California Lemon Law blog « A Blog by the Law Offices of Barry L. Edzant

General Motors (GM) has decided that a defect affecting seat belt safety exists in certain 2017-2023 Chevrolet Bolt EVs. GM will be contacting owners of affected vehicles with instructions to return to their dealership to have the problem corrected by installing fire barriers.

GM first became aware of the problem in September 2022 after receiving a report of a 2018 Chevy Bolt EV that experienced a fire. The fire seemed to originate in the right side lower pillar in the area of the pretensioner. GM opened an investigation into the incident and identified a total of three field incidents where exhaust from a deployed pretensioner ignited carpet fibers near the B-pillar. By December, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a safety recall.

The problem arises during certain crash conditions that require the front seat belt pretensioners to deploy. According to the defect report, the temperature of the exhaust from a deployed pretensioner may be sufficient enough to ignite carpet and other materials in close proximity to the pretensioner.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have a metal foil barrier added between the carpet and pretensioner. Some vehicles will also require the installation of a pretensioner cover that will prevent the ignition of carpet material from pretensioner exhaust.

This recall will be launched in two phases, under bulletins N222383790 and N222383791. Notification to owners of vehicles that require only the installation of the foil barrier is estimated to begin on January 30, 2023. Owners of vehicles that also require installation of the pretensioner cover will begin receiving interim notification on January 30, 2023, with a second notification when parts become available. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-930.

Chevy Bolt Seat Belt Pretensioner Fire

General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu’s because of a problem affecting a structural portion of the vehicle frame.

GM first became aware of the problem in August 2022 when a production operator installing parts on a vehicle discovered a section of the motor rail was missing. Further investigation found that the front rail outer panel was cut too short and, as a result, was not completely welded to the front right-hand side of the front impact bar.

The problem was reported to GM’s Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) program which worked with the plant and supplier to identify and contain affected vehicles. Of the 1,875 vehicles that GM contained and inspected, they found none that had an incomplete weld. GM opened an investigation into the subject condition to analyze the potential effects of this condition during a crash. There are no known field incidents related to this condition., but GM has decided to conduct a safety recall.

According to the defect report, the sheet metal blank for the front frame rail outer panel for the 2022-2023 Chevy Malibu was improperly loaded into the die. As a result, the front frame rail was cut 10 millimeters short of its intended design. The shortened frame rail prevented proper welding of the front impact bar to the front frame rail. This defect may be present on the right hand and/or left-hand side of the vehicle.

Owners will be asked to return to their GM dealer to have the right-hand and left-hand sides of the vehicle’s motor rail inspected for incomplete welds. If the condition is found, the vehicle will be repurchased by GM. The NHTSA campaign number for this recall is 22V-923.

Is GM Repurchasing Your Lemon Vehicle?

Under the Lemon Law, if you qualify, you should be able to recover your down payment, (including registration fees, licensing fees, taxes, transportation costs, etc.), plus your total monthly lease or loan payments. The manufacturer will also pay off the balance of your loan or lease. The manufacturer will also pay all or most of your attorney’s fees.

If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

A small number of 2023 Kia Forte vehicles could experience a loss of steering control due to a manufacturing problem at the supplier.

The problem was first discovered in late October 2022 when a front left steering knuckle was found broken in a 2023 Kia Forte at one of their manufacturing plants. Kia worked with the supplier to investigate the cause of the knuckle crack and revealed a manufacturing procedure that was not followed by a worker at the knuckle supplier. Although a field analysis of data finds no customer complaints or warranty claims for loss of steering due to knuckle crack or fracture, Kia decided to recall certain 2023 Kia Forte vehicles.

According to the defect report, a manufacturing issue at the supplier of the front left steering knuckle installed in the subject vehicles may have been cast improperly. An improperly cast knuckle can fracture and may result in the loss of steering control.

All owners of the affected vehicles will be notified by first-class mail with instructions to bring their vehicles to a Kia dealer to have the left front steering knuckle inspected. If the knuckle is identified as being part of the affected production lot, the knuckle will be replaced with a new one. Kia’s number for this recall is SC259 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-907.

Kia will also be contacting the owners of certain 2020 Niro EVs because of a problem with the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU). In November 2022 Kia became aware of Niro EVs in the European market involving complaints loss of motive power. An investigation identified seven warranty claims in the US, involving loss of motive power for the same reasons.

According to the defect report, the Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU) assembly in the affected vehicles may have been produced by the supplier with improper sealing. The EPCU could leak coolant internally and contact the EPCU circuit board. If coolant contacts the EPCU circuit board, the vehicle could unexpectedly stall. Drivers may notice a “Check Electric Vehicle System” warning light.

Dealers will inspect and replace the EPCU as necessary. Kia’s number for this recall is SC258 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-897.

General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain HD and XD trucks because of a problem affecting the suspension in their vehicles. If the problem is not fixed, it could lead to difficult steering and an increased risk of an accident.

In November 2022, GM received information from one of their suppliers that there was an investigation into a manufacturing quality problem in certain flange lock nuts used in 2021-2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty vehicles. After consulting with their supplier, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a recall.

