Tag Archives: lemon laws

Defective Window Switch Investigation Expands

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expanding an investigation into defective power window switches in some Toyota and GM vehicles. Both investigation began in February after vehicle owners reported intermittent power windows, the smell of smoke, and in rare occasions fires. If the investigation leads to a recall, approximately 1.4 million Toyota and 342,000 GM vehicles could be involved. The vehicles under investigation includes:

  • 2007-2009 Toyota Camry
  • 2007-2009 Toyota Yaris
  • 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs
  • 2006-2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUVs

The NHTSA said that it also will evaluate other GM vehicles with the same underpinnings. They include:

  • Buick Rainier
  • GMC Envoy
  • Isuzu Ascender
  • Saab 9-7X SUVs

2012 Automobile Quality Reports

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According to the 2012 J.D. Power & Associates quality reports, released earlier this week, automobile manufacturers are producing higher quality vehicles than ever before, except when it comes to audio, entertainment, and navigation technologies. The overall quality of all automobile manufacturers increased by 5% since the 2011 quality reports, but “problems” related to the usability of the systems increased by 8%.

David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power & Associates, says that this does not mean that the quality is getting worse. “At one time, these sophisticated technologies were found only on high end vehicles. Over the past couple years, it is becoming more prevalent in mainstream automobiles. An increase in users who expect the same innovative technology found in their smartphones can quickly become dissatisfied when they can’t get it to work. Automobile manufacturers are listening to the consumers and work hard to meet their expectations but need to keep safety in mind as well. There is a learning curve for drivers to get adjusted to new features.”

This is the 26th year that J.D. Power & Associates has done their initial quality study. It not only serves as an industry benchmark for initial quality measured by the consumer, but it is also used by manufacturers to help them design and build better vehicles. Initial quality is a sign of long-term durability, which directly impacts consumer purchase decisions.

Auto Rental Companies Question Recall Pledge

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Three major car rental companies in the United States are refusing to pledge to not rent or sell vehicles with recalls on them, because the pledge does not make exceptions for minor recalls, such as updates to the user manual or door stickers. The companies say they support federal legislation to make rental vehicles safer and they have already pledged to not rent dangerous vehicles, but they feel exceptions should be made for minor recalls that don’t affect safety. Lawyers for the companies say that it is unreasonable to “ground” a vehicle for such minor recalls and a pledge to notify customers of the problem prior to renting them the vehicle should be enough.

The pledge was introduced by Senate chairman Barbara Boxer earlier this year in response to a 2004 rental vehicle accident that claimed the life of two sisters. Boxer says it is unreasonable to make exceptions because all it will do is create legal loopholes. She feel consumers should put pressure on the rental companies to support the pledge, and urges customers to avoid the companies that don’t comply until they make the commitment.

The problem of unfixed recalls continues to plague not only rental car companies, but is an issue with taxis, limousines, used car lots and privately owned vehicles as well.

Private Auto Sales And The California Lemon Law

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Some California lemon law attorneys believe that it is possible to get a privately bought automobile refunded under the California lemon law by getting the seller to “sell” their Lemon Law rights with the sale of the vehicle. The California Lemon Law states that the vehicle must be purchased from someone who is an authorized dealer in order for the laws to apply. Unless there is a legal agreement that states otherwise, a private sale is always “AS IS”.

When buying a vehicle privately, you are hoping that the seller is honest in telling you the condition of the car. Some states may require the seller to fill out an odometer statement and have the vehicle pass emissions testing, but it is beneficial to you to get the vehicle checked out by a mechanic as well. Still, there are no guarantees. This does not mean that every privately sold vehicle is going to be a lemon, because there are good ones out there, but if you do buy a “lemon”, in most cases, it is your loss. Every situation is unique and if you believe that you have a legitimate lemon law case, a consultation with a lemon law lawyer experienced in your state laws can help you decide how to proceed .

Jeep Liberty Control Arm Problem Expands

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Chrysler is expanding a recent recall on certain Liberty vehicles to include 2004-2007 Jeep Liberty models originally sold or currently registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the rear lower control arms can fracture due to excessive corrosion from road salts during winter weather. The fracture could result in loss of vehicle control and could lead to a crash. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Consumers Fail To Respond To Recalls

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After three recalls and multiple recall notices, owners of certain 1998-2003 Ford Windstar minivans continue to fail to bring in their vehicles to get their recalled rear axles replaced. The automaker had even offered to buy back the vehicles with cracked or perforated axles, but only 60% of the vans have been repaired. There has been substantial talk in the news lately about vehicles being rented and sold with unfixed recalls on them. Automobile manufacturers, rental companies, and car lots have all been working with the government to improve recall notification policies and to improve the recall process, but ultimately it is up to the consumer to take their vehicles in to their local dealerships for repairs. Recalls often seem insignificant to some consumers because of the constant bombardment of recall notices, also known as “recall fatigue”. Unfixed recalls not only affect the occupants of the vehicle, it can have dangerous repercussions to everyone on the road.

Kia Borrego Brake Problem

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Kia is recalling certain 2009 Borrego vehicles equipped with non adjustable brake pedals. The recall report states that certain pedal mounts may have a fiberglass composition that allows them to break off in a collision. If the vehicle continues to roll after the impact, the driver would only have the parking brake to stop it. Kia will be notifying owners to take their vehicles to their dealerships to have the brake pedal mount replaced. For more information on the problem, contact the Kia consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

Posted in Kia.

Kia Rio Airbag Sensor Problem

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Kia has announced a recall for certain 2006-2008 Kia Rio vehicles built between February 2005 to December 2007 for a problem with the passenger side airbag sensor. The front passenger seat occupant sensor could crack leaving the occupant classification system (OCS) inoperative. The system will not be able to detect the size of the passenger and the air bag may not deploy correctly. Kia will start notifying owners starting in July, and will correct the problem by replacing the OCS seat sensor mat. For more information about the problem, contact the Kia consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

Posted in Kia.