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Ram 2500 & 3500 Transmission Fluid Leak From Dipstick

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2019-2020 Ram 2500 and 2019-2020 Ram 3500 pickups equipped with six-speed automatic (68RFE) transmissions, because of a problem affecting the transmissions in their trucks.

According to the defect report, these vehicles could experience a build up of pressure and heat inside the transmission strong enough to expel fluid from the dip stick tube. If the fluid comes in contact with the turbocharger or other ignition sources within the engine compartment, it could lead to a fire. Vehicle occupants may notice odd smalls, noises or transmission surging prior to a vehicle fire.

Dealers will fix the problem by replacing the transmission valve body separator plate and reprogramming the powertrain control module. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W03 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-043.

2020 Jeep Wrangler Steering Vibration & Front End Noise

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Chrysler will be notifying the owners of certain 2020 Jeep Wrangler SUVs because of a safety problem affecting the suspension in their vehicles.

According to the defect report, the left side lower control arm bracket may have been out of position during the welding process. This off location weld is weak and could break, allowing the lower control arm to separate from the axle. If this happens, the driver could experience a loss of vehicle control and/or the lower control arm bracket may separate completely, resulting in dangerous road debris. Prior to compete separation of the bracket from the axle, the driver may experience a front end noise or a steering vibration.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the front axle inspected and replaced as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is W01 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-042.

Toyota Avalon, Corolla and Matrix Airbag May Not Deploy As Intended

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Toyota will be contacting the owners of certain Avalon, Corolla and Matrix cars because of a problem that could result in the air bags and seat belt pretensioners not deploying.

According to the defect report, the affected vehicles may have been manufactured with an airbag control module that does not have sufficient protection against negative electrical transients generated in certain severe crashes where there is a large engine compartment intrusion before deceleration. In these cases, the crash sensor and wiring may be damaged and shorted before the deployment signal is received by the SRS ECU. This would result in incomplete or non deployment of the air bags and/or pretensioners and an increased chance of injury to occupants.

Vehicles Affected
2012-2018 Toyota Avalon
2013-2018 Toyota Avalon Hybrid
2011-2019 Toyota Corolla
2011-2013 Toyota Matrix

Owners will be notified to return to their Toyota dealer to have a noise filter installed between the airbag control module and its wire harness. In some cases, an inspection may be carried out to determine if a noise filter is necessary before installing it.

2014-2019 Ram 1500 Potential Engine Fire

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2019 Ram 1500 and 1500 Classic Pickup trucks equipped with 3.0L Eco Diesel engines because of a vehicle safety problem.

According to the defect report, the Exhaust Gas Re-circulation (EGR) coolers are susceptible to thermal fatigue and could crack over time. Th crack could allow pre-heated vaporized coolant to enter the EGR system and could combust inside the intake manifold, causing a vehicle fire. Drivers may be alerted there is a problem through a noticeable loss of coolant, lack of heater function and potentially a Malfunction Indicator Lamp.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the EGR cooler replaced. Dealers will also inspect and replace the intake manifold as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is VB1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V-757.

Jeep Cherokee Defects & Complaints

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The Cherokee is a line of vehicles sold by Jeep, originally as a variant of the popular Wagoneer. The Cherokee has evolved from a full-size SUV to one of the first compact SUVs and eventually into its current form as a crossover SUV. Of all the fifth Generation Cherokee lineup, the 2014, 2015 and 2019 models have received the most complaints.

Common Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee Problems include:

Alternator Failure 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee – Dimming headlights, accessory issues and a battery light warning are signs that your alternator may be dying. A bad alternator will drain your battery fast, so it will no longer be able to produce a spark to power the engine. Most of the time, replacing an alternator is relatively affordable, but a stall without warning could increase the risk of a crash.

Transmission Defect – There is a problem with the transmission on a number of newer Jeep Cherokee models. The transmission will unexpectedly shift into neutral, shift roughly or completely fail. Improper treatment of the halfshaft assembly, insufficient crimps in the transmission wire harness and software errors are the main causes depending on the model year.

