A failing fuel pump relay within the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) of certain 2011 Dodge Durango and 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee sport utility vehicles could result in drivers experiencing stalling and a no start condition. The cause has been identified as a deformation of the relay contact spring due to ambient heat around the pump relay. The vehicle may intermittently or permanently not start, not start the first time, not stay running, or the fuel pump may continue running when the vehicle has been shut off. Continue reading
Category Archives: California Lemon Law
2013-2014 Ford Escape And Focus Vehicle Engine Stalls
Ford will be asking owners of some 2013–2014 Escape SUV’s and 2013–2014 Focus ST cars, equipped with 2.0 litre engines, to return their vehicles to a Ford dealership to repair a problem that could result in the engine hesitating and stalling.
According to reports filed at the NHTSA website, a splice in the engine wiring harness may have not been sufficiently crimped. The innsufficient crimp could result in a high resistance to the engine sensor circuits, causing the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) to illuminate, reduced engine power, hesitation, rough running, or stalling without warning. An unexpected engine stall could increase the risk of an accident. Continue reading
2010 Jaguar KF Buyback For Repeated Defects
The owner of a 2010 Jaguar KF contacted us in October 2010 about problems she was having with her new car. She purchased the vehicle in December 2009 and had already given a Jaguar dealer at least six (6) opportunities to correct defects. These flaws included electrical system problems, a defective computer system, no start condition, defective instrument cluster, defective lighting system, defective water pump, and the SES light remains on. Continue reading
2015 Porsche 918 Spyder Control Arm Failure
A small number of 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder owners will be notified by the manufacturer to return their cars to an approved dealership to repair a problem that could result in difficulty controlling the vehicle. According to reports, internal tests have shown that the rear axle control arms from a certain production batch may not meet the required specification. This reduced durability, under severe use or after an extended period of time, could result in the connecting links of a control arm to break. This unexpected reduced control of the vehicle could increase the chance of an accident. Continue reading
2014 BMW i3 and Mini Cooper Airbag Problem
An incorrectly assembled airbag will have a small number of BMW owners returning their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility to correct the problem. The vehicles affected include the 2014 BMW i3 and 2014 Mini Cooper hardtop. BMW has already informed drivers to keep the front passenger seat empty until the problem can be corrected. Continue reading
Are Customer Satisfaction Campaigns Affecting Vehicle Safety?
Customer satisfaction campaigns, also known as secret warranties or silent recalls, is a practice used by automobile manufacturers to correct relatively minor issues that could affect driver’s comfort or the vehicle’s appearance. Instead of dealing with thousands of customers, the manufacturer deals with complaints on a case by case basis. In many cases, those who are unaware that a satisfaction campaign exists, end up paying for the manufacturing mistake. Continue reading
2010 Chevrolet Malibu Repurchased Under California Lemon Law
After analyzing repair orders and the purchase contract of a potential lemon law case, we determined that the owner of a 2010 Chevrolet Malibu did have a valid claim to have his vehicle repurchased under the California Lemon Law. He had complained to the dealer many times about his cars problems and had six (6) unsuccessful repair attempts for various defects. These problems included:
- Defective Engine Cooling System
- Defective A/C System
- Defective Thermostat
- Defective Temperature Gauge
- Defective Control Valve Assembly
- SES Light Remains On
Buick, Cadillac, And Chevrolet Sedan Steering Problem
General Motors will be asking owners of certain Buick, Cadillac, and Chevrolet sedans to return their vehicles to a manufacturer approved repair facility to have their vehicles steering system inspected and repaired. According to reports filed at the NHTSA website, the fasteners holding the intermediate shaft and the steering gear, and/or at the lower control arm to the lower ball joint may have not been torqued to the correct specifications. The fasteners could loosen, parts could separate, and the driver could experience complete loss of steering. Continue reading
