Two Recalls For Mercedes Benz

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A recent recall on Mercedes Benz G-Class sport utility and G55 AMG model vehicles may give some off roader enthusiasts second thoughts about complying. About 2,000 2002-2009 G55 AMG models are violation federal lighting standard because of a grill guard designed to protect the headlamps while driving off road as well as about 3,500 G-class models from 2002-2010 have grills that cover the front turn signals. The fix for the recall is to remove the grills from in front of the headlamps and an improved reflector installed for the signal lights.

Mercedes will send owners notices of the recall, but neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or Mercedes can force owners who like the extra protection to carry out the fix.

Our Recent Lemon Law Settlements In California

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Here at the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, we represent our clients to the highest legal standards. In over 22 years of helping California consumers, we have successfully represented thousands of clients throughout the state in all types of lemon law cases, with all vehicle manufacturers. We are especially proud of the fact that in more than 9 out of 10 of these cases we are able to reach satisfactory settlements without litigation, making the settlements fast and stress free for our clients. The high standards we have set to represent only those clients with legitimate lemon law claims means that we do not compromise our integrity or reputation. Our goal is not to be “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 lemons:

  • 1. 2008 Chevrolet Colorado Full buy back Alta Loma, CA 26,612 miles
  • 2. 2009 Honda Accord Full buy back Burbank, CA 10,845 miles
  • 3. 2004 Jaguar 3.0 S type Full buy back Aliso Viejo, CA 35,233 miles
  • 4. 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Full buy back Concord, CA 45,500 miles
  • 5. 2006 Jeep Commander Full buy back Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 42,930 miles
  • 6. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Cash and Keep Irvine, CA 22,295 miles
  • 7. 2008 BMW 328i Full buy back Reseda, CA 30,496
  • 8. 2008 VW Passat Cash and Keep Panorama City, CA 40,869 miles
  • 9. 2005 Mercedes Benz SL 55 AMG Full buy back San Ramon, CA 40,103 miles
  • 10. 2008 Nissan Rogue Cash and Keep Whittier, CA 17,091 miles
  • 11. 2007 Land Rover Full buy back Los Angeles, CA 28,511 miles
  • 12. 2007 BMW X5 Full buy back Anaheim, CA 28,641 miles
  • 13. 2007 Toyota Tundra Full buy back Whittier, CA 19,492 miles
  • 14. 2007 Kia Rio Full buy back Santa Rosa, CA 62,825 miles
  • 15. 2007 Hyundai Vera Cruz Full buy back Upland, CA 40,111 miles

If you are in California and feel that you may have 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

Honda Recalls Vehicles In North America

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On Monday, Honda Motor Co. announced that they would be recalling more than 428,000 vehicles in the U.S. and Canada because the vehicles may roll away if parked incorrectly. The vehicles involved in this recall are 2003 and 2004 Accord, Civic, Element and some Acura 1.7 ELs.

The problem is with the ignition interlock lever, the device that stops the ignition key from being removed, when the vehicle is not in park. If the part fails, it is possible that the driver may think the car is in park when it is not.

The safety recall started with an inquiry from U.S. safety regulators in September 2008. By 2009, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration upgraded its inquiry of the potential defect for the 2002 model year Accord. In early July, Honda and NHTSA representatives met to discuss the situation and on July 29 Honda determined that it had a safety defect with the ignition switch that demanded a recall.

Toyota Posts Quarterly Profit

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Despite the bad economy and the multiple safety recalls, Toyota has posted a $2.2 billion quarterly profit, the biggest in two years. While automobile manufacturers have been struggling to make a profit, Toyota sales in North America, Japan, and other Asian countries ended up being higher than what was first forecast. Analysts say that consumers have been buying Toyota due to their sale incentives such as zero percent financing and added free options. The company has also received government incentives for green vehicles such as the Prius hybrid. Whatever it is, it has caused the company’s shares to increase two percent. With Toyota’s increased awareness of safety and recalls, the company can’t help but to come out stronger.