The vehicles affected include:

2021-2022 Chevrolet 4500HD
2021-2022 Chevrolet 4500XD
2021-2022 Chevrolet 5500HD
2021-2022 Chevrolet 5500XD
2022 Chevrolet 6500HD

According to the defect report, certain hex flange lock nuts used in several locations on the suspension in some HD and XD trucks were not properly formed and heat treated by the supplier. Over time, the nuts could loosen and cause a loss of tension in the suspension joints. Over time, drivers will notice a degradation in vehicle handling.

Parts are not currently available, but when parts are available owners will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the hex flange lock nuts replaced. GM’s number for this recall is N222391080 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-874.

In most cases, the Cadillac CTS is a reliable vehicle, but over the years there has been a pattern of problems that owners have been dealing with. Below are some common problems affecting GMs’ Cadillac CTS vehicles:

Cadillac CTS Dash Cluster Problems

In February 2022, a class-action lawsuit was filed against General Motors over issues with its Cadillac User Experience (CUE) system. This lawsuit was originally filed against GM in the U.S. District for Southern California back in 2019 by owners of Cadillac vehicles equipped with its CUE infotainment system. Plaintiffs alleged cars equipped with Cadillac CUE have touchscreens that are prone to delaminating and cracking, making them impossible to use.

Other Cadillac CTS Dash Cluster Problems Include:

Dash Cluster Is Completely Dead
Dashboard / Speedometer Lights Continually Blinking
Gauges Become “Stuck”
“Starting Disabled Remove Key” Warnings

Cadillac CTS Rear Differential Problems

Over the years, the Cadillac CTS model has received many complaints about differential problems. They have recently been recalled for roll pins in the rear-axle differential that could fatigue and crack. If these pins break while the vehicle is driven, it could cause the rear to lock up, creating a dangerous driving situation. Other differential problems include a rear axle pinion seal that could experience a fluid leak. If the fluid leaks low enough, a lack of lubrication could lead to increased differential noise and eventual failure.

Symptoms Of A Bad Rear CTS Differential

Vibrations that increase in intensity as you speed up.
Grinding Gears
Whining Noises
Metal Shavings In Differential Fluid

Cadillac CTS Check Engine Light Flashes

When your Cadillac CTS “Check Engine Light” goes on, you don’t immediately stop your vehicle and turn off the engine, unless you are experiencing engine performance issues such as poor acceleration or rough idling. The engine light warning could be a minor issue or it could mean something more serious. For most Cadillac CTS owners, it means a trip to the car dealership to investigate the issue and get the light turned off.

Common Cadillac CTS Check Engine Light Problems include:

Faulty Steering Wheel Position Sensor
Loose Or Damaged Gas Cap
Faulty Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor
Oxygen Sensor Failure
Catalytic Converter Failure
EVAP (Evaporated Emission Control System) Leak
EGR Exhaust Gas Re-circulation Valve Failure
Dirty Spark Plugs Or Damaged Spark Plug Wires
Vacuum Leak

If your vehicle is experiencing repeated problems it could be a Lemon. Know your Lemon Law Rights. If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law advice!

Our firm has 30 years of experience in dealing with nearly every kind of manufacturer of motor vehicles and have represented thousands of clients throughout the state of California. When we submit a demand on your behalf, the manufacturer is more likely to respect the legitimacy of your claim and our long experience in handling such matters.

Transmission Fluid Leak May Cause Fire In Certain Stellantis Trucks

Chrysler’s parent company, Stellantis has issued a recall for certain 2020-2022 Ram 3500 and 2020-2023 Ram 2500 heavy-duty diesel trucks because of a problem that could result in an engine compartment fire. These trucks are equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines and 68RFE transmissions.

According to the defect report, a build-up of heat and pressure inside the transmission may result in transmission fluid being expelled from the dipstick tube. If the fluid comes in contact with an ignition source within the engine compartment, it could result in a vehicle fire. Stellantis is still working on a fix for this problem. Chrysler’s number for this recall is ZA3 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-835.

In the past two years, Stellantis’s Ram 2500 and Ram 3500 trucks have experienced a high number of recalls.

Owners Are Advised To Park Outdoors Due To Fire Hazard

It began in February 2021, when an investigation was opened into engine compartment fires in certain 2021-2022 Ram 2500, 3500 pickup trucks and 2021-2022 Ram 3500, 4500, and 5500 cab chassis vehicles equipped with Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines. An electrical short within the solid-state intake heater grid relay could result in a fire, even when the ignition was turned off. Owners are advised to park these vehicles outside and away from structures and other vehicles until the problem has been fixed. Approximately 131,000 vehicles were affected by this recall.

Side curtain Air Bag May Not Deploy Properly

In November 2021 an airbag recall was issued for a small number of 2021-2022 RAM 1500, 2500 and 3500 trucks. The side air bag inflatable curtain (SABIC) assemblies in these vehicles were manufactured with a low gas mass that would result in an airbag non-deployment or slow deployment or a high gas mass that could result in aggressive airbag deployment and an increased risk of occupant injury in certain crash scenarios.

