California Lemon Law blog – Page 209 – A blog by the Law Office of Edzant Price LLP

Disruption in the auto industry because of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan last month have been minimal so far, but the continued aftershocks and impending nuclear meltdown causing roaming power shortages is starting to take it’s toll. Shortages of vehicles built in Japan are starting to be noticed around the world, and the lack of parts is making it difficult for other auto manufacturers to run their assembly lines. Auto analysts predict that Japans auto industry may not hit it’s full manufacturing potential until late this summer. This uncertainly has suppliers, automakers and dealers scrambling.

Car buyers are already having difficulty finding models they want in certain colors, and auto plant workers are expecting they will soon be told to stay home. The complexity of the auto supply chain shows just how vulnerable the industry can be. With over 3,000 parts going into a single car or truck, one missing part means the vehicle cannot be built. Customers not only notice auto shortages, but rising prices, especially on fuel efficient hybrids as gas prices rise.

IHS Automotive predicts that one-third of daily global automotive production will be cut because of supply chain disruptions. That means about 5 million vehicles worldwide won’t be built, out of the 72 million vehicles planned for production in 2011. In the U.S., some car manufacturers are considering shifting part manufacturing operations to local companies, but stringent safety requirements and exacting high tech specifications will limit a company’s flexibility. For now car executives are allocating certain parts to build the more popular and profitable vehicles.

Scheduled to take effect in December, California lawmakers will no longer be provided with a state purchased car, but instead will be given a monthly transportation allowance of $300 a month. According to the California Citizens Compensation Commission, the group responsible for setting state officials’ salaries and benefits, this change will cut the lawmakers’ transportation costs in half, saving the state of California over $2.3 million over the next five years.

The salary for California legislators is one of the highest in the nation even after salaries and benefits were cut in 2009. The panel decided not to cut lawmakers’ salaries again but said it may revisit the issue if Governor Jerry Brown cuts paychecks for other state workers to help reduce the budget deficit.

Senate leader Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) said the move makes it harder for lawmakers to travel to and in their districts to connect with constituents. He feels the arguments for cutting legislative salaries and benefits have gone from being balanced, rational and a reflection of our economic times to simply trying to make a political point.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) began an investigation into Ford’s 2004-2006 F-150 trucks last September, which ended in a recall of about 140,000 trucks. The problem was being blamed on an improperly installed wire in the steering column that could chaff and short out. The result was an illuminated seat belt lamp and the potential that the airbag could deploy without warning.

Under pressure from the NHTSA, Ford will be expanding the recall to include almost 1.2 million 2004-2006 Ford F-150 trucks and some 2006 Lincoln Mark LT vehicles. Owners wanting more information can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Mercedes Benz has announced a recall that could affect the safety of passengers riding in the second row seating of their 2008-2011 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and 3500 vehicles. According to the recall, the safety belts in these vehicles may not lock as required and the assembly loop may not perform to minimum force requirements. During an accident, the passengers could be left unrestrained resulting in injury or death.

Mercedes Benz will inspect and replace any seat belts that have been found to be unsafe. Owners wanting more information on this recall can contact Mercedes Benz at 843-695-5000.

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With rising fuel costs, many consumers are turning to diesel vehicles for their better fuel economy. Most people who operate and maintain diesel engines are familiar with a black material seen in fuel filters or at the bottom of the tank, but many don’t realize that it is a growing “algae”. This organism inside the tank will lead to poor combustion, carbon buildup, and could end up costing the owner of the vehicle large amounts of money.

The algae is the result old fuel, and while the problem is often found in boat engines, automobiles are not immune. So what can be done to prevent the problem? There are additives you can use, but if it is not caught soon enough, it can still end up being costly to the consumer. Your best line of defense is being educated about the problem, and keeping up with regular maintenance.

Complaints of starting issues for the Nissan Leaf has prompted an investigation into the electronics of this all electric car. The problem has been traced back to the Leaf’s air conditioning unit, but it is not known if it is a defective component or a problem with the programming of the system. Because the safety of the vehicle is not affected, the decision to issue a recall will not be made until the source of the problem has been identified.

General motors has announced a recall that will have some 2011 Chevrolet Cruze owners taking their vehicles in to get their steering columns inspected. After several complaints that the steering wheel detached from the car’s steering column, General motors has narrowed down the problem to about 2,000 vehicles manufactured at one of their Ohio plants. Recalled vehicles will be inspected by dealers to ensure that the steering wheel is assembled properly. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or go to the Chevy owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

California lawmakers are one step closer to passing a bill that will force automobile rental companies to immediately pull recalled vehicles from their fleet until the problem has been fixed. Carol Houck has been fighting for this bill since 2004 when her two daughters died in a rented PT Cruiser accident caused by a recall. Assemblyman Bill Monning, who presented the bill said, “Consumers need to know that when they rent these cars, that the cars are safe. Auto dealers can’t sell or lease cars that have been recalled, and this bill would close the loophole that allows rental car companies to continue doing so.”

Rental company representatives argue that 90 percent of vehicles are repaired withing 30 days of receiving a recall notice, making the bill unnecessary. They feel that the bill targets their industry unfairly and ignores other vehicle fleets, like taxi, limousine and shuttle bus services, private companies and governments.

Auto Shortage Problems Worsen

No More State Cars For California Lawmakers

Ford F-150 Airbag Recall Expanded

Dodge Sprinter Recalled For Seat Belts

Algae Growing In Diesel Fuel Tanks

Nissan Leaf Electric Car Experiences Restart Problems

2011 Chevrolet Cruze Recalled For Steering

California Automobile Rental Recall Bill