California Lemon Law Blog

Japan-based Mazda Motor Corporation has recalled 52,390 Tribute compact sports utility vehicles in coordination with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to the recall report, the vehicles’ master brake cylinder reservoir could leak fluid, which can drip onto and corrode the anti-lock braking system module’s wire harness and cause melting, smoking, and possibly fire, much like a recent Ford vehicle recall due to the same problem.

The affected vehicles are Mazda Tributes from the 2001 and 2002 model years. Owners can find out if their car is covered by the recall by looking at the vehicle build date inside the driver-side doorjamb. Mazda is currently in the process of informing owners about the recall and their dealers will fix the problem at no cost to consumers. Until then, Mazda urges owners to park their vehicles outdoors.

This type of defect can seriously affect the vehicles’ safety, value or use, and can lead to a serious accident. If any of the affected vehicles require multiple repair attempts to fix the problem, or are out of service for a minimum of 30 days for the problem, it may qualify as a lemon.

Southern California consumers who claim their vehicle is a lemon may be entitled to their money back or a new car. However, the process is not easy and manufacturers may be difficult to deal with. If you believe your car is a lemon, Riverside lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver can help. Call the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver today for more information at (866) 49-LEMON.

Ford Motor Co. has issued recalls for several vehicle models and makes totaling over 450,000 cars for defects affecting transmissions and brakes. The recalls were announced through the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the Ford Freestar, Mercury Monterey, and Ford Escape.

While a total of 450,000 Ford vehicles have been recalled, the number actually comes from two separate recalls announced on the same day that focus on different problems. First, 244,530 Ford Escapes from the 2001 and 2002 model years have been recalled due to brake fluid leakage in the brake master cylinder reservoir cap. The liquid could come in contact with the anti-lock brake system wiring harness connector, causing melting, smoking, and possibly fire. Beginning the week of January 23, dealers will replace the cap and modify the electrical system.

The second recall covers 205,896 total Ford vehicles, including 2004-2005 model year Ford Freestars and 2004-2005 Mercury Montereys. The problem is due to the possibility that torque converters may fail without warning, causing a sudden loss of motive power and possibly resulting in a crash. Ford has announced that it will notify owners and replace the torque converters during the second quarter of the year.

Vehicle part failure is always a cause for concern, as the effects of such a failure can affect the use, value, or safety of a vehicle. When multiple repair attempts are needed to fix an inherent flaw with a vehicle, owners may be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund of their money.

Los Angeles lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver can help you with your lemon vehicle. Call (866) 49-LEMON for a consultation on your case today.

Automaker General Motors (GM) has issued a recall through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for 4,296 2012 Chevrolet Sonic Vehicles reaching in the United States and 577 in Canada. The recall is due to brake pads missing from some of the vehicles, putting drivers at a greater risk of an accident due to decreased brake performance.

The problem is believed to have stemmed from brake pads falling off vehicles before they were assembled and during shipment to one of GM’s assembly plants. Affected vehicles could be missing the inner or outer front pad. GM believes that pads are missing in 20 to 30 of the total recalled vehicles, but is recalling the entire line to ensure all vehicles with missing brake pads are taken care of.

According to the NHTSA, the affected vehicles are 2012 Chevrolet Sonics manufactured from June 2, 2011 through November 21, 2011. GM will be notifying owners and is expected to begin the recall this month, when dealers will inspect the front brakes for missing pads and install new pads, a new brake caliper, and a new rotor free of charge.

Vehicle defects such as this one can negatively affect the value, use, and safety of a car. When such problems persist despite repeated repair attempts, a vehicle may qualify as a lemon. If your new vehicle is a lemon, Howard D. Silver, the Southern California new car lemon law attorney, can help you receive compensation for your losses. Call (866) 49-LEMON today for a free consultation.

Now that 2011 has come to a close, final numbers have come out detailing the total amount of vehicles and vehicle parts voluntarily recalled in the United States by auto manufacturers in conjunction with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to Inautonews.com, there were 593 vehicle recall campaigns in the U.S. in 2011, resulting in roughly 15.5 million vehicles being subjected to some form of recall.

While 15.5 million vehicles is a large number, it is a big decrease from 2010, in where 20.1 million vehicles were recalled. Honda recalled the largest amount of vehicles in 2011, with 3.9 million in the U.S. including the company’s December recall of over 876,000 vehicles due to airbag problems.

While a recall can fix a car with one visit to the dealer, there are many vehicles that require multiple repair attempts to fix a problem.

If your vehicle cannot be repaired after multiple attempts you may have a lemon. If that happens, contact Southern California lemon law attorney, Howard D. Silver who can help you obtain the relief you are entitled to. For a free consultation about your case, contact the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver today at (866) 49-LEMON.

Ford Motor Co., in conjunction with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has recalled 128,616 vehicles due to a wheel studs fracturing problem, potentially leading to any of the four wheels of the car falling off. The recall includes 2010 and 2011 Ford Fusions and Mercury Milans that have 17 inch steel wheels and were built in April 2009 or December 1, 2009 through November 13, 2010.

Inspection of the vehicles has found that while driving, multiple stud fractures at the wheels can occur. When this happens, drivers may feel the vehicle begin to vibrate and the affected wheel may separate from the car. The loss of a wheel can increase the risk of an accident and lead to immediate loss of control of the car. Ford says the problem may be caused by incorrectly built rear brake discs or wheel mounting pads.

By the end of September 2011, Ford had found six incidents of wheels falling off one of the affected cars because of the problem, according to Reuters. Ford will begin the vehicle recalls around January 24, 2012 and will notify owners accordingly. Consumers can bring their cars to dealers for the repair. Dealers will inspect the rear disc brake and replace if necessary. They will also replace all lug nuts found on all four wheels of the vehicles.

A vehicle defect such as this one can affect the use, value and safety of the car, leaving its owner with a lemon vehicle. When these problems persist and require multiple repair attempts, the owner may be entitled to their money back or a new car. Orange County lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver can help you if you have been affected by a lemon. For a free consultation about your case, call the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver today at (866) 49-LEMON.

While absent from the recall news over the past few weeks, the Japanese auto titan Toyota Motor Corporation recently re-entered with a large recall for vehicles in the U.S. and abroad for possible control problems. Toyota announced the recall in conjunction with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) for 550,000 total cars, with 440,200 here in the domestic market.

