Predatory lending is unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent lending practices, usually backed by collateral that can be repossessed or foreclosed on if the borrower defaults on their loan. Lenders are often accused of tricking the borrower into thinking that their interest rate is lower than it actually is and that they will be able to repay the loan. Although predatory lenders tend to target the less educated, the poor, racial minorities, and the elderly, anyone can be a victim of this practice. Predatorial lending may not always be illegal, but it can leave victims with bad credit and unmanageable debt. Continue reading

The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were recently contacted by a 2013 Toyota Prius owner who was experiencing repeated problems with her vehicle. The EV had been in for repairs on three (3) separate occasions, was out of service in the hands of the manufacturer for more that 62 days, and the problems were still not fixed. She had complained to the Toyota dealer on many occasions about issues which included defective:

  • Vehicle Paint
  • Windshield (etched Spots/Distortion)
  • Back Glass
  • Right Rear Quarter Glass
  • Driver’s Side Window
  • Right Rear Window
  • Spoiler

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A consumers report published this month could have some Tesla Model S drivers wondering if their cars could be lemons. When ConsumerReports.org first tested the Model S, they described the vehicles as a revolutionary car from an innovative automaker. In May 2013, they gave the Model S a score of 99 %, receiving a Consumer Reports’ recommendation. But over the last 15,743 miles, their test car developed some minor problems. These problems include: Continue reading

According to reports filed on the NHTSA website, certain 2007-2013 Mitsubishi Outlander vehicles equipped with 6 speed automatic transmission may have been manufactured with insufficient clearance between the power steering pressure tube and the converter housing of the automatic trans-axle. Contact between the two components could cause the steering pressure tube to rust and develop a hole in which power steering fluid could leak. Loss of power steering fluid could result in loss of steering assist, making the vehicle harder to control and increasing the risk of an accident. Continue reading

An increase in warranty claims related to the shift cable in some 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata vehicles has led to an investigation and subsequent recall of certain cars manufactured between December 11, 2009 through May 29, 2014.

According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the cable connecting the transmission switch to the vehicle shift lever could become loose and disconnected. Drivers may not be able to move in or out of the “Park” position preventing the vehicle from being started and increasing the chance of unexpected roll away. Continue reading

Shortly after purchasing his new 2013 Nissan Pathfinder, a California resident began experiencing transmission problems that would result in loss of engine power while operating under normal driving conditions. He had taken it in for repairs on three separate occasions for problems which included a defective transmission, torque converter, and transmission control module (TCM). The vehicle was also subject to Service Bulletin (NTB12-035) for problems with the TCM and the powertrain control module (PCM), as well as an NHTSA Investigation (DP12004) for transmission damage due to contamination by engine coolant. (According to the NHTSA website, the Office Of Defect Investigation (ODI) has received 512 consumer complaints regarding transmission problems in certain Nissan Pathfinders.) Continue reading