The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) have opened an investigation (PE16-003) into brake fluid leaks in certain 2013- 2014 Ford F-150 pickup trucks equipped with 3.5L engines. There have been approximately 35 driver reports of reduced braking due to brake fluid leaks from the master cylinder into the brake booster. The complaints allege symptoms of brake pedal going to the floor with complete loss of brake effectiveness, an illuminated brake warning lamp, and/or low or empty master cylinder reservoir fluid level with no visible leakage. Continue reading
Category Archives: California Lemon Law
2016 Honda Civic Engine Could Seize Due To Manufacturing Error
Honda will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Honda Civic vehicles equipped with 2.0L engines to notifying them of a manufacturing error that could result in a seized engine. According to the defect report, the piston assembly may have been built with a missing or misset piston pin circlip. Vibrations from the engine may cause the pis to become displaced and interfere with the engine cylinder wall. If the engine seizes it will cause loss of motive power and potential engine block damage. Continue reading
Mazda CX-5 Fuel Line Could Rupture
The owners of certain 2014-2016 Mazda CX-5 vehicles may be driving vehicles which fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 301, “Fuel System Integrity”. According to reports, these vehicles were manufactured with a fuel filler pipe that could, under certain impact crashes, rupture and spill fuel exceeding the limits allowed by the FMVSS. The problem could increase the risk of a vehicle fire and injury to occupants. Continue reading
Takata Airbag Recall Affects Another 5 Million U.S. Vehicles
The NHTSA announced last week that an additional five million vehicles will be added to the Takata airbag recall, bringing the total number of vehicles affected in the United States to almost 19 million. The new list will affect automakers not previously included in the recall, including Volkswagen, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. The NHTSA have prioritized the replacement of the defective air bag inflators to ensure they are replaced quickly and addressing the highest risks first. Continue reading
2015 VW Tiguan And 2015 Audi Q5 Airbag Defect
The owners of certain 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan and 2015 Audi Q5 vehicles will be contacted by the manufacturer about a problem affecting the driver and right front passenger seat mounted side airbags. According to the defect report, a manufacturing error could result in airbag components being propelled into the passenger compartment when they are deployed, potentially injuring occupants. Continue reading
Honda CR-V Engine Vibrations
If you search online for “Honda CR-V engine vibrations” there is no shortage of complaints and video’s from drivers who say that their vehicle excessively vibrates. The problem is found primarily in the 2015 CR-V, but a few complaints have been showing up in some newer models as well. Owners say the shutter can be felt while idling, accelerating, and driving, and is difficult to pinpoint because it resonates throughout the vehicle. In November 2015, Honda released a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB 15-046) addressing the problem, but the repairs have left many owners unsatisfied. Continue reading
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Repeated Problems & Repair Attempts
As an owner of a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV, you may have experienced repeated problems with your vehicle. The 2014 model year currently has nine recalls issued against it, and with over 650 complaints, the manufacturer continues to investigate problems.
One of the most recent and well known safety issues affecting the Grand Cherokee is security vulnerabilities that allow an unauthorized third party to access the vehicle control systems. Although Fiat Chrysler say that the defect is not a safety problem, they continue to conduct a remedial campaign in the interest of protecting its customers. Continue reading
DMV Reminds California Residents About New Traffic Laws For 2016
With the beginning of 2016, California enacted new laws affecting the day-to-day operations of California residents. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) are reminding everyone that several of these laws will directly affect transportation. SB 491 (Earbuds & Headsets) is one notable law that makes it illegal to wear a headset covering, earplugs in, or earphones covering, resting on, or inserted in, both ears, while operating a motor vehicle or a bicycle. (This law does not apply to persons operating authorized emergency vehicles, construction equipment and refuse or waste equipment while wearing a headset or safety earplugs.) Continue reading