The manufacturing flaw at issue involves the crankshaft pulley on vehicles with V6 engines. This affects 137,000 Lexus models (made under the Toyota umbrella) and 283,200 Toyotas. If not repaired, the outside cylinder on the crankshaft can become dislodged from the inner one, creating noise or triggering a caution light. In addition, the power steering pump’s belt can become disconnected from the pulley, which may result in sudden steering and control problems associated with the driver’s wheel.

The recall includes Toyota Camrys, Highlanders, Siennas, and Solaras from 2004-2005, Avalons from 2004, and the Highlander HVs from 2006. The Lexus cars included in the recall are the ES 330 and RX 330 from 2004-2006, and the RX 400h from 2006 according to the release. Consumers with these models are instructed to contact their dealer for more information and an inspection of potential problems.

As of mid-November 2011, Toyota claimed there have been no reports of crashes or injuries due to this problem. The Japanese carmaker has recalled over 13 million vehicles in the United States since the fall of 2009 and currently faces hundreds of lawsuits regarding manufacturing and safety flaws.

If you think your vehicle is a lemon contact Southern California lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver at (866) 49-LEMON for a free review of your situation.

Recalls for the end of November 2011 involved a mixed bag of car models, Lotus, General Motors, Nissan, and Ford. The manufacturing flaws that prompted the recalls included lighting system malfunctions, airbag failure, fuel leaks, and power windows, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

General Motors recalled 2012 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana models due to potential duel stage airbag malfunctions. According to NHSTA, the bags do not inflate properly during serious front side impacts and increase the likelihood of injury in a crash. GM recalled 1,798 vans for this issue.

Nissan recalled Infiniti G37 and 370Z models from 2011 and 2012 as a result of power window function issues. An error in programming may result in a safety feature malfunction that can cause pinching injuries if body parts are caught in an automatically closing window. The recall involves 1,788 cars, according to NHSTA.

The smaller two recalls were for luxury sports car Lotus and America’s old standby, Ford. For Lotus, the company is calling back 52 specific models of its 2011 Elise due to a possible issue with turn signals. Lotus said the recalled cars were equipped with insufficient lighting systems that may result in a malfunctioning, erratic flashing of the signals when the hazard lights are engaged. The company also claimed the issue can result in problems with the cars’ outside lights.

For Ford, a problem was identified with leaks in substitute fuel tanks installed in some E Series full sized vans. For 2004 to 2008 model year vans, the tanks have a hole that may not be adequately sealed and could present a fire hazard in the event of a leak. Seventeen vans were part of this recall.

All vehicle recalls, big and small, can pose serious safety and damage ramifications, which must be properly addressed by the manufacturer. If you think your vehicle is a lemon, contact Southern California lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver at (866) 49-LEMON for a free review of your situation.

While foreign automakers have been active in recall news recently, this week saw two domestic car giants recall cars. The larger recall was by General Motors for Pontiac G8 model cars. The second recall was by Chrysler for a flaw in their popular Jeep line. Both models were recalled for problems with air bag function, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

For General Motors, approximately 38,444 of the Pontiac G8 models were recalled due to a potential air bag deployment malfunction that could raise the chance of head trauma in the event of a crash. Cars involved were manufactured between November 2007 and January 2009. During the peak of the 2009 financial meltdown, General Motors notified consumers that it was shutting down the Pontiac line. The last models were made in 2009 and were phased out completely from GM franchises by the end of 2010.

For Chrysler, the company recalled approximately 5,334 vehicles from its Jeep Wrangler line. The cars were made from February 2007 to October 2011 and have problems driver’s side air bag deployment, posing an increased risk of injury to the consumer in the case of an accident.

If you think your car is a lemon, or has manufacturing flaws that the carmaker can’t fix, contact California lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver at (866) 49-LEMON for a complimentary consultation.

In a European edition of recall roundup this week, we spotlight recalls from Volvo, Lotus, and Rolls Royce for problems ranging from tire labeling to potential fires.

Swedish auto maker Volvo recalled the most vehicles, with just under 20,000, ranging from 2005 to 2012, for a labeling mistake relating to tire pressure levels. The company claimed spare tires and kits on the recalled vehicles were installed without the proper inflation and pressure information on the tires, which could lead to owner misinformation, improper care, and potential tire breakdowns. Federal law mandates that up to date tire pressure instructions be provided by manufacturers on tire labels. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) listed the 19,600 recalled models as C70 convertibles (2005-2011) and S60 sedans (2011-2012).

The other two brands, both luxury cars from Britain, involved fewer vehicles. Lotus, the sporty brand from Britain, recalled 5,037 of their Elise and Exige (2005-2006) vehicles in the United States due to potentially faulty oil cooler connections that may come loose and cause oil to spout or malfunction, increasing the chance of an accident or fire. Rolls Royce recalled 2010 model Ghost sedans for a potential problem with over-heating in their cooling apparatus. The recall included 589 vehicles built with turbocharged engines made from fall 2009 to fall 2010. According to the company and NHTSA, the problem was caused by a circuit board that can generate too much heat and potentially result in engine fires. 589 vehicles may not seem like a lot in comparison to other recalls, however, the Rolls Royce Ghost sells for around $250,000.

If you believe your vehicle may be a lemon, contact the California lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver at (866) 49-LEMON for a free consultation.

Two vehicle recalls were announced in the past week for Chevrolet and GMC vehicles in the U.S. and Jaguars in Great Britain.

General Motors recalled almost 34,000 of its GMC Terrain and Chevrolet Equinox models due to a tire system problem that violates federal safety regulations. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) on the vehicles is supposed to turn on a warning light in the console when tire pressure is 25 percent under the cold pressure standard. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the TPMS in these models fail to light up properly to alert the consumer about tire problems.

Tires that are not properly inflated are hazardous, as they are prone to overheating and potential blowouts. The NHTSA noted that tires that are under-inflated can also cause early or faulty wear, steering issues, and bad fuel mileage. The recalled cars are from the 2012 model year and were assembled between July 18th and September 6, 2011.

Across the pond in Britain, Jaguar recalled around 18,000 vehicles due to a cruise control problem. The recall involves diesel engine models in the X Type line made between 2006 and 2010. Jaguar received reports that in certain situations the cruise control function cannot be stopped in the proper way. India’s powerhouse carmaker Tata Motors bought Jaguar from Ford in 2008 for $2.3 billion.

Oftentimes, it’s reports from consumers which prompt car recalls and enhance safety for all drivers on the road. If you think your car has manufacturing problems or is a lemon, call lemon law attorney in CA, Howard D. Silver, at (866) 49-LEMON for a complimentary consultation today.

