One of our clients had recently purchased a 2010 Chevrolet Traverse which developed several issues related to the rack and pinion steering, headlamps, and climate control system. The vehicle also started leaking oil. The dealer tried unsuccessfully to repair these concerns on at least nine (9) separate occasions totaling 56 days out of service. After many weeks of frustration and inconvenience, paying for insurance, and being without his car the client researched the California lemon law on the internet, and contacted us to ask us to help him get rid of the vehicle and have it repurchased by the manufacturer.

We sent a demand to the manufacturer based on the vehicle qualifying as a lemon under the California lemon law statute and within several weeks were able to negotiate a full repurchase of the vehicle. Our client was able to recover his down payment and almost two years of monthly payments, plus get the manufacturer to pay off the balance of his loan.

If you think you’re driving a new or used car which started having substantial problems while still under the manufacturer’s new car warranty, you should contact the Law Offices of Delsack & Assoc., P.C. at 888-395-3666 or go to calemonlaw.com to determine whether we can help you get rid of your car and get your money back.

Chrysler has released a technical service bulletin (TSB) alerting Jeep dealers, owners, and employees of Jeep Death Wobble, and have issued procedures on how to repair and prevent the problem. Death Wobble has been a problem in certain 2005-2010 Jeep Wranglers since November 2010 after hundreds of drivers complained of experiencing shimmy symptoms at speeds above 45 mph, after hitting a pothole. The highest number of complaints came from owners of 2007 models.

The bulletin advises that the steering system be inspected regularly for damaged, especially if the system has not been maintained. Chrysler warns owner that the installation of aftermarket steering and suspension components or wheel and tire assembles incompatible with Jeeps is the biggest cause of steering system vibration. There has been no reported deaths related to the problem, but owners experiencing the wobble have been justified in being frightened for their safety and the safety of others on the road.

BMW is recalling certain 2011 1-Series Active E an 2012 Z4 vehicle because drivers could experience sudden loss of power steering assist. Variations in electrical currents occurring within the power steering assist system could lead to sudden loss of power steering increasing the effort needed to maneuver the vehicle. Difficulty in steering could increase the chance of the driver getting into an accident. BMW will be notifying owners starting in July and will replace the steering assistance module free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact BMW customer relations at 1-800-525-7417.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into certain Chrysler 200 vehicles after receiving 15 complaints alleging the engine stalled without warning. The vehicles investigated are the 2011 Chrysler 200 vehicles equipped with 3.6L V-6 engines. All complaints reported the vehicle stalling without warning during low speed decelerations. If the investigation leads to a recall, almost 90,000 automobiles could be involved.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has also opened an investigation into certain 2011 Ford Explorer SUVs with Electric Power Assisted Steering (EPAS ), after receiving 15 complaints of power steering loss. Owners reported power steering warning messages as the failure occurred and in some cases the problem was corrected by turning off and restarting the vehicle. There have not been any reported accidents related to the problem, but if the investigation should lead to a recall, over 80,000 vehicles could be affected. Owners with concerns about their vehicle are asked to contact their Ford dealer.

BMW has announced a recall for certain X5 and X6 crossover vehicles because of a machining error of the steering gear surface. The problem could lead to power steering leaks that could spray onto hot exhaust parts increasing the risk of an engine fire. BMW will begin notifying owners of the recall starting in July, and will inspect and replace the steering gear as necessary. The vehicles included in the recall includes:

Owners wanting more information about the defect can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

Posted in BMW.

Toyota will be recalling a small number of 2013 Lexus GS350 cars manufactured between December 12, 2011 to February 7, 21012. The Problem is with the programming for the variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) system. If the engine is restarted immediately after the vehicle has been parked and the steering wheel is turned, the steering wheel could become off centered. Off centered steering will result in an unexpected maneuver which could result in a crash. Toyota will notify owners who can take in their vehicles to have the VGRS system updated. For more information about the problem, contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Honda will be recalling over 50,000 of its 2007-2008 Acura TL sport sedans because the power steering hose could leak. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this is not the first time Honda has recalled these vehicles. In 2008 almost 275,000 2004-2008 Acura TLs owners were asked to bring in their vehicles for the same problem. High under hood temperatures are being blamed on the premature deterioration despite a design change to reduce the fluid temperatures. If the power steering hose starts to leak, the driver could experience loss of power steering assist and a potential engine fire. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.

Honda has announced that they will be recalling certain 2006 CR-V compact SUV vehicles for a problem that could lead to loss of steering. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the weld strength of the sub frame bushing collar to the passenger side front lower arm is insufficient for the vibration in that area. The collar could separate from the arm leaving the driver without steering and increasing the chance of an accident. Honda will inspect the production stamp of the passenger side front lower arm and replace affected parts as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the issue can contact Honda Customer service at 1-800-999-1009.