Category Archives: Lemon Alert

Excessive Noise & Vibration – Chrysler 300 & Dodge Charger

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2017 Chrysler 300s and 2014-2017 Dodge Chargers regarding a problem affecting their vehicles power train system. According to the defect report, some vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) may experience loosening of the front prop-shaft bolts. The prop-shaft could completely disconnect while driving, causing damage to the power train and under body components. Drivers may notice excessive noise and vibration in the vehicle prior to a failure.

Owners will be asked to return to their nearest dealership to have all eight front driveshaft bolts replaced. Fore more information about the problem, owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T03 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-097.

2016 Mercedes Benz GL & GLE Improper Wheel Tracking

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Daimler will be contacting the owners of certain Mercedes Benz GL and GLE vehicles, regarding a problem affecting their vehicles suspension system. According to the defect report, it is possible that an improper torque connection could exist between the upper control arm and the axle stub. The problem could result in improper wheel tracking and an increased risk of a crash.

The vehicles affected by this problem includes:

  • 2016 Mercedes Benz GL450
  • 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE350
  • 2016 Mercedes Benz GL3450

Dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt between the upper control arm and axle stub, replacing the upper control arm as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2013 Jeep Wrangler – Buyback For Repeated Repair Attempts

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The Law Offices Of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were contacted by the owner of a 2013 Jeep Wrangler 4DR who was experiencing repeated problems with her vehicle.  She told us she had her Wrangler in for repairs on seven (7) different occasions for a defective axle; suspension and drive shaft; recall for transmission oil cooler tube; and loud clicking and clunking sounds.

After reviewing the repair orders and purchase contract, we determined that the 2013 Jeep Wrangler was a lemon and the owner qualified for protection under the California Lemon Law.  A short period after filing our demand to repurchase the defective vehicle, Fiat Chrysler agreed to a buyback.  They paid the balance of the purchase and reimbursed our client for the down payment and monthly payments, less the mileage fee allowed under the California Lemon Law.  FCA also paid all attorney’s fees. Continue reading →

2017 Volkswagen Passat Illuminated Brake Warning Light

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Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat cars regarding a problem that could result in loss of braking power. Improperly manufactured end flares on the brake lines could cause improper sealing that may allow brake fluid to leak and a low fluid waning light to illuminate. If the driver does not notice the warning, braking will worsen over time, increasing the chance of a collision.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the affected brake lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 47N3 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-075.

2016-2017 Toyota Tundra Damaged Bumper Brackets

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On January 24 2017, Toyota filed a defect report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about a problem affecting certain 2016-2017 Tundra vehicles. The affected trucks are equipped with resin rear step bumpers and reinforcement brackets that could crack if impacted at the corner of the bumper. If a person steps on the corner of the bumper that is damaged, a portion of it may break away, increasing the risk of injury.

Dealers will replace the resin rear bumper reinforcement brackets with steel ones and replace the rear bumper tread. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is H0C and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-051.

2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze May Not Meet Crash Protection Standards

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General Motors has decided that certain 2016-2017 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles may fail to conform to the Federal Safety Standards for crash protection. According to the defect report, a bracket used in the driver and front passenger seat back recliner mechanism may have been incorrectly welded to the seat back frame. During a crash, the front seat head restraints could separate, increasing the risk of injury to occupants.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the front passenger seats inspected and replaced as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Chevrolet customer service at 1-800-222-1020. GM’s number for this recall is 17035 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-057.

2015-2016 Nissan Altima Rear Doors Could Unexpectedly Open

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Nissan will be asking owners of certain 2015-2016 Altima vehicles to return to their dealerships to correct a problem affecting the rear door locks. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, Nissan was notified of an incident involving a rear door that unexpectedly opening while the vehicle was in motion. Further investigation found that during the rear door trim panel installation process, the latch lock cable may have been routed incorrectly. Under certain conditions, the cable may interfere with the window regulator causing the rear passenger door to unlatch and open when the window is lowered.

Nissan will notify owners and dealers will correct the rear door latch/lock cable routing. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 17V-040.

Audi 2.0L TFSI Engine Overheat Warning

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The owners of certain Audi vehicles equipped with 2.0L TFSI engines, will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the engine and its cooling system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the coolant pump could become blocked by debris from the cooling system. If this happens the pump could overheat and cause a fire.

The vehicles affected by this defect include:

Audi has developed software which will deactivate the power supply to the coolant pump, if the pump becomes blocked. The driver will be notified of the blockage through an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL). Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 19M1 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-002.