Maserati has determined that certain 2017 Maserati Levante vehicles may have been manufactured with and engine software issue that could affect performance. According to the defect report, if the vehicle is being operated at speeds of approximately 2 miles per hour, the transmission could unexpectedly shift into neutral or the engine could shut down completely.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the engine control software updated. For more information, owners may contact Maserati customer service at 1-201-816-2638. Maserati’s number for this recall is 338 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-936.

Certain 2016 Hyundai Tucson vehicles equipped with a 7-speed EcoShift dual clutch transmissions could experience unexpected loss of engine power. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, during higher ambient temperatures and specific operating conditions, the transmission clutch could experience a delay in engagement. If the driver presses the accelerator pedal steadily for approximately 1.5 to 2 seconds, the vehicle will begin to accelerate normally, however, if the accelerator pedal is repeatedly cycled, the vehicle will not move. Continue reading

Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) will be contacting the owners of certain Chrysler, Dodge, and RAM minivans, regarding a problem that could affect the transmissions in their vehicles. Dimensional variances in the transmission pump rotor pocket could result in seized and broken rotors. If this happens, the transmission will lose hydraulic pressure and the vehicle may lose power.

The vehicles affected include:

Continue reading

Mitsubishi will be contacting the owners of certain 2015 Outlander Sports vehicles, about a problem affecting the power train system. The hose clamps on the continuously variable transmission (CVT) may not have been released during the assembly process and could disconnect and drain fluid. While the subject transmission hoses are not located near the exhaust manifold or the battery, transmission fluid in the presence of an ignition source could present a fire hazard. Drivers will be alerted to a problem through an illuminated warning indicator and/ or the vehicle may begin to vibrate slightly. Continue reading

Mercedes Benz will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 SLK300 roadster vehicles equipped with nine-speed automatic transmissions, about an electrical problem that could affect the transmission and parking brake. According to the defect report, the backup power supply for the ignition switch may have not been properly connected. If the vehicle experiences a loss of power from the main battery, the transmission will not shift into “Park” and the electric parking brake cannot be applied. Without the backup power supply, the only way to keep the vehicle from moving is to press the brake pedal. Drivers attempting to exit the vehicle in this situation should take precaution as the vehicle could roll. Continue reading

Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain 2013-2014 Scion FR-S cars about an electrical problem that could affect vehicle safety. These automobiles are equipped with automatic transmissions and key ignitions. Push button start FR-S’s are not included.

The automatic transmission key interlock system used to stop the key from being removed while in “park” was disconnected to prevent damage during transport and may not have been re-connected during the pre delivery service check at the dealer. If not connected, it is possible for the ignition key could be removed in gear selection controls other than “Park”. These vehicles do not meet the requirements of S5.2 of FMVSS 114 and could unexpectedly roll away. Continue reading

Certain 2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles may fail to comply with the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for “Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention”. According to reports, a routine vehicle inspection found a quality issue with certain transmission shift selector knob parts. The problem could result in the shift selector being moved out of the “Park” position while the brake pedal is not depressed. The vehicle could unexpectedly roll, increasing the risk of a crash. Continue reading

After repeated complaints to his dealership and eight (8) unsuccessful repair attempts on his 2010 Nissan Altima, the owner contacted our California lemon law offices for advice. He told us he suspected his transmission was defective as it would whine and slip, and metal shavings were found in the transmission fluid. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) tans-axle and oil cooler had been replaced and the vehicle would often refuse to accelerate under normal operating conditions. Continue reading