New Design For Gas And Brake Pedal

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Masuyuki Naruse, a Japanese inventor in southwest Japan, says he has revolutionized the brake and accelerator pedals of automobiles, to make it safer for drivers. Naruse says the side by side pedal arrangement that exists today, makes it easy for drivers to mistakenly floor the accelerator, instead of brakes, when under stressful situations. His solution? A single pedal that accelerates the vehicle when pressed with the side of the foot, and brakes when the pedal is pushed down. Mr. Naruse’s pedal has been around for two decades, but until recently, his design has not been takes seriously. About 130 cars are equipped with Mr. Naruse’s pedal, mostly owned by friends and acquaintances. He holds patents for the Naruse Pedal in Japan, the United States and six other countries.

Ririko Takeuchi, a Tokyo-based spokeswoman for Toyota, said the company could not comment on Mr. Naruse’s pedal design. But she said Toyota “listens to ideas received from the public, because we believe there’s always room for improvement.”

Volvos Sale To Geely Motors Completed

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The sale of Volvo to Chinese car maker Geely is the first time a Chinese car maker has acquired 100 percent of a foreign rival. Li Shufu, chairman of Geely Holding, said that they would push to expand market shares around the world while keeping to the characteristics that made Volvo popular. Stefan Jacoby, the former head of Volkswagen of America, was named president and chief executive and will join the board of Volvo in August to determine the strategy of the company.

Ford bought Volvo for $6 billion in 1999 as part of a global push in which it also acquired Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. Of those international luxury brands, Volvo is the last to be sold. Ford will now focuses on its core North American and European businesses. Ford, while emerging relatively healthy from the crisis during which General Motors and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy protection, is still struggling under about $27 billion in debt, and can use the funds from the Volvo sale to pay it off.

The Chinese car maker paid $1.3 billion cash and issued a $200 million note payable to Ford to complete the acquisition. Further payments are expected after an audit and final adjustments in Volvo’s value.

Vehicle Weights and Vehicle Overload

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Overloading can significantly impair the stability of a vehicle. Not only is it dangerous, but the extra weight causes excessive wear to your automobile and the roads it drives upon. In addition, overloaded vehicles are illegal, and can affect your safety and insurance coverage.

It is not difficult for a weights and standards officer to determine if a vehicle is overweight. If a vehicle is sitting low or crooked, the tires look strained or flat, or even if it seems excessively packed, the officer can stop you and weigh the vehicle using portable scales under each axle. If the weight exceeds the gross vehicle weight (GVW), a ticket will be issued, and you may be prevented from carrying on with your trip until the problem is corrected.

So how do you know what the weight capacity of your vehicle is? A vehicle specific certification/tire label is usually indicated on your DMV registration and also attached to the rear edge of the driver’s door. The label will show the ‘Gross Vehicle Weight Rating’ (GVWR), which includes the weight of the vehicle, occupants, fuel, and cargo. This label will also tell you the maximum weights for the front and rear axles. Other weight information that is good to know when loading a vehicle is the ‘Curb Weight’. This is the actual weight of the vehicle with standard equipment and all necessary operating fluids, including a full gas tank. It does not include passengers or cargo. You should be able to find this in your owners manual, or online auto sources. Keep in mind that the weights include ‘standard equipment’ only and weight for additional equipment should be added.

Remember, the loading of the vehicle is the driver’s responsibility. Ensuring that tire pressure, load distribution, and total weight of the vehicle is within specifications will help to make your trip safe and trouble free.

Toyota Recall For Steering System Problems

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Toyota announced Thursday that they will be recalling 373,000, 2000-2004 Avalon sedans as well as 39,000 2003-2007 Lexus LX470 SUVs for two unrelated steering system defects.

The defect in the Avalon Sedan is being blamed on an improper casting in a component of the steering lock system. If the steering is turned hard to the right, the component may break, resulting in the steering locking up. There have been six reports of the problem in the U.S. Three resulting in accidents with no injuries.

In the Lexus LX479 SUV, the snap ring on the steering shaft may disengage when the vehicle experiences an impact to the front wheel, such as hitting a pothole. Over time, this may cause the steering shaft to disengage. Toyota was not aware of any accidents resulting from the Lexus steering-shaft problem.

In announcing the latest recall, Steve St. Angelo, Toyota’s chief quality officer for North America, said the automaker was “continuing to work diligently to address safety issues wherever they arise and to strengthen our global quality assurance operations so that Toyota owners can be confident in the safety of their vehicles.”