California Lemon Law Blog

According to U.S. News & World Report, Ford is expanding its recall of Windstar minivans to include approximately 37,000 more vehicles. In August, the auto manufacturer recalled 575,000 1998-2003 Windstars because of corrosion on the vehicle’s rear axle that could potentially lead to cracks, and in certain circumstances, an accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has collected 891 complaints connected to the minivan, as well as eight reports of accidents and three reports of injuries.

Currently, the Ford Windstar recall affects 22 states in the U.S. as well as the District of Columbia, and Canada. As of yet, the recall does not include California, but an investigation into the problem is ongoing. Regardless of their residency, NHTSA is urging all owners of Ford Windstar minivans from model years 1998 through 2003 to immediately take their vehicle to a Ford dealership to be inspected for indications of rear axle corrosion. Dealers can replace affected parts for free.

If you own a Ford Windstar, you may contact the manufacturer at 1-866-436-7332 for more information about the recall.

If you have been experiencing an irreparable problem with your vehicle that affects its use, value, and safety, you may have a lemon law claim. Howard D. Silver is a California lemon law lawyer and has extensive experience helping consumers who have been affected by lemon vehicles. To schedule a free consultation with Mr. Silver, call 866-49-LEMON.

Approximately 7,420 vehicles are being recalled by Volvo so that a potential front passenger seat defect can be fixed. The Wall Street Journal reports that vehicles included in the recall are 2009-2011 model year S40 and S60 Sedans, 2009 through 2011 model year V50 Station Wagons, and 2010-2011 model year XC60 Crossovers.

According to the article, the possible vehicle flaw, which involves power-operated front passenger seats, may have been caused by the failure to properly install a detection system on the front seat rails. As a consequence, a passenger may be too close to the vehicle’s airbag if the seat moves forward beyond its intended limit. This can result in injury in the event of a motor vehicle collision.

Volvo states that the seat will not come off the mounting rails despite potentially moving farther forward than intended. The auto company has also announced that its dealers will examine front passenger side seat rails in affected vehicles to determine whether the “end stop” is in place and will repair vehicles as necessary. Owners of the recalled Volvo vehicles can contact the company at 800-458-1552 or customercare@volvoforlife.com.

As consumers, we expect the vehicles we purchase to meet high standards of safety. Therefore, if you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, contact California lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver at 1-866-49-LEMON to find out more about the protections provided to consumers through the California lemon law.

The Battle Creek Enquirer reports that an auto repair shop located in Battle Creek, Michigan, is currently under investigation by city, state, and federal investigators for potentially committing car repair fraud.

Boxes of paper records as well as business computers were seized after a search warrant was obtained by Battle Creek police, agents from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs Office of the Inspector General and the General Services Administration. The business had been under investigation for over a year. Investigators allege the business charged the VA for car repairs that were not necessary, and in some cases, were not done at all. The business services approximately 100 vehicles from the VA every year. Detectives involved in the case state that no arrests have been made as of yet but expect to issue formal charges once the investigation is finished.

During the investigation, two vehicles were sent to the repair shop from the VA in July. Both vehicles had previously been inspected by mechanics with the Michigan Secretary of State. According to investigators, mechanics made repairs to the vehicles that were unnecessary and it is believed the business has been deliberately defrauding the government. Investigators will determine whether the car repair fraud was also committed against private citizens.

Car repair fraud poses many inconveniences and challenges to consumers throughout the United States. If you believe you have been a victim of car repair fraud in California, contact Howard D. Silver. Mr. Silver is a California car repair fraud lawyer and can help you understand your legal rights and options. Call Mr. Silver today at 866-49-LEMON to schedule a free consultation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is launching an investigation of about 150,000 2006 Honda CR-V models for a potential defect problem and approximately 41,000 2007 Kia Optima models for a possible shifting issue. According to The Detroit News, both of the NHTSA probes were opened after three consumer complaints for each issue. The article recognizes the recently initiated investigations as examples of how federal safety regulators seem to be opening more probes, and at greater speeds, into possible vehicle safety problems than in recent years.

For the thousands of 2006 Honda CR-V models, NHTSA will examine the potential risk of master power window switch and related electrical system wiring components melting or burning. Three consumers reportedly complained of alleged fires occurring in the driver’s door which were believed to be associated with the driver’s master power window switch.

In a separate investigation of Kia Optima models, NHTSA will evaluate the potential for automatic transmission shift cables detaching from the shifter assembly, possibly resulting in the transmission gear shifter breaking. Three consumer complaints have been filed reporting alleged automatic transmission shift cable detachment and inability to engage the gears. One complaint involved a rollaway incident after the vehicle was parked.

It can be a frustrating experience owning a vehicle with a recurring problem or defect that affects use, value, or safety. If you are wondering whether your vehicle is a “lemon” and what options may be available to you, Howard D. Silver can help. As a California consumer attorney, Mr. Silver can help you evaluate your situation to determine the best course of action. Call 1-866-49-LEMON today for a free consultation.

It makes perfect sense. You want to buy the perfect gift for your loved one, or maybe for yourself. The holiday season is notorious for sparking the consumer in all of us; however, don’t act too fast in purchasing a new vehicle as a gift.

1. Look Beyond Appearances – What you see is not always what you get. A new car can appear to be perfect, but there may be certain features that you don’t really need or the vehicle may not have the features that you really want.
2. Gas Mileage – A car with poor gas mileage could end up costing you more than you need to be paying. Fuel efficient vehicles are out there, and you don’t necessarily have to pay an arm and a leg to get them.
3. Safety – When buying a new car, put safety first. You may want to research vehicle recall history to see if there have been any recurrent problems with a specific car company you are interested in buying from. It is also beneficial to learn more about crashworthiness and what vehicles may provide better protection in the event of a motor vehicle accident.
4. Reliability – While it is important for a car owner to properly take care of their vehicle and not neglect or abuse it, a vehicle should be designed and manufactured to withstand a certain amount of wear and tear. Consumers expect the vehicle they purchase to last many years, so investing time in your decision is critical. You may want to research various consumer reviews to find out if the automaker who manufactures the vehicle you are thinking of buying has had issues in the past with design flaws or manufacturing defects.

Taking the necessary time to research different vehicles is likely to only benefit you in the long run. However, no matter what a consumer does, a vehicle defect or recurring problem cannot always be anticipated. If you believe that your new car is a lemon, contact skilled California lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver to learn about your legal rights and options. Call 866-49-LEMON today for a free consultation.

Before you begin to shop for a new car, you will need to do some research. Taking the time to investigate vehicles now could end up saving you significant money in the future. There are books and magazines that compare the costs of cars, different models and options, as well as information about safety and repairs. When doing your research, consider your needs, budget, and driving habits to find the car that best suits you. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has several tips for buying a used motor vehicle that many consumers would be wise to follow.

Used cars can be purchased at various places: rental car companies, used car stores, leasing companies, or franchise or independent dealers. Used cars can also be bought online at popular sites such as Craigslist. It is also recommended that you purchase a used car from a dealer that doesn’t have any complaints filed with your state’s Attorney General or the Better Business Bureau (BBB). You should also ask your family, friends, and co-workers for any recommendations.

If you live in California and you are thinking of buying a used vehicle, it would be a good idea to read the Consumer’s Guide to Buying a Used Car in California by Howard D. Silver before visiting a used car dealership. Mr. Silver has years of experience representing people who have bought a lemon vehicle from a used car dealer. To find out how he can help you, call 866-49-LEMON today.