Reduced Braking 2019 Jeep Cherokee – Insufficient coating of the rear brake-caliper pistons could cause gas pockets to form, reducing rear brake performance. According to the defect report, although brake function would remain, the stopping distances may be significantly increased.

Do you think your Jeep Cherokee or Jeep Grand Cherokee could be a LEMON?… Fill out the above form or call us now for a free case evaluation.

Top Jeep Cherokee & Jeep Grand Cherokee Complaints

Vehicle Recalls Complaints Top Complaints
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 15 1398 Electrical, Transmission, Brakes
2014 Jeep Cherokee 11 1724 Transmission, Engine, Electrical
2015 Jeep Cherokee 9 1122 Transmission, Engine, Electrical
2019 Jeep Cherokee 9 355 Engine, Electrical, Transmission
2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6 618 Transmission, Electrical, Engine, Seats
2018 Jeep Cherokee 6 169 Electrical, Transmission, Engine
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6 128 Electrical, Engine, Transmission
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT 6 128 Electrical, Engine, Transmission
2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk 6 128 Electrical, Engine, Transmission
2016 Jeep Cherokee 6 591 Transmission, Engine, Electrical

Harley Davidson FL Trike Motorcycles – Unexpected Braking

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Harley Davidson (HD) will be contacting the owners of certain 2019-2020 FL trike model motorcycles because of a problem affecting the traction control system software. The software used on these motorcycles may react incorrectly to a faulty rear wheel speed signal by activating one of the rear brakes. If this happens, the driver will experience an unexpected change in direction, increasing the risk of an accident. Drivers will be alerted of a problem through a continuously illuminated traction control indicator in conjunction with the fault indicator lamp.

Motorcycles Affected
2019-2020 Harley Davidson FLHTCUTG
2020 Harley Davidson FLHTCUTGSE
2019-2020 Harley Davidson FLRT

Owners receiving notices will be asked to visit their HD dealer to confirm their motorcycle is covered by the recall. If covered, the dealer will install a new software.

2019-2020 Mazda 3 Unintended Braking

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Mazda will be contacting owners of certain 2019-2020 Mazda 3 cars because of a programming error affecting the forward collision avoidance system.

According to the defect report, incorrect programming of the smart braking system (SBS) control software may cause the vehicle to falsely detect an obstacle and apply the brakes to avoid a collision. If the SBS is unexpectedly activated while driving, the risk of a rear end collision from the following vehicle is possible. Drivers will be warned when the defect is occurring through an audible alarm and a warning message displayed on the dash board.

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the SBS software. Vehicles with certain production dates will receive an instrument cluster software update or replacement and a replacement owner’s manual. The recall is expected to begin February 17, 2020. Mazda’s number for this recall is 4219L and the NHTSA campaign number is 19V-907.

Is The Manufacturer Directly Liable For Breach Of The Express CPO Warranty?

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Last month, an important case, for the first time put manufacturers on the hook for sales of used vehicles with problems beginning outside of the original manufacturer’s warranty, but still within the Certified Pre-Owned warranty. It has been unclear for years whether a manufacturer was required to buy back a used vehicle when the problems occurred after the original warranty expired.  As long as the problems still occur during the CPO warranty, they’re subject to the lemon law.  On the caveat, if the vehicle wasn’t purchased as a Certified Pre Owned vehicle, the manufacturer is off the hook if the problem occurs for the first time outside of the original warranty.  The concern with this case, if any, would be that the Certified Pre-Owned program given by all manufacturers may be canceled since the manufacturers don’t want the added responsibility.

The case involves the sale of a certified preowned Mercedes Benz that still had a portion of the new vehicle warranty remaining and an additional used vehicle warranty from the manufacturer. An un-repairable defect manifested after the expiration of the new vehicle warranty, but during the duration of the used vehicle warranty. Mercedes Benz refused to repurchase the vehicle. The plaintiff sued and a jury found Mercedes Benz liable under the Song Beverly Act for breach of the express warranty and the implied warranty of merchantability. The plaintiff was awarded the same compensatory damages on both causes of action.

Click Here to read a transcript of the case.