Anyone who regularly reads this blog is familiar with car recalls, as they are written about on a frequent basis. But, knowing that your car has a problem resulting in a recall can be easier to miss than you might think. Also, if you’re not the car’s original owner, how do you know if there’s ever been a recall in a vehicle’s past that predates your ownership or knowledge? The most recent issue of Westways, published by the AAA Automobile Club, has an article on how consumers can efficiently learn about recalls.

Since NHTSA started enforcing safety regulations, there have been over 390 million recalls. Approximately 600 different model cars are called back annually (averaging out to well over one per day). Recalls can involve a wide variety of problems, from major safety issues that can result in fires or accidents to cosmetic defects.

Although for vehicles over 10 years old, carmakers and dealers are not required to perform free recall repairs, they are obligated to make this information available to the public. Regardless of whether your vehicle is used or new, a dealer can search for recalls in an official database by using the car’s vehicle identification number (VIN).

Many automakers will mail recall notices to owners via current registration records. However, it’s not advisable to wait for action from their end. You can call the car company’s customer service number and ask for information on the particular model car. Or, you can search the NHSTSA website yourself, which has extensive information available to the public.

If you think your car is a lemon, or has manufacturing problems the carmaker is not addressing, contact Palmdale lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver at (866) 49-LEMON for a complimentary consultation.

Following a large recall earlier in the month by Volkswagen for more than 160,000 of its clean diesel vehicles for a fuel leak, another German car giant is recalling clean diesel cars for a similar reason.

This time it’s luxury carmaker Mercedes Benz, who is recalling 6,872 of its clean diesel vehicles due to a manufacturing flaw in fuel filter seals. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the faulty fuel system may leak onto roadways possibly causing accidents, or if there is a combustion source, a fire.

Recalled vehicles include diesel versions of the 2011 Mercedes Benz E, GL, ML and R Class vehicles and 2012 S Class cars. The recall is in addition to 2,297 2011 E-Class Wagons being recalled for the same reason.

If your car has a problem that can’t be fixed after a reasonable number of repair attempts, you may have purchased a lemon vehicle. To find out about your legal rights and options as a consumer, contact California lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver at 1-866-49-LEMON for a complimentary consultation. Mr. Silver is a consumer advocate dedicated to helping his clients obtain the vehicle replacement or refund they deserve.

During the second week in October, certain Hyundai, Kia and Chevrolet vehicles were recalled by their manufacturers.

For Hyundai and Kia, the recalls were for a part supplied by an outside manufacturer. Curt Manufacturing, who provided the wiring harness for the trailers on certain Hyundai Veracruz and Kia Sorento models from 2009 to 2011, recalled that part for 2,398 vehicles, according to a release by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA). The Curt wiring system (marked with the identification number 56024) is used to link the electrical parts with the trailer’s lighting part. The recalled system, according to the company, is not water tight and may allow liquid to enter and damage the inner circuits, which can result in overheating and possibly fires.

On the U.S. front, Chevy called back approximately 6,000 models of its American Classic Corvette due to a problem with the back hinges. General Motors determined that the issue may permit the rear hatch to come loose in the event of an accident. Most of these recalls were from 2011 and 2012 models sold in the United States, while some were sold in Canada as well.

In all cases, consumers are instructed to contact the companies directly for more information. Car recalls take significant time to reach the full consumer base, and many may not know of a particular issue until a problem occurs.

If your vehicle is still broken after a reasonable number of repair attempts contact Santa Monica lemon law lawyer Howard D. Silver at 1-866-49-LEMON today. As a consumer advocate, Mr. Silver can explain your legal rights and options.

October started shaky for German automotive titan Volkswagen (VW), who recalled 168,275 VW and Audi (whose under the VW manufacturing umbrella) vehicles during the first week of the month. The recall was due to a faulty part in the fuel injection structure that may be prone to fuel leaks, which in turn can cause fires, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The VW models affected are 2009 - 2012 Jettas , 2010 - 2012 Golfs and 2010 – 2012 Audi A3s. All of the recalled vehicles are equipped with a 2.0 liter diesel engine (about 20 percent of VW cars in the U.S. have diesel engines, according to the company). The diesel engines can harbor cracking caused by vibration in the fuel injection system that may lead to fires, according to NHSTA. Records show that the federal agency started looking into the issue in March of 2010.

VW told NHTSA that it is not aware of any fires, crashes, or injuries resulting from the defect. The company is instructing customers to contact its customer service department, which will schedule and provide a free repair of the problem.

If you believe your car has significant problems that cannot be fixed, contact Los Angeles lemon car lawyer Howard D. Silver. Call 1-866-49-LEMON for a free consultation today.

Following two earlier recalls that we wrote about earlier this month, German car giant BMW is once again in the news for another recall according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

According to the NHSTA, unlike the previous recalls that totaled almost 250,000 cars, BMW is recalling a comparatively lesser amount of 328i (all wheel drive vehicles) and 335i (sport sedans) from 2011 due to a potential hazard involving the front drive shaft bolts. The approximately 190 cars included in the recall were made from February 8 to July 29, 2011.

The company told the NHTSA it determined the bolts were loose on the vehicles in question while they were being built at the plant. The cause was an alleged glitch in the assembly process. The NHTSA said that the issue, if left unattended, could at the very least cause rattling in the vehicle’s front area. In a worst case scenario, the loose bolts might cause the drive shaft to become disengaged from the front wheels, resulting in a breakdown or wreck. The NHTSA and BMW are instructing consumers to stop using the vehicles immediately and contact the company directly for free repair instructions.

Regardless of the size of an automobile recall, when it comes to consumer safety, the proper precautions must be taken. If your car has a safety defect that has cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, contact Southern California lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver for a complimentary case review. Call 1-866-49-LEMON to speak with Howard today.

BMW isn’t the only foreign auto company struggling with large recalls lately. In the first week of September, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced another recall, this time from major Japanese car manufacturer Honda.

Honda recalled 310,773 Pilot SUV vehicles made between 2009 and 2011 due to a seat belt stitching defect. The defect can cause the seat belt to come loose and in an accident, fail to protect against injury.

If you believe your car has defective parts resulting from manufacturing errors or cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, contact Los Angeles lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver at 1-866-49-LEMON to learn more about your rights as a consumer.

Hyundai and Kia, (Kia is under the Japanese car giant’s umbrella), in conjunction with National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) direction, announced the recall of vehicles due to airbag malfunction.

