Despite a recall in 2004 and a class action settlement in 2006, Honda and Acura drivers continue to have problems with their automatic transmissions. Over 3,000 complaints have been filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in the last two years, with a spike in complaints in the last six months.
The 2004 recall covered the 2003-2004 Honda Accord, 2002–2003 Honda Odyssey, 2003-2004 Honda Pilot, 2000-2001 Acura MDX, 1999-2003 Acura 3.2 TL and 2001-2002 Acura 3.2 CL. The class-action suit that was settled in 2006 claimed that Honda had misled consumers by selling them vehicles with defective transmissions. Honda denied those claims but settled the case without admitting a defect. Owners got their vehicles repaired, or received an extension on their transmission warranties. But now owners continue to have complaints because they continue to experience problems, even after the extended warranties are up. While 2003 model vehicles seem to experience the most problems, complaints have been noted in:
2003-2004 Honda Accord
2002-2007 Honda Odyssey
2002-2008 Honda Civic
2003-2004 Honda Pilot
2000-2002 Acura MDX
1999-2004 Acura 3.2 TL
2001–2003 Acura 3.2 CL
If you have had repeated substantial problems, and if your vehicle is still not repaired, you should call 1-888-EX-LEMON for a free consultation with one of our experts to learn whether your vehicle qualifies or, if not, whether there are other legal alternatives.
If you are in California call our Lemon Law Offices:
Anywhere in California (free call): 1.888.ExLemon (395.3666)
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OnStar will be expanding its customer base this spring as the popular safety and security technology company starts making their service available at more than 1,000 stores nationwide. The product will come as an installable rear view mirror that will be compatible with top selling vehicles including Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford F-Series trucks. The mirror will be selling for about $300 with a service plan of $18.95 a month or $200 a year. The same rate offered to GM OnStar subscribers.
The retail version will give drivers access to most of OnStar’s services, such as automatic crash detection, turn-by-turn directions, stolen vehicle location and the ability to reach an OnStar adviser by pushing a call button. Features such as remote starting, are being considered for the package, according to GM officials.
While some feel that Onstar advisers will become obsolete as voice recognition technology becomes better and more affordable, OnStar is teaming up with Verizon to take the OnStar service to the next level. With the Verizon 4G broadband network, high tech ideas such as tweeting, video chat and view live traffic camera images from behind the wheel is the aim of the partnership. OnStar and Verizon gave consumers a peek at what’s possible while unveiling a prototype Buick LaCrosse at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
Chrysler Group has announced three recalls that will have almost 145,000 Dodge Ram owners starting their new year by taking in their vehicles for repairs.
The first and largest of the recalls involves about 65,000 2009 Dodge Journey SUV’s for wiring issues. According to a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler found that the front door wiring harness may wear and break making the side impact airbags inoperative. The problem is being blamed on the routing of the wire and poor wire quality used. Cold weather is also a contributing factor.
The second recall involves almost 57,000 2010 Ram 1500 pickup trucks. In response to complaints from customers about a growling or grinding noise coming from the rear axle, Chrysler’s investigation found that the rear axle requires additional axle lube oil.
Finally, almost 23,000 Ram 4500 and 5500 pickup trucks built between 2008-2011 are being recalled for a faulty steering. The problem is being blamed on an improperly manufactured ball stud which may weaken and eventually break resulting in the loss of vehicle control.
Chrysler will begin informing customers of the recalls beginning in February. Owners with additional questions can contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403.
Consumer Reports (CR) is an American magazine published by Consumers Union since 1936. It publishes reviews and comparisons of consumer products and services based on reporting and results from its in-house testing laboratory. Consumer Reports does not print outside advertising, accept free product samples, or permit the commercial use of its reviews for selling products. Its publisher states that this policy allows the magazine to “maintain their independence and impartiality… so that CR has no agenda other than the interests of consumers.
Every year, CR publishes their top ten automobiles in ten different categories. The choices are based on performance, reliability and safety. Below are Consumers Reports picks for the 2010 year.
Family Sedan
Nissan Altima:
The Nissan Altima has always been a popular choice as a family sedan. It’s roomy interior and comfortable ride makes the car an enjoyable drive. The 2010 version of this car offers improved looks, standard electronic stability control (ESC) and the best fuel economy in its class.
Small Sedan
Hyundai Elantra SE:
Hyundai safety and reliability has come a long way and has made Consumer Reports top picks for the third time. The Elantra SE, offers a comfortable ride, good fuel economy and plenty of features for the price. The SE comes with standard ESC that is often not offered on similar competitors vehicles.
