Category Archives: Lemon Alert

2021 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021 Buick Enclave Front Air Bags May Not Deploy Properly

Posted on by

General Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021 Buick Enclave SUVs, about a problem that could result in the front air bag not deploying properly. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out beginning of August 2021.

According to the defect report, during a weekly service programming system (SPS) audit, it was discovered that a small number of 2021 Chevy and Buick models may have been manufactured with the incorrect sensing diagnostic module (SDM) data calibration. The data files were corrected in the SPS system and the problem was reported to GM’s safety program. Their investigation found a small number of 2021 Chevrolet Traverse and 2021 Buick Enclave vehicles may have received the same incorrect data and decided to conduct a safety recall.

General Motors will be contacting the owners of affected vehicles with instructions to update the calibration software in the SDM. GM’s number for this recall is N212340220 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-472

Nissan And Infiniti Steering Off Center And Tires Misaligned

Posted on by

In October 2020 Nissan became aware of a problem with certain front steering knuckles and rear axle housing manufactured at their Yokohama, Japan Plant. Nissan conducted a plant audit and determined that a gap in a particular furnace door caused low temperature conditions during the heat treating process. Axle components located in the low temperature area of the furnace experienced an insufficient amount of heat which resulted in poor hardness. These components have been installed on certain 2020-2021 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.

If the front steering knuckle or rear axle housing receives an impact such as hitting a curb, the steering knuckle or rear axle housing could deform. If the steering knuckle is deformed, the steering wheel may become off-center, impairing the driver’s ability to steer the vehicle. If the rear axle housing is deformed, it will cause wheel mis-alignment.

If the deformation is not detected and the vehicle continues to be operated, the damaged steering knuckle or rear axle housing may cause the wheels to separate from the vehicle.

Vehicles Affected Include
2020 Nissan Murano
2021 Nisssn GT-R
2020 Infiniti QX60
2021 Infiniti QX50
2021 Infiniti Q50

Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary. The NHTSA recall campaign number is 21V-402.

Nissan Armada & Infiniti QX80 Engine Stall

Posted on by

Owners of certain 2020-2021 Nissan Armada and 2020-2021 Infiniti QX80 SUVs equipped with V8 engines could experience a fuel system problem that could result in an unexpected engine stall. Nissan learned of a potential issue on these vehicles in June 2020 and initiated an investigation which has lead to the recall of approximately 24,000 vehicles.

According to the defect report, the fuel pump module was not designed to manufacturer specifications and could fail. During the impeller manufacturing process, a buildup of molten plastic on the injection moulding machine cylinder tip could cause the density of the impeller to be out of specification. Fuel inside the fuel pump can cause the impeller to swell, increasing friction between the impeller and inlet cover. Eventually the fuel pump will bind internally and the engine will stall.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to the dealers to have the fuel pump module replaced. Nissan’s number for this recall is R21A2, Infiniti’s number for this recall is R21A3 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-373.

2021 Jeep Cherokee Transmission Leak

Posted on by

transmission hose leakIn March 2021, Chrysler / FCA USA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance (VSRC) organization received information about a potential trend in engine fires in certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.

The investigation found the problem to be that certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUVs were manufactured with transmission oil cooler (TOC) hoses with rubber that had been incorrectly cured. The suspect period began on January 19, 2021 and ended on March 8, 2021, when all suspect TOC hoses were removed from vehicle production.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, incorrectly cured rubber could allow the hose to weaken and rupture. Transmission fluid leaking from the ruptured hose could contact an ignition source and lead to a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury to occupants, persons outside the vehicle and could result in property damage.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the TOC hoses inspected and replaced as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is Y18 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-310.

2017 Jeep Patriot
California Lemon Law Buyback

Posted on by

Our client was very happy to buy her 2017 Jeep Patriot.

Her first visit to the authorized dealership was on July 31, 2017. She had multiple concerns that she shared with her service advisor. The tire light was on but all pressures were fine. The passenger front window would not go up with the driver side switch. There was also a problem in that the vehicle would only run for a few minutes when started with the remote.