One of the recalls, for approximately 10,600 Kia Sorento 2007-8 SUVs, was almost two years in the making. NHTSA began its investigation by looking at passenger airbags that became deactivated with an adult sitting in the seat (as a safety feature, it’s supposed to deactivate when a child sits there). At first, Kia told NHTSA that the bag functioned correctly as long as occupants were seated properly in the chair. But after further agency pressure, including a review by a defection safety panel (somewhat uncommon unless a company is fighting a recall), the carmaker complied.

The second airbag recall was for 205,000 units of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Veracruz models from 2007 and 2008. In this instance, the carmaker stated that a spring part for the airbag apparatus may erode, which may stop the bag from releasing. According to the company, no injuries have been reported, but it has received almost 8,000 reports from consumers stating that the warning light went on.

Do you believe your car has an irreparable problem effecting its use, value and safety? If so, you may have a lemon vehicle. Contact Southern California lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver for a free consultation. Call 1-866-49-LEMON today.

This story proves that consumer feedback can indeed make a big difference. What started with a Texas man’s tip to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) regarding faulty brake lights, rear tail lamps, and turn signals on his BMW sedan escalated into a full blown investigation, resulting in the company recalling 241,000 of their 3 Series models from 2002-2005 in the United States and Canada.

After becoming frustrated communicating with BMW, and their alleged neglect of the problem, the man filed a claim with the NHTSA requesting that they examine back light failures on cars like his 2002 330i. He claimed that the wiring mechanism and its connector were prone to overheating and that the company knew about the problem but refused to assist owners, according to the The New York Times Wheels blog.

If you have a problem with your vehicle that cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts, contact California lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver at 1-866-49-LEMON to learn more about your rights.

Forbes reports that Toyota has issued a recall of over 81,000 Toyota and Lexus hybrid vehicles due to an electrical problem that leads to a blown fuse.

Approximately 45,500 Highlander Hybrids and 36,700 Lexus RX 400h vehicles from 2006 and 2007 model years are being recalled because the hybrid system’s Intelligent Power Module may not have been properly put together. Transistors that are not correctly soldered on control boards may heat up, and the power supply fuse could blow, shutting down the hybrid system and cause the vehicle to coast to a stop. According to the automaker, in less serious cases, warning lamps may light up and vehicles may switch to fail-safe driving mode, resulting in reduced power. When this occurs, the vehicles may only be driven for short distances.

As of yet, Toyota does not have the parts needed to repair the affected vehicles. When parts are available, owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for a free inspection and repairs, if needed. The recall is expected to begin in mid-July. Vehicle owners can check their vehicle identification number (VIN) with Toyota’s database at http://www.toyota.com/owners/sscinfo to find whether their vehicle is being recalled.

Consumers expect automakers to manufacture vehicles that are free of defects and safe for them to use. Unfortunately, that is not always the case, and if a defect impairs a vehicle’s use, value, or safety, it may be a lemon. Howard D. Silver is a Southern California automobile lemon law attorney who has been protecting the rights of consumers since 1987. Call 1-866-49-LEMON to have Mr. Silver get started on protecting your rights today.

According to a recent Associated Press article, a new study conducted by the Government Accountability Office found that used car dealers could be selling vehicles that have been recalled, but not repaired, since manufacturers do not send them the recall notices that franchised dealers receive. Also, even if franchised dealers or used car sellers are aware of a recall, they are not required to notify potential purchasers or make repairs before the sale of a vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also does not have the authority to demand that dealers warn buyers or make repairs, or to require vehicle manufacturers to notify used car dealers of recalls.

The study found that the situation poses a serious risk to millions of consumers who buy a defective vehicle. In 2009, over 35 million used vehicles were sold, including 11 million sold by used car dealers. There is also a negative impact on recall completion rates. It is estimated by NHTSA that about 70 percent of repairs are done within 18 months after a recall is issued, but only around 65 percent from 2000 to 2008.

Part of the problem is that there is not a database that used car dealers can check using the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to find out whether recall-related repairs for the vehicle have been made. The study recommends that NHTSA make its vehicle recall database searchable with VIN numbers, and proposes that Congress give the agency the power to make sure potential car buyers are informed of a recall before buying the car.

For now, it is recommended that consumers check with automakers directly or search the NHTSA website SaferCar.gov to check if there is a pending recall notice for a particular vehicle model. However, since the website is not able to be searched by VIN number, it is not possible for a used car owner to see whether their particular vehicle has had repairs done.

Attorney Howard D. Silver has been protecting the rights of California consumers for over 20 years. To learn how Mr. Silver can help you, call 1-866-49-LEMON.

On Friday, November 5, a recall affecting approximately 2,300 Mercedes-Benz sedans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) was issued by Daimler AG, according to ABC News. A German car corporation, Daimler AG is the world’s 13th largest manufacturer of cars as well as the 2nd largest truck manufacturer.

The recall was issued in response to faulty fuel filters that have the potential to leak diesel fuel. According to the manufacturer, a lack of lubrication within the engine of the diesel vehicle could potentially cause the fuel filters to leak onto roads and highways. According to Rob Moran, the spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz USA, no injuries related to the recalled vehicles have been reported to the manufacturer.

The recall affects some 2011 GL, M, and R Class SUVs as well as 2011 E Class sedans. All vehicles affected by the recall were produced between November 2009 and October 2010.

Mercedes-Benz stated that owners of recalled vehicles will be notified shortly, and that dealerships will replace the defective fuel filters free of charge.

This year has seen a number of large motor vehicle recalls, including GM, Subaru, Cadillac, Volkswagen, Lexus and Toyota. For the Toyota recall, over 10 million Toyota motor vehicles between 2009 and 2010 were affected.

It is the duty of car manufacturers to produce motor vehicles that are safe for consumers to operate and are free of defects. If your car requires multiple repairs, it may be a lemon. Under California new and used car lemon law, you may be able to receive a full refund for your lemon vehicle or a new car.

An experienced California lemon law attorney, Howard D. Silver offers free consultations for those affected by vehicle recalls, car fraud, and lemon vehicles. Call Mr. Silver today at 866-49-LEMON to find out how he can protect your rights as a consumer.

Vehicle safety should be one of the most important points on an auto manufacturer’s agenda. But that’s not all—it should be a major concern for rental car companies as well. At the forefront of current issues surrounding recalled vehicles is the debate as to whether the rental car industry should adhere to stricter rules limiting the use and monitoring of recalled cars.