Sporty Car
Volkswagen GTI:
The 2010 Volkswagen GTI is a sporty version of the Golf. It offers excellent handling and acceleration and is a comfortable car to drive. The interior is tastefully finished with plenty of cargo space, especially with the hatchback model. Like all Volkswagen’s, the GTI offers a respectable fuel economy.
The Subaru Forester has been labeled as the SUV that offers the most car like driving experience. It offers a comfortable ride with plenty of room and excellent visibility. The Forester offers excellent reliability and an impressive gas mileage for an SUV.
Best Overall Car
Lexus LS 460L:
Lexus has always pampered it’s customers with a luxurious driving experience. The LS 460L is no exception with it’s well crafted, roomy and quiet interior. Though the price is a bit higher than some of the vehicles in its class, if you can afford it, it is well worth it.
Family SUV
Chevrolet Traverse:
Overall, the Traverse stands out as a family SUV. It is comfortable and responsive, and allows up to eight adults seated comfortably as well as room for cargo. Visibility is not the best for this SUV, taking into account the size of it, but Chevy offers convex side mirrors and an optional rear view camera to help.
Sports Sedan
Infiniti G37:
The Infiniti G sedans are one of the highest rated sedans tested by Consumer Reports. Excellent handling, acceleration and comfort make this luxurious vehicle a pleasure to drive. Because it is a sports sedan, space and storage are compromised.
Family Hauler
Mazda5:
The Mazda5 offers a lot in a compact and affordable microvan. It offers the convenience of a minivan with the maneuverability and fuel economy of a wagon. The addition of standard ESC for 2010 makes this minivan safer and fun to drive.
Green Car
Toyota Prius:
The Toyota Prius was one to the first green cars manufactured for the public. Its overall mileage has made it the green car pick for the seventh straight year. It is a comfortable car to drive, and its 2010 redesign makes it even more appealing. Toyota has also added a dedicated EV that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds.
Pickup Truck
Chevrolet Silverado 1500:
This well rounded pickup offers a roomy cabin, an exellent payload capacity and a decent ride for a pickup. It is an excellent 4WD family vehicle offering a quality interior on higher end models.
GMC has announced a recall on certain 2011 trucks for rear axle cross pins that were not properly heat treated at the factory. The cross pins could break and become jammed within the rear axle causing the rear axle to lock up. The driver could loose directional control of their vehicle resulting in an accident and potential injuries. The vehicles affected by this recall are:
2011 Cadillac Escalade EXT
2011 Chevrolet Avalanche
2011 Chevrolet Silverado LD
2011 GMC Sierra LD
Owner receiving a recall notice can take their vehicles to their nearest dealer where a new rear axle cross pin will be installed, free of charge. For more information contact Cadillac at 1-866-982-2339, Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438, GMC at 1-866-996-9463 and at the GMC owner center at www.gmownercenter.com. Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) vehicle safety hot line at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.
Cadillac, GMC’s luxury line, is recalling over 100,000 CTS’s cars built between 2005-2007. The problem is found in the sensing device in the passenger seat that detects whether there is a passenger in the seat. Over time, the sensor may deteriorate resulting in failure to activate the airbag during an accident. Owners will be notified of the recall by mail before the end of February and may contact Cadillac at 866-982-2339 or the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) hot-line at 888-327-4236.
A recall for corrosion of Ford’s Windstar and a recently expanded recall for the same issues, has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to upgrade their investigation into front end corrosion problems with the minivan. The NHTSA is now reviewing almost 350 complaints related to the vans front engine cradle. This sub-frame which carries the engine, trans-axle, steering and some front end suspension components, is reported to suffer cracking because of excessive corrosion. Almost 100% of complaints have come from salt belt states.
Ford spokesman Wes Sherwood said the company is cooperating with the NHTSA investigation and that they are committed to safety and notifying customers of recalls. According to Ford’s Safety director, The failure rate for the minivan is quite low when considering the age of the vehicles and the amount of miles they have accumulated.
As GM launches its plug in hybrid, the Chevrolet Volt, and Nissan releases its all electric Leaf, Mercedes Benz will also be releasing it hydrogen powered vehicles to California residents. Mercedes is leasing the vehicles to a small groups of people in order to study the vehicles performance in real life conditions. This information will be provided to the Department of Energy to help them in their effort to meet stringent mileage and emission regulations.
Powered by an electric motor delivering 134 horsepower, the Mercedes F-Cell B-Class offers the advantages of a gas-powered conventional car, while using half the fuel and emitting only water. “We believe this is a great addition to our fast-growing portfolio of alternative fuel vehicles.” said Sascha Simon, head of advanced product planning at Mercedes-Benz USA. The information gathered by this study will help the effort in transforming the U.S. into a country that is fueled entirely by domestically produced energy
