A consumers report published this month could have some Tesla Model S drivers wondering if their cars could be lemons. When ConsumerReports.org first tested the Model S, they described the vehicles as a revolutionary car from an innovative automaker. In May 2013, they gave the Model S a score of 99 %, receiving a Consumer Reports’ recommendation. But over the last 15,743 miles, their test car developed some minor problems. These problems include: Continue reading
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2009-2014 Volkswagen Tiguan Engine Stalls
As a result of an investigation into stalling engines, Volkswagen will be asking owners of certain 2009-2014 Tiguan SUVs, to bring their vehicles in to have the fuel system software updated. Volkswagen’s recall number is 24AV/2W and the NHTSA campaign number is 14V-441. Continue reading
2013 Mitsubishi Outlander Power Steering Problem
According to reports filed on the NHTSA website, certain 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 6 speed automatic transmission may have been manufactured with insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic trans-axle. Contact between the two components could cause the steering pressure tube to rust and develop a hole in which power steering fluid could leak. Loss of power steering fluid could result in loss of steering assist, making the vehicle harder to control and increasing the risk of an accident. Continue reading
2014 Chevrolet Corvette Sudden Change In Handling
General Motors have decided that a defect related to vehicle safety exists in certain 2014 Chevrolet Corvette vehicles. The problem was first discovered while conducting static torque checks on cars at the Bowling Assembly facility. Continue reading
2014 Hyundai Sonata Will Not Start
An increase in warranty claims related to the shift cable in some 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata vehicles has led to an investigation and subsequent recall of certain cars manufactured between December 11, 2009 through May 29, 2014.
According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the cable connecting the transmission switch to the vehicle shift lever could become loose and disconnected. Drivers may not be able to move in or out of the “Park” position preventing the vehicle from being started and increasing the chance of unexpected roll away. Continue reading
2013 Nissan Pathfinder CA Lemon Law Buyback
Shortly after purchasing his new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, a California resident began experiencing transmission problems that would result in loss of engine power while operating under normal driving conditions. He had taken it in for repairs on three separate occasions for problems which included a defective transmission, torque converter, and transmission control module (TCM). The vehicle was also subject to Service Bulletin (NTB12-035) for problems with the TCM and the powertrain control module (PCM), as well as an NHTSA Investigation (DP12004) for transmission damage due to contamination by engine coolant. (According to the NHTSA website, the Office Of Defect Investigation (ODI) has received 512 consumer complaints regarding transmission problems in certain Nissan Pathfinders.) Continue reading
New York Pushes For Used Car Repair Rule
According to a report in the New York Times, the city hopes to implement legislation that will address the problem of vehicles being sold with unfixed recalls on them. Federal legislation to address the problem has been stalled in Congress for years as dealers say it would cost companies and consumers unnecessary time and expense to implement the guidelines. Continue reading
Auto Safety Bill Proposes Increased Transparency From NHTSA
In response to the record amount of recalls issued in 2014, U.S. Senator and chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, J. Rockefeller, is introducing a bill (S. 2559) that will give the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) more funding and increased authority when it comes to recalling unsafe vehicles. Continue reading