According to a recent Washington Post article, the Center for Auto Safety and the Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety asked the Federal Trade Commission to require Enterprise Holdings (the largest rental company in the U.S. made up of Enterprise, National and Alamo) to alter its policies and remove recalled vehicles from their rental fleets until they are properly fixed. The two groups argue that rental car companies throughout the United States fail to repair vehicles in a timely fashion as a way to save money. The question stands as to why the rental car industry should not have to fix vehicles under recall notice before renting them to customers in the same way that dealers fix recalled vehicles before they can be sold.

The potential safety threat is presented when rental car company customers do not know whether the vehicle they rent has been subject to a recall. This issue has been highlighted by a recent verdict for a 2004 fatal accident involving a PT Cruiser rental that had been recalled for a defective power steering hose that could initiate engine fires. Two sisters were killed in California due to a loss of steering ability from the vehicle defect. Moreover, concern regarding the state of vehicles being rented through these prominent rental car companies has increased due to the succession of Toyota safety recalls this year and other recalls by large automakers.

Until further legislation is created, you may want to make sure that the car you are about to rent has not been included in a safety recall before you enter into a contract to rent the vehicle. If you have any questions regarding your rights as a consumer, please contact California lawyer Howard D. Silver. Call 1-866-49-LEMON today for a free consultation.

As much as we’d like to deny it, vehicles are not perfect. However, any imperfection, or defect, that poses potential harm is a problem that the auto manufacturer is responsible for fixing under the vehicle’s warranty. In the most extreme of cases, a vehicle recall may be announced to help promote awareness of the problem and keep consumers out of harm’s way. A USA Today article reports that General Motors has recalled 4,000 2010 Cadillac SRX Crossovers due to a problem that may cause power steering fluid to leak onto hot engine components and potentially cause a fire.

Although GM has said the power steering problem may be present in only two or three of the recalled cars, many people would agree that a recall is necessary in case more vehicles are affected. GM also stated that there has been one fire reported in relation to the power steering flaw, but there were no injuries.

It may come as a surprise to learn that since the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act went into effect in 1966 providing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration the power to issue vehicle safety standards and require manufacturers to recall unsafe vehicles, over 390 million cars, trucks, buses, recreational vehicles, motorcycles, and mopeds have been recalled to fix safety defects.

If you have taken your vehicle to the repair shop multiple times for the same problem, but the issue persists, you may have a lemon vehicle. As an experienced California lemon law attorney, Howard D. Silver understands how important it is for you to receive a refund or replacement vehicle. To learn more about how Mr. Silver can help protect your rights as a consumer, call 866-49-LEMON today for a free consultation.

When an auto maker discovers a manufacturing defect affecting a number of their vehicles, it is their responsibility to take the necessary steps to ensure that the defect is corrected and that owners of the affected vehicles are notified. Recalls are often a last resort, as these can not only cost manufacturers millions, but also, as the recent Toyota controversy demonstrates, cause serious damage to a company’s public image. The decision to issue a recall typically rests on whether the defect carries a significant safety risk and is usually in conjunction with NHTSA studies or support.

Claes Bell of Bankrate.com offers some useful advice for car owners on how to handle a vehicle recall in California and nationwide. First and foremost, Bell urges that owners act quickly upon receipt of a recall notice. Often consumers affected by a recall let the logistics of bringing their car in for repairs overwhelm them. However, putting off getting necessary repairs can greatly increase safety risks.

Second, Bell recommends that the owner keep all documentation relating to recall repairs. Documentation may be needed as evidence the repair was done if the owner wishes to sell the vehicle in the future. Finally, Bell emphasizes that dealerships are required to perform at least one recall repair free of charge. A dealership’s refusal to perform the repair for free should be referred to the NHTSA or to the manufacturer.

In addition to the rights provided under federal recall standards, California has some of the toughest laws regarding consumer protections in the United States. If you feel you have been sold a defective vehicle, you may be entitled to free repairs, a refund of your money in its entirety, or a new car. Call experienced California lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver for a free consultation about your case at (866) 46-LEMON.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has announced that it has begun a preliminary investigation into a purported manufacturing defect affecting the 2003 and 2004 model year Volkswagen Passats. The New York Times reports that the investigation comes after the Administration received sixteen reports of failing ignition coils in the affected cars. Ignition coil failure can cause fires or lead to loss of power, which some complaints allege could have caused accidents.

A similar issue with faulty ignition coils in some of Volkswagen’s most popular models came up in 2003.

The NHTSA has emphasized that it has made only a preliminary evaluation of the situation as of yet. The organization will conduct a more rigorous engineering diagnostic if the preliminary evaluation shows any cause for concern.

Volkswagen has already implemented a service campaign to replace all of the malfunctioning coils in the hopes of avoiding a full blown recall, which can be costly to the manufacturer and comes with stringent legal requirements and penalties. However, some customers have complained that even the replacement coils that they received were failing soon after installation.

Under existing California consumer protection laws, car manufacturers have a duty to ensure their products are reliable and safe. If a defect or reoccurring problem occurs, manufacturers have a legal responsibility to repair the faulty part or, in cases where numerous repairs have already been attempted and failed, refund the money paid for the car or replace the vehicle. If you think you have been sold a sub-standard car, call the knowledgeable California lemon law attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver for a free consultation about your case at (866) 46-LEMON.

Price Wheels reports that Subaru has announced a voluntary recall of Legacy and Outback models from the 2010 and 2011 model years. The company discovered that an essential lubrication hole for the transmission was absent from these models due to a programming error.

Vehicles missing the lubrication hole are at risk of serious damage being done to their transmissions. Transmission gears lacking adequate lubrication will become stressed, potentially causing damage or breakage to the transmission gears while the car is driving. Although no accidents have been reported to the NHTSA resulting from the defect, the defect does pose a potentially significant safety risk to drivers.

Subaru has halted sales of the affected vehicles at its national dealerships. The company will also contact all registered owners of the vehicle with information about the recall and to schedule a service appointment to repair the defect and any related damage to the internal parts of the transmission. Subaru has also offered to replace the shaft and gears of any recalled vehicle with more than 6,250 miles.

If you have recently purchased a new car that has required repeated trips back to the dealer for repairs, you may have purchased a lemon. Under the lemon law in California, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs, a replacement vehicle or a full refund of the purchase price. Call the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver today at 866-46-LEMON to learn about your rights.

Reports of steering wheel problems have compelled the NHTSA to launch investigations into 2007-2009 Mazda3s and 2003-2005 BMW Z4s, according to US News & World Report. Although equipped with different types of steering systems, both vehicles have been the subjects of consumer complaints about increased difficulty turning the steering wheel.

The BMW Z4 has an electric power steering system, while the Mazda is equipped with an electro-hydraulic assist system. Consumer complaints indicate the Z4 experiences steering problems while the vehicle is operating at higher speeds and temperatures. Mazda became aware of the problem in 2009 and released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB).

