(Note: Names have been omitted and some information may have been changed to protect client privacy.)

Last November our California lemon law offices were contacted by a woman concerned about transmission problems she was experiencing with her 2008 Saturn Aura XE. This particular model had been recalled a month earlier Continue reading

General Motors (GM) will be contacting owners of certain Chevrolet, Pontiac, and Saturn models equipped with four speed automatic transmissions, about a problem that could lead to the vehicles unexpectedly rolling away. According to GM, the tabs on the transmission shift cable end could fracture and separate, leaving the driver with inaccurate shift lever readings. The driver may be able to put the vehicle in park and remove the key, but the vehicle is not actually in park. The vehicle may not start and could roll away unexpectedly. GM will be notifying owners as soon as a recall schedule has been decided and dealerships will install a retainer over the cable end or replace the shift cable as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact GM at 1-800-521-7300. The vehicles involved in the recall include:

Ford is recalling certain 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and 2004-2005 Mercury Monterey minivans for a problem with the transmission that could result in a sudden loss of power. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the torque converter output shaft could fail. The recall is expected to affect over 200,000 vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the torque converter problem can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Nissan is recalling certain 2012 Versa vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions. According to the recall report filed by Nissan, because of interference between the shifter rod and the shift knob, the vehicles may be shifted out of “park” without depressing the brake pedal. If the driver should inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle could unexpectedly lurch forward increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will inspect and replace the shifter knob and/or the shifter assembly as needed. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.