Stellantis RAM Electrical Problems

Stellantis issued three more recalls before their most recent for transmission fluid leaks that could cause fires. In March 2022, approximately 370, 000 Dodge Duango, RAM 2500, and Ram 3500 trucks were repaired for an electronic stability control (ECS) indicator light that could fail to illuminate during a control problem, increasing the risk of a crash.

In June 2022, certain 2022 Ram 1500, 2500 pickup trucks, and 3500 Cab Chassis vehicles with GVWR less than 10,000 lbs, experienced a radio software problem that could prevent the rear view image from displaying. These vehicles failed to comply with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) for rear visibility.

In August 2022 a misaligned capacitor inside the ECM of certain 2022 Ram 2500, 3500, 4500 and 5500 trucks, could cause an electrical short, and a loss of drive power.

Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) has issued a recall (22V-816) affecting certain 2023 Genesis G80 Electric, 2021-2022 Santa Fe Hybrid, and 2022-2023 Santa Fe Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. These vehicles have front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners that could explode under certain deployment conditions.

This is the seventh recall issued by Hyundai for seat belt pretensioner problems. Hyundai has determined that the subject vehicles were manufactured with driver/passenger pyrotechnic-type seat belt pretensioners that may deploy abnormally in certain crashes due to over pressurization of the pretensioner pipe. The potential of a pretensioner exploding is dependent on vehicle characteristics, pretensioner load limiter specifications, airbag control unit logic, crash duration and severity.

Hyundai first became aware of the problem in September 2021, when they were contacted by the NHTSA’s ODI about an incident involving a 2021 model year Hyundai Elantra. The driver-side seat belt pretensioner allegedly deployed abnormally, causing metal fragments to enter the rear cabin and injuring an occupant’s leg. The NHTSA was notified of the incident by a law firm representing the operator of the incident vehicle.

According to the defect report, the front driver-side and/or passenger-side seat belt pretensioners in the subject vehicles were installed from a suspect production lot containing pyrotechnic-type pretensioners that may deploy abnormally during a crash. At the time, the cause of the abnormal deployment was unknown. Hyundai decided to recall vehicles equipped with pretensioners produced within the same production lot.

Recall 21V-796 vehicles affected include:

2021 Hyundai Elantra
2021 Hyundai Elantra HEV
2021 Hyundai Venue
2022 Genesis GV70
2021 Genesis GV80

Recall 22V-069 vehicles affected include:

2020-2021 Hyundai Accent

Recall 22V-123 vehicles affected include:

2022 Hyundai Elantra
2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV

Recall 22V-218 vehicles affected include:

2020 Hyundai Accent
2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra

Recall 22V-354 vehicles affected include:

2020-2022 Hyundai Accent
2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra
2021-2022 Hyundai Elantra HEV

Recall 22V-458 vehicles affected include:

2020-2022 Hyundai Venue

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their Hyundai dealer to have the seat belt pretensioners secured with a cap. Hyundai’s number for this recall is 238/011G.

General Motors (GM) has decided that a battery defect exists in certain 2022-2023 GMC Hummer EVs and 2022 BrightDrop EV600s. While GM works to develop a fix for this condition, owners will receive interim notifications alerting them of the problem. Once a remedy becomes available, GM will send a second notification with a time frame for repairs.

GM first became aware of the problem in July 2022 after receiving Speak Up For Safety (SUFS) submissions relating to potential electrocoating and urethane sealing issues in certain Hummer EV battery packs. After further investigation, two manufacturing errors were identified.

Under cured electrocoating along certain portions of the battery tray.
Improper urethane seal repair could result in poor urethane seal adhesion in battery packs built during specific build windows.

According to the defect report, flanges on the battery pack enclosure may have been improperly primed or electrocoated, inhibiting proper adhesion of the urethane sealant. If water enters the battery pack enclosure and causes a battery pack malfunction, one or more malfunction indicator lamps may illuminate and the driver information center will display a warning message.

GM is aware of two field reports and a relevant report involving a GM test vehicle. All three vehicles had water leaks at urethane seals that had been repaired by the battery pack supplier during pack assembly. Water inside the battery packs triggered the vehicles’ onboard diagnostics, and the drivers received notification of a battery-pack malfunction.

GM is not aware of any accidents, injuries, or fires related to this condition. GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a safety recall on vehicles containing packs with potentially improperly repaired urethane seals.

The remedy is currently under development. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed on November 28, 2022. Second letters will be sent once the remedy is available. GM’s number for this recall is N222380031 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-771.

Free Lemon Law Case Review

Chevy Bolt EV Potential Fire After Seat Belt Pretensioner Deployment

GM Repurchases Certain 2022-2023 Chevrolet Malibu For Structural Problems

Kia Forte Loss Of Steering Control & Kia Niro EV Loss Of Drive Power

Chevy Heavy Duty Trucks Steering Instability