If you are a California resident and your new car has required frequent unsuccessful repairs, you may have been sold a lemon and may be entitled to compensation under the California lemon law. Seek the counsel of the California lemon law attorneys at the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver. Call today for a free consultation: 866-46-LEMON.

Toyota has recently recalled approximately 270,000 cars worldwide under its luxury brand name, Lexus, according to a Daily Finance report. The defect sparking the recall involves a faulty valve spring, which may cause abnormal engine noises or idling. In isolated instances, the defect has resulted in the engine shutting off while the vehicle is in operation.

The company suspects that foreign matter contaminating the valve spring during manufacturing caused the problem. In August 2008, Toyota modified its process to produce a thicker spring. Toyota has also instituted improved monitoring of the parts’ production. Toyota first started receiving complaints about the problem in Japan more than three years ago, but failed to issue a recall until earlier this month.

The recall is expected to affect around 138,000 vehicles in the United States, all under the Lexus brand name. The recall only affects cars manufactured before August 2008, as Toyota contends that the problem was fixed in vehicles manufactured after that date. Recalled vehicles will have the valve spring replaced at no charge to the owner.

Automobile manufacturing defects can prove to be a significant inconvenience to car owners, not to mention result in costly repairs. If you are a resident of California and need help understanding your rights as a consumer, connect with a Los Angeles Toyota lemon law attorney at the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver to learn more about your rights. Call 866-49-LEMON for a free consultation about your case.

U.S. regulators have not been able to link the unintended acceleration problems resulting in a massive Toyota Motor Corporation car recall to any electronic defect, the Dow Jones Newswire reports. A substantial contingent, including members of Congress, consumer advocates and product liability attorneys, are convinced that the acceleration issues can be tied to a defect in the electronic-throttle-control system in the affected vehicles.

Officials looking into the Toyota recall have found that the accelerator problem is only attributable to a poorly designed floor mat that would trap the gas pedal when compressed and the tendency of some pedals to be slow in returning to idle. Both of these factors are physical, not electronic.

The NHTSA has enlisted the assistance of NASA engineers in their ongoing investigation into the causes of unintended acceleration. While the prospect of an electronic cause has not been completely ruled out, thus far perhaps most Toyota car accidents were caused by poorly designed physical components.

If you have questions about the safety of your vehicle or suspect it may be a lemon, you may be entitled to compensation under the California lemon law. Call the experienced lemon law lawyers in California at the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver for a free consultation about your case: 866-49-LEMON.

GM is recalling approximately 1.5 million of its vehicles due to a defect in its heated windshield wiper fluid mechanism that may cause cars to catch on fire, the LA Times reports. GM has preemptively offered to pay owners of the recalled cars $100 to allow the company to disable the heating mechanism entirely, which it has been unable to fix.

This action comes in the wake of the recent Toyota Motor Corporation recall-related public relations quagmire. U.S. automakers are jumping at the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to vehicle safety and willingness to report and rectify product defects as soon as they are discovered.

By voluntarily offering monetary compensation early in the recall process, GM hopes to avoid lasting damage to the company’s image. The roughly $150 million GM will pay out to consumers as a result of the recall pales in comparison with the potential losses in market viability that accompany consumer lack of confidence.

Continue reading "GM to Compensate Car Owners for Faulty Windshield Fluid Mechanism" »

When it is determined that a vehicle has a problem, such as lack of engine acceleration or bad brakes, the car owner may be protected by the California lemon law if the problem cannot be repaired after a reasonable number of attempts.

The Los Angeles Times reported that approximately 50,000 early-2003 model Toyota Sequoia SUVs have been recalled due to an issue with electronics and inhibited acceleration. The article addresses drivers having to pay to fix a defect that the automaker may have known about for several years, and in the past repaired for other drivers without charging them.

According to the article, owners were not notified of the electronics problem after Toyota discovered the issue within months of placing the Sequoia SUV into production in 2003 and issued a “technical service bulletin” to its dealers on how to fix it.

The president of Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety, a consumer advocacy group based in Sacramento that supports stricter California automotive lemon laws, stated that automakers often charge a car owner to fix something in a vehicle that they already know to be defective. In referring to “secret or hidden warranties,” the president of the consumer group noted that violations of California law may be occurring if it is determined that some vehicle owners receive free repairs for the same problem that other vehicle owners are forced to pay for.

If a motorist discovers their vehicle listed on service bulletins on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s online database, he or she can request that their dealer fix the issue for free, even if the car is officially beyond its warranty. While several owners of the now recalled Sequoia SUVs have had their vehicle repaired under warranty, others have waited past their warranty’s expiration or did not experience the infrequent acceleration problem until later.

For more information about seeking a refund or replacement vehicle that you deserve for your lemon car, contact skilled lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver at 866-49-LEMON for a free consultation.

According to an article in a recent edition of the Los Angeles Times, Toyota has recalled 600,000 Toyota Sierra minivans due to concerns over rusting spare tire holders. The recall covers 1998-2010 Sierra models with two-wheel drive, sold in 21 cold-weather states and the District of Columbia.

Toyota is concerned that road salt used to combat snowy conditions in these states could cause the spare tire holder beneath the vehicle to rust and break, dropping the spare tire onto the road. The loose spare tires pose a driving hazard to other vehicles. Although Toyota says it has not heard of any accidents or injuries, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received six complaints of spare tires falling off Sienna minivans.

Toyota is working on a way to fix the spare tire carrier problem. Meanwhile, the company is encouraging Sierra minivan owners to bring their vehicles into Toyota dealerships for inspection and repair. Free inspections of the spare tire carrier are available at all Toyota dealerships, including those in states not covered by the recall.

The California lemon law gives consumers the right to a new vehicle or a refund of the purchase price if the vehicle remains broken after a reasonable number of repair attempts. You may have a lemon on your hands if, after spending time, money, and effort on repairs, your vehicle remains broken.

If you suspect you’ve been sold a lemon, please don’t hesitate to contact experienced California lemon vehicle attorney Howard D. Silver at 866-49-LEMON for a free consultation. The Law Offices of Howard D. Silver provides skilled legal counsel to those dealing with lemon vehicles. Contact Howard D. Silver today for more information.

General Motors, Inc. announced recently that it is recalling about 5,000 GMC Savana and Chevrolet Express passenger vans due to safety concerns. The vans were built in February and March of 2009. GM suspects the vans may contain a faulty alternator, which could cause a fire in the vehicles if it is not fixed. GM has also halted production of the vans until it fixes the alternator problem.

About 1,300 of the affected vans were purchased by rental companies; the rest were purchased by private consumers. Until vans can be returned to GM, the company recommends that consumers park the vans outdoors and away from buildings or other vehicles. Owners of the recalled GM vans should also detach both battery cables if possible.

California's Song-Beverly Consumer Protection Act, also known as California's “lemon law,” protects consumers by giving them the right to a full refund or new vehicle if a reasonable number of repair attempts fail to fix a vehicle’s problem. If you have a vehicle problem that has not been fixed after several attempts, you may have a lemon.

Continue reading "GM Recalls Vans for Suspected Alternator Problem" »

In a previous blog post, we discussed the recent spate of recalls for about 10 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to faulty gas pedals. Many of these vehicles with questionable accelerators are still in the process of being examined and reprogrammed by Toyota-trained mechanics. However, this is not the end of Toyota’s problems. A USA Today article reports that Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas has filed a lawsuit against Toyota under the suspicion that the automaker put profits before consumer safety. The District Attorney argued that Toyota knew that their vehicles had problems that could potentially cause unintended acceleration, yet still decided to sell thousands of these faulty vehicles to trusting car buyers.

The article mentions that the suit accuses Toyota of engaging in deceptive business practices in California and presents the question of whether or not the automaker put monetary gain before safety. This poses several questions as to what legal changes should be made to protect consumers and strengthen auto manufacturer design and production protocol. The lawsuit seeks $2,500 per violation under the Unfair Business Practices Act in addition to other costs not specified at the time of the article’s release.

Unfair or deceptive business practices can take on a variety of forms and can directly relate to fraud or misrepresentation. If a consumer feels they have been deceived, intentionally lied to or misled, he or she may want to contact an attorney with experience handing deceptive business practices. In addition, consumers who have taken their Toyota vehicle in to be fixed time and time again may have rights under the California lemon law. For more information, please call Toyota recall lemon law attorney Howard D. Silver at 866-49-LEMON to schedule a free consultation.

Source article: http://content.usatoday.com/communities/driveon/post/2010/03/county-da-files-deceptive-practices-suit-against-toyota/1

Vehicle owners in California and throughout the United States are well aware of the models included in the recent series of Toyota car recalls. An LA Times article reports that over 600,000 Toyota vehicles have been repaired and returned to their owners, including a daily rate of over 50,000 accelerator pedals fixes. It has been reported that alleged problems such as accelerator pedals sticking and steering wheel malfunction have affected a growing number of Toyota and Lexus vehicle occupants and owners. In fact, worldwide, 10 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles were recalled to be examined and reprogrammed by Toyota-trained mechanics.

While consumers faced temporarily losing their transportation at Toyota’s expense, the demand for rental vehicles has greatly increased. This has created a separate dilemma for car rental companies who could not distribute Toyota and Lexus models that were listed in the recall. In fact, popular franchise Enterprise Rent-A-Car tallied a record amount of internet reservations for all of its 5,000 neighborhood locations.

Continue reading "Recalled Toyota Vehicle Repairs Increase Rental Demand" »

Although we would like to believe that our vehicles are ultimately free of imperfections, this is not always the case. According to a detnews.com article, GM has recalled 22,000 Chevrolet Corvettes due to concerns that the vehicle roof may fly off while being operated.

General Motors informed the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that its 2005-07 model year Corvettes and Corvette Z06 models contain adhesive between the roof panel and frame that may come apart. GM is supposed to install a redesigned roof panel for affected vehicles as well as reimburse motorists who have already had their roofs repaired or replaced.

GM released the following statement: "If there is a partial separation, the driver may notice one or more symptoms, such as a snapping noise when driving over bumps, wind noise, poor roof panel fit, roof panel movement/bounce when a door or hatch is closed, or a water leak.”

Continue reading "22,000 Chevrolet Corvettes Recalled Over Faulty Roof and Frame Design" »

It was announced on November 15, 2009 that over 13,500 Sprinter vans sold as Dodge and Freightliner vehicles were being recalled. According to an automotive-fleet.com article, the model vans in question include MY 2002-2003 Dodge Sprinter 2500 and Doge Sprinter 3500.

Based on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s report, the intake manifolds in these vehicles may have been destroyed. It is suspected that “under certain conditions”, sulfur in the diesel fuel is capable of creating a chemical reaction, causing sulfuric acid to form in the exhaust channel of the intake manifold. The consequences of the intake manifold decay may contribute to an exhaust gas leak, harm to the fuel return line that could bring about a fuel leak, and heat destruction to the insulation at the front wall.

In addition to Chrysler LLC informing vehicle owners about the recall, van owners may contact Chrysler by calling (800) 853-1403. Auto dealers are supposed to examine and replace the intake manifold at no expense to van owners.

Continue reading "Over 13,500 Sprinter Vans Recalled" »

Consumers and citizens throughout the U.S. were shocked to hear that 3.8 million vehicles were being recalled by Toyota Motor Corp. due to poorly designed removable floor mats that increased the likelihood of accelerators getting stuck, cars accelerating out of control, and subsequent car accidents. According to a huffingtonpost.com article, this is Toyota’s largest recall to ever take place in the U.S. According to a Toyota spokesman, "A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop a vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death."

As Toyota works with officials from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to find a solution for the faulty floor mat issue, owners of these vehicles have reportedly already been notified of the recall. Also, until the problem is fixed, consumers have been advised to take the removable floor mat out from the driver’s side of the vehicle and not substitute it with a replacement.

So what triggered this recall in the first place? Sadly, a high-speed collision took place in California in August involving an out-of-control Lexus automobile exceeding speeds of 120 mph due to a stuck accelerator. In addition to this tragic accident, NHTSA stated that 102 other incidents were reported regarding accelerators on Toyota vehicles that also may have become stuck due to the faulty floor mats.

Continue reading "3.8 Million Vehicles Recalled Due to Dangerous Floor Mats" »

A story published by Reuters recently describes General Motors Corporation’s decision to accept liability for future product defects as one of several concessions the company has made to expedite approval for a quick sale from bankruptcy. GM also said that it would alter the terms of its proposed asset sale to assuage the concerns of over 20 suppliers who objected to specifically the original terms. They also discussed the future of a joint manufacturing plant with Toyota and GM said that it was actively working on a resolution with the other car-manufacturing giant.

