Lemon Law Protection For Small Business

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A California Court of Appeal ruling last September may seem like a small victory for one business owner, but the courts decision is setting a precedence that will affect future decisions across the country when it comes to small business automobiles with a gross vehicle weight (GVWR) of 10,000 pounds.

Daniel Joyce, a licensed contractor from Petaluma first started having problems with his Ford F-250 shortly after purchasing it brand-new in 2006. Joyce decided to sue Ford, but the case was overturned saying that the truck was not covered by the lemon law because the GVWR was 10,000 pounds. After a four year battle, court finally issued a ruling siding with Joyce saying that it is the actual weight of the vehicle that counts. This decision is a victory for the consumer and could help other business owners who may be in a similar situation.

Unintended Acceleration In Ford Taurus

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into certain 2005-2006 Ford Taurus vehicles after receiving 14 reports of stuck throttles. Consumer complaints alleged vehicle engines could rev as high at 4,000 RMP after shifting into “park” or “neutral”, and difficulty stopping the vehicle has resulted in dangerous situations for drivers. According to these reports, the problem could be the result of a stuck throttle due to the cruise control cable detaching. If this preliminary investigation should lead to a vehicle recall, an estimated 360,000 vehicles could be affected.

Toyota Tacoma Airbag Problem

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Toyota will be recalling certain 2005-2009 Tacoma pickup trucks manufactured between September 2004 to August 2008. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vibrations in the steering wheel could damage the spiral cable assembly (clock spring) that powers the driver’s air bag module. The damage could cause the air bag warning lamp to illuminate and the air bag could become deactivated. During an accident, the air bag may not deploy leaving the driver unprotected. Toyota will notify owners and dealers of the problem starting in early April, and will replace the spiral cable assembly free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Toyota Brake Light Defect

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Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Camry sedans and 2009-2011 Venza mid size crossover SUV (CUV) vehicles over a manufacturing defect that could leave drivers with inoperative brake lights. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), silicon grease may have gotten on the contacts of the stop lamp switch increasing the resistance of the switch. This problem with the brake lights could lead to a no start condition, and the driver may not be able to shift out of the “park” position. Toyota will be notifying and replacing the stop lamp switch starting in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Ford Minivan Transmission Problems

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Ford is recalling certain 2004-2005 Ford Freestar and 2004-2005 Mercury Monterey minivans for a problem with the transmission that could result in a sudden loss of power. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) the torque converter output shaft could fail. The recall is expected to affect over 200,000 vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the torque converter problem can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Slow Sales Stop Chevy Volt Production

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General Motors Co. has announced that they will stop production of the Chevrolet Volt hybrid vehicle for five weeks to allow their surplus of inventory to be depleted. This will be the third time that production of the Volt has been stopped for at least a month since the car first went on sale in December 2010. The lack of interest in the Chevy volt is being blamed on several factors:

  • A recent NHTSA investigation into battery fires resulting after crash testing.
  • The lack of charging stations in some states.
  • Electric car technology is still relatively new and problems need to be solved before it can be attractive to the mass market, the biggest complaints being lack of range and performance.
  • The production of electric vehicles by other automobile manufacturers.

GM hoped to sell 10,000 Volts last year, but ended up selling just over 7,600. Some feel the promotion of the electric vehicle by the Obama administration has failed. Even as gas prices continue to climb and government incentives are used, it is still not enough to get consumers to buy electric cars. The plant shutdown is expected to lay off almost 1,300 workers, and slow down companies that supply parts and batteries for the Volt.

Nissan Quest Stalling Engine

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Nissan is recalling certain 2011-2012 Nissan Quest minivans because the engine could stall unexpectedly. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while idling or driving at slow speeds on an incline with ¼ tank or less of fuel, the engine could stall due to an insufficient supply of fuel to the engine. Nissan will be notifying owners starting in March, and dealers will correct the problem by reprogramming the fuel pump control module. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Infiniti Airbag Deployment Problem

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Nissan is recalling certain 2003-2005 Infiniti Q45 vehicles for a problem with the seat mounted airbag wiring. The connector for the airbags could experience corrosion which will result in increased electrical resistance. The airbag may not deploy properly, leaving the occupants unprotected. Nissan will start notifying owner starting March 12, 2012, and will modify the wiring connector free of charge. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.