Safety advocates encouraging a recall of certain 2002-2004 Ford Escape vehicles are also asking the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to include the 2002-2004 Mazda Tribute in their investigation. According to the group, both sport utility vehicles (SUV) are similar vehicles built on the same assembly line. In 2004 Ford and Mazda issued identical recalls for unintended acceleration caused by an accelerator cable that may not return to the idle position. Ford later issued a technical service bulletin that warned dealers that an improper repair could lead to an adjacent cruise control cable being damaged and snagging on the engine cover causing unintended acceleration. The Center for Auto Safety say that because the vehicles are so similar and there is no way of knowing whether the recalls were carried out correctly, Ford and Mazda should issue a recall to ensure the safety of the vehicles.
Category Archives: Video
Ford Escape Investigated
The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) is encouraging the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to open an investigation into certain 2002-2004 Ford Escape vehicles that could be susceptible to unintended acceleration after being repaired for another recall. According to the consumer safety group, the original recall involved accelerator cables snagging on the accelerator pedals, preventing the engine from returning to idle. The group says that almost a year later, Ford issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) which cautioned dealers to take extra care when correcting the recall because the adjacent cruise control cable could be damaged in the process. The damage could allow the cable to snag on a ridge in the engine cover causing unintended acceleration. There have been over 130 complaints from owners claiming they experienced sudden acceleration before and after the original recall was performed. The recall petition also mentions a case in Payson, Ariz., where a 17 year old died in a crash that was blamed on a snagged cruise control cable. According to Ford, they are currently working with the NHTSA to investigate the problem.
Automobile Sales Up For June
Automobile manufacturers reported strong vehicle sales in June despite analysts predictions that the automobile economy is likely to slow for the summer. The average increase for dealership sales was 22% with Toyota and Honda showing the strongest gains. Consumer interest in larger vehicles, such as pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) is being attributed to a sudden drop in the price of fuel, and low interest rates and the release of new models is bringing in consumers who have been delaying purchasing a new vehicle because of lack of confidence in the economy.
Defective Window Switch Investigation Expands
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is expanding an investigation into defective power window switches in some Toyota and GM vehicles. Both investigation began in February after vehicle owners reported intermittent power windows, the smell of smoke, and in rare occasions fires. If the investigation leads to a recall, approximately 1.4 million Toyota and 342,000 GM vehicles could be involved. The vehicles under investigation includes:
- 2007-2009 Toyota Camry
- 2007-2009 Toyota Yaris
- 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUVs
- 2006-2007 Chevrolet TrailBlazer SUVs
The NHTSA said that it also will evaluate other GM vehicles with the same underpinnings. They include:
- Buick Rainier
- GMC Envoy
- Isuzu Ascender
- Saab 9-7X SUVs
Car To Car Networking
David Strickland, head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has announced that the NHTSA is considering new regulations that they say could eliminate up to 80% of traffic accidents. The agency will be conducting a year long study involving about 3,000 vehicles to test technology that will allow car to car networking. General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes Benz, Nissan and Volkswagen will all be working with the NHTSA to provide support for the study.
The above video shows how interconnected sensors in vehicles will gather information about the conditions around it and will send this information through a wireless local network to surrounding vehicles. Other drivers will be alerted about slow-downs, bad weather, accidents and other road problems ahead and can safely reduce their speed. If the new technology is adopted, it could benefit Google as they talk to car companies about developing self driving cars to bring to the market within the next decade.
California Lemon Law Basics
Common California lemon law misconceptions have prevented thousands of lemon owners from trying to get rid of their vehicle and get their money back. The requirements of the lemon laws are technical, differ from state to state, and different manufacturers may interpret their obligations differently. It is important to get an attorney who is experienced in the lemon law of the state you live in. If you live in California and think you have a lemon, contact the lemon law firm of Delsack & Associates at 1-888-395-3666, for a free consultation or go to LemonLawSpecialitsts.com, and GET RID OF YOUR LEMON TODAY!
Chevy And Jeep Investigated For Engine Fires
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), has opened an investigation into engine fires in some 2011 Chevrolet Cruze and 2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Of the ten complaints received, two Chevy Cruze owners reported complete loss of their vehicle, and eight Jeep Wrangler owners stated that the fire started in the engine while driving. The investigation will have the NHTSA reviewing early warning report data to assess the scope and frequency of the alleged defect. If the investigation lead to a recall, almost 180, 000 Cruze and 100,000 Wrangler vehicles could be involved.
California Lemon Law Process
The California Lemon Law is complicated, and if you are not experienced in the process, you could be missing out on reimbursements you are entitled to receive. It should also be noted that going through the lemon law process does not damage or harm your credit. The California Lemon Law was brought in to help consumers get out of a difficult situation, and simply returns them to the same financial position they were in before purchasing or leasing their lemon vehicle. The above video is a brief description of the Lemon Law Process.
If you are in California call our Lemon Law Offices:
Anywhere in California (free call): 1.888.ExLemon (395.3666)
- California Lemon Law in Los Angeles: 310-475-1700
- California Lemon Law in San Francisco: 415-285-5366
- California Lemon Law in San Diego: 619-229-6900
- California Lemon Law in Orange County: 949-856-4333
- California Lemon Law in Palm Springs: 760-395-1000
- California Lemon Law in San Fernando Valley: 818-837-0500