General Motors addresses these and several other concerns as part of documents filed in the last week of June 2009 in a New York bankruptcy court. GM has been actively working with Obama administration officials to smooth over many of the problems that arose when the company filed bankruptcy. No fewer than nine state attorney generals had objected to GM’s proposed reorganization because the original terms would have left GM buyers without any protections against product defects under state laws. GM responded by saying that it would continue to honor lemon law claims in California and throughout the nation so that if consumers purchased a defective vehicle, they would be entitled to a replacement vehicle or a refund.

The outcry over the terms of the bankruptcy caused GM and Obama administration officials to rethink the reorganization of the company and reconsider liability for future product liability claims. In a prepared statement that was part of the bankruptcy court filing, GM said, "The purchaser will expressly assume all product liability claims arising from accidents or other ... incidents arising from the operation of GM vehicles subject to the closing."

GM proposed that a new company be created under the reorganization plan to purchase the company’s best and most economically viable assets, and that the sale would be concluded by August 2009.

Continue reading "General Motors Agrees to Accept Future Product Liability in Bankruptcy Concession" »

A story from the Los Angeles Times reports that Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota will recall over a million vehicles worldwide in a safety recall. In the United States, this recall will likely affect over 130,000 Toyota Yaris compacts for the 2006 and 2007 model years.

The issue which prompted the recall is found in a piece of equipment called a pretensioner. The pretensioner is a small pyrotechnic device that tightens the seat belt in the Yaris when the onboard sensing equipment registers the possibility of a crash. This device generates a very hot exhaust gas when used.

Unfortunately, on the 2006 and 2007 model Yaris, a sound insulation pad on the central pillar is in danger of being ignited by the exhaust gases of the pretensioner. Although no incidents associated with this defect have occurred in the United States, the manufacturer wishes to work fully with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to repair the problem.

Continue reading "Toyota Recalls 1.3 Million Cars" »

On December 17, 2008, Big Three auto manufacturer, General Motors, began the recall of a small number (77) of 2009 Chevy Malibu Hybrids

The recall is based on cars failing to comply with a federal vehicle safety standard for windshield defogging and defrosting. In the affected vehicles, the heating and air conditioning system that keeps the windshield clear may fail to operate. If this happens while the car is on the road, the driver may not be able to see clearly and could crash as a result.

The recall will send the affected Malibu cars to a Chevy dealer, where the computer module that controls the heating and air conditioning system will be reprogrammed.

GM’s recall illustrates the care that auto manufacturers must take to ensure that a vehicle meets safety standards. Lemon laws in California help protect consumers who have unknowingly purchased cars that fail to meet standards of performance or safety.

Continue reading "GM Recalls Malibu Hybrids" »

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued a recall for 2007 Mazda automobiles with California emissions systems.

According to the NHTSA recall notice, the protective PVC coating found on the outside of the fuel tank of the 2007 Mazda may have been damaged during the assembly process. The PVC coating acts as a barrier against coercion. If the PVC coating is breached, it may allow rust to weaken the tank causing fuel leaks and increasing the risk of fire.

As part of the recall, Mazda dealers will inspect the protective coating on the bottom of the fuel tank for damage. If damage is discovered, the fuel tank coating will be repaired; or if necessary, the fuel tank itself will be replaced.

Continue reading "7,200 Mazda Cars Recalled: Fuel Leaks, Fire Hazard" »

Although the total number of vehicles recalled by the auto industry in 2008 declined, the total number of recall campaigns increased, reports David Shepardson at detnews.com.

Automobile manufacturers recalled 10.2 million vehicles during 2008—a decrease of almost 30 percent. Yet the total number of recall campaigns increased by over 9 percent, from 588 to 642.

This seemingly contrary situation has been created by a number of factors. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), improvements to the system which monitors vehicle defects deserve a portion of the credit. By gathering a more complete picture about the reliability and safety of cars, the NHTSA is better able to recommend corrective actions to manufacturers and dictate corrective action as necessary.

Continue reading "Fewer Vehicles Recalled by Manufacturers in 2008" »

NHTSA Alert: More Than 5 Million Cars and Trucks Still on the Road with Dangerous Cruise Control Switch Defects

According to a National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration release dated February 28th, 2008, owners of Mercury, Lincoln, and Ford vehicles are potentially at risk for faulty cruise control switches. The survey numbers suggest that the number of defective vehicles may approach 10 million. Although half of these vehicles have already been recalled/fixed as of this writing, as many as 5 million defective vehicles may be out there on the road.

These autos/trucks may be at a significantly heightened risk for fire danger. Fires can start regardless of whether the cruise control system is in use, or even whether the key is in the ignition. Indeed, some blazes have started "spontaneously" while vehicles were parked and turned off.

Affected makes and models include: the Ford Grand Victoria (1992-1998 models), the Lincoln Blackwood (2002-2003 models), the Lincoln Navigator (1998-2002 models), and the Ford Excursion Super Duty F-250 to F-550 models from 2003. If you own a Bronco, Ford Ranger, Ford Taurus, Mercury Mountaineer, Mercury Grand Marquis, or Ford F-53 Motorhome, contact your dealership or NHTSA for more information regarding whether or not you may be at risk.

If you or a family member has been injured due to faulty cruise control switch or other maintenance issue, you may be entitled to compensation under the law. To make your best case, you need a legal representative to who has talent, experience, and strategic vision. Contact the law offices of Howard D. Silver today at 1-866-495-3666 to learn more about your options from an experienced California lemon law attorney. Our time-tested attorneys will provide a free, no-obligation consultation. We're happy to provide references and testimonials upon request.

BMW has recalled about 150,000 vehicles to fix a possible auto part defect that may prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying during an auto accident. According to a Reuters news report, this voluntary recall involves the front passenger airbag seat sensor mat in some of the 2004 to 2006 model year vehicles. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), following an investigation said that there were 200,000 of these BMWs with defective airbags in North America. In response, the German auto maker says 50,000 of these vehicles already received new sensor mats, which work the way they’re supposed to.

BMW models that will be affected by this recall include the 2006 3-Series, 2004-06 5-Series and 2004-06 X3 vehicles. Expect the recall letters to arrive in your mailbox starting in late September. They say car owners affected by this recall may continue to drive their vehicles unless the airbag warning lamp and passenger airbag “on-off” lamp illuminate at the same time.

Vehicle manufacturing defects do happen. Sometimes, manufacturers issue recalls and offer to fix the problem for free. If you believe you own a defective vehicle or a lemon that you’ve tried to fix, call the Law Offices of Howard D. Silver to find out how you can get rid of your California lemon auto and obtain a refund or a replacement vehicle in its place.