Toyota has announced a recall that will affect about 82,000 Toyota and Lexus hybrid sport utility vehicles (SUV’s). The recall involves about 45,000 2006-2007 Toyota Highlander and 36,000 2006-2007 Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV models from the 2006-2007 model years. The recall is the result of an investigation that began in February after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received complaints of the vehicles stalling for no reason. Toyota has reported that the problem is with the transistors inside the system’s inverter which can overheat and fail. Drivers will be alerted of the problem by warning lamps illuminating on the dashboard, and in most cases the vehicle can be driven a short distance due to a fail safe driving mode. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Toyota at 800-331-4331 or go to www.toyota.com/recall or Lexus at 800-255-3987 or go to www.lexus.com/recall.
Toyota To Offer Family Sized Prius
According to Ed LaRocque, Toyota’s U.S. marketing manager for advanced technology vehicles, Toyota’s new family sized Prius will be hitting the U.S. market this fall after delays due to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. The Prius V is being targeted to young families offering versatility and more interior room than most small sport utility vehicles on the market. The company sees the Prius V competing against vehicles such as the Honda CR-V, Ford Escape and the Volkswagen Jetta wagon. Toyota will also be offering a plug in version of the current Prius model early next year followed by a smaller version, known as the Prius C. Toyota has dominated the gasoline electric hybrid market since the Prius went on sale in the U.S. in 2000. The company hopes that Prius sales will eventually rival the sales of Toyota’s popular models like the Camry and Corolla sedans.
BMW Recalls 2012 X5 SAVs
BMW is recalling certain 2012 X5 X-Drive 35D diesel Sports Activity Vehicles (SAV) for a problem that could lead to loss of power steering assistance. The problem is being blamed on a manufacturing error at the supplier which could lead to the welds on the belt tensioner developing small cracks, eventually leading to complete failure of the belt tensioner. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact BMW’s customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417, or email customerrelations@bmwusa.com.
Do You Qualify Under The California Lemon Law?
California Lemon Law Specialist Kurt Delsack has been protecting California lemon law clients since 1987 and has recovered millions of dollars for thousands of clients. Representing clients to the highest legal standards under the California lemon law, we pride ourselves in obtaining the most favorable results without going through the arbitration process, which could have a significant negative impact on any future legal action you may bring against the manufacturer. The first step in getting rid of a lemon vehicle is to know if your vehicle qualifies under the California lemon law. The above video offers easy steps that will help you see if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon. Your vehicle could qualify if:
1. You have repeated problems related to the safety, value, or use of your vehicle.
2. The vehicle was purchased or leased as new for personal and most small business use.
3. Or, if the vehicle is used, it was purchased while the manufacturer’s original, new car warranty was still in effect.
4. Finally, the manufacturer has had a reasonable number of repair attempts. A reasