Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) are recommended repair procedures issued by a manufacturer alerting dealers to potential non-safety related defects affecting a vehicle’s performance or life. They help repair technicians diagnose and repair a problem, specifying tools, techniques, and required parts. They can also alert dealers to issues, such as changes in tire pressure or lubricants, repair procedures, and maintenance requirements. TSBs are not recalls and do not entitle customers to free repairs, but some bulletins indicate when the manufacturer is extending warranty coverage for a specific problem. Knowing about TSBs issued for your vehicle can help you save money by alerting you of problems with a car you own or plan to buy. In some cases, they also can expose an early hint of a potential safety problem or the risk of an expensive future problem. Depending on the issue, some bulletins may be difficult to understand for anyone unfamiliar with car repair.

In the above video, Channel 2 consumer adviser Clark Howard warns that not every notice is legitimate and should be looked into thoroughly.

A month after purchasing a 2014 GMC Acadia, the owner of the SUV found himself returning to the dealership for repairs. He subsequently had to take the vehicle in four more times to try and repair a loss of power, Stabili Trak and ABS light problems, and severe vibrations. These defects resulted in the vehicle being towed in on several occasions. At this point he was concerned about the safety of his family and decided to call the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. Continue reading

The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were contacted by the owner of a 2012 Ford Fiesta experiencing repeated problems. Our client had purchased the Fiesta in September 2011 and was experiencing safety related problems with the transmission. The vehicle was difficult to shift, would shutter, and often slip out of gear while driving. After giving her Ford dealership four (4) opportunities to repair the problems she decided to contact us for advice. Continue reading

The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were recently contacted by the owner of a 2013 Audi Coupe, who was looking for advice about his defective vehicle. He said he was experiencing problems with the engine and transmission which caused the vehicle to accelerate poorly, hesitate, and surge under normal driving conditions. The vehicle also had a defective suspension which required repeated repairs to the rear differential. His dealership verified that the vehicle was undriveable, but they were unable to offer any solutions. Continue reading

After leasing his 2013 Fiat 500 Electric in January 2014, the owner began experiencing repeated problems with his car. He had been taking the vehicle back in since February 2015 and had given his Fiat Chrysler (FCA) dealership five chances to try and repair his Fiat. His 500E had been out of service for over 32 days within the first 18,000 miles and the problems were still not fixed. Continue reading

The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were contacted by the owner of a 2012 Mercedes Benz SLK250 who was experiencing problems with his vehicles engine, driver’s seat, command system, and navigation system. He had already given a manufacturer approved repair facility six (6) opportunities to fix the defects, but the problems would always return. He suspected his vehicle may be a lemon and contacted us for advice and to retain our firm. Continue reading

The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were approached by the owner of a 2010 GMC Acadia who was currently on active military duty in California. He was uncertain whether his vehicle qualified as a lemon because it had been purchased in another state. We explained that the California Lemon Law was expanded in January 2008. It allows military service personnel who have purchased a vehicle outside of California to be protected under the California lemon law if on active duty in the state. Continue reading

Six months after purchasing a new 2012 Nissan Versa, the owner was returning to her dealership for repairs. The car was experiencing repeated problems with the HVAC system including a defective AC evaporator, compressor, and condenser; as well as defective driver and passenger seats. The vehicle had been out of service for over 54 days and the problems were still not fixed. After trying unsuccessfully to have these defects repaired until May 8, 2014, our client contacted the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates., P.C. to represent her in her demand to repurchase the vehicle under the California Lemon Law. Continue reading