA there have been no reports of real world crashes resulting in fire.
GM has assured customers the the Chevy Volt’s fire risk after an accident is lower than any standard gas engine vehicles. The company said that the vehicles OnStar safety system notifies the company of any crashes involving a Chevy Volt and a team is dispatched within 48 hours to drain the battery. GM has offered to buy back vehicles or offer loaner cars at the customers request. If the investigation should lead to a recall, over 6,000 Volts could be affected.