The next visit was on November 10th because the check engine light was on.

Her last visit was December 6 and her Jeep Patriot was in the shop for 29 days as the check engine light was on again.

She contacted us in January and spoke with Barry L. Edzant, a California Lemon Law Attorney Specialist. He asked her to send our office some documents for him to review. After his review and consultation the client decided she wanted Barry to represent her.

A letter was submitted to FCA, USA demanding they buy back her vehicle under the California Lemon Law. FCA agreed to do so and reimbursed our client her down payment, all payments made, her registration, paid off the vehicle loan minus a mileage deduction the manufacturer is entitled to under the Lemon Law. They also paid the attorney fees. Needless to say our client was thrilled.

If you think your vehicle might be a lemon please give our office a cal and speak with Barry L. Edzant. The toll free phone number is 888-395-3666. Find out your rights under the California Lemon Law.

Unsecured Side Curtain Air Bags Found In GM Vehicles

Posted on by

General Motors has decided that a safety defect affecting airbags exists in certain 2010-2015 and 2017 Buick Enclave, 2010-2019 Chevrolet Traverse and 2011-2016 GMC Acadia vehicles.

According to the defect report, in October 2020, a third-party vehicle repair business contacted GM requesting repair assistance on a 2018 Buick Enclave. After removing the headliner to attempt to repair a sunroof water leak, the repair shop identified two fasteners that were not installed and one missing weld nut attaching the roof-rail airbag (RRAB) to the vehicle. Further investigation found that certain stampings associated with the connection of the roof rail airbag to the vehicles had damaged, out of position or missing weld nuts. Although the problem was identified during vehicle assembly, the repairs may have been missed or preformed incorrectly.

GM will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, realign or replace the weld nuts GM’s number for this recall is N202321200 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V246.

Mercedes Benz Floor Mat Carpets Wet

Posted on by

An investigation into reports of water intrusion into the passenger compartment of certain 2020-2021 Mercedes Benz GLE and GLS, cars and SUVs has led to a recall of over 6,000 vehicles. Owner notifications are expected to be mailed out in June.

According to the defect report, at the end of May 2019 Mercedes Benz launched an investigation into customer complaints of water intrusion into the driver and passenger side foot wells of certain GLE and GLS vehicles. The investigation revealed a deviation in the assembly process of the air conditioner drain hoses that would allow the drain hose to disconnect and condensation to enter the passenger compartment. If a significant volume of condensation enters, it could cause corrosion and/or short circuits to electrical components.

NOTE: Drivers may experience problems with door locks and the vehicles emergency call (eCall) feature; the engine may not start or may enter limp-home mode. Sings that the problem exists include wet carpets in the front foot wells and fogged windows.

Vehicles Affected Include
2020 GLE350
2020 GLE450
2020 GLE580
2020 GLS450
2020 GLS580
2021 AMG GLE53

Dealers will inspect and correct the installation of the air conditioner drain hoses, as necessary. The NHTSA recall Campaign Number is 21V-288.

2021 Porsche Cayenne – Rear Axle Lock Nuts Could Break

Posted on by

Porsche North America, Inc. (Porsche) will be contacting the owners of certain 2021 Cayenne vehicles because of a problem affecting the rear axle suspension. The Porsche models affected include 2021 Cayenne, Cayenne S, Cayenne Turbo, Cayenne GTS, Cayenne Coupe, Cayenne S Coupe, Cayenne Turbo Coupe, and Cayenne GTS Coupe.

According to the defect report, lock nuts on the trailing arm of the rear axle have not been manufactured according to specifications. The problem could cause a loose thread connection that may allow respective suspension components to move beyond the intended position. If the screw connection fails, the driver could experience a sudden loss of driving stability with a significant change to driving behavior and a loss of vehicle control. Drivers may notice noises and vibrations due to the loosening of the connection, but these warning sings are not guaranteed.

Porsche will instruct owners of affected vehicles to return to their dealers to have the lock nuts replaced. The recall is expected to begin June 2021. Porsche’s number for this recall is AMA9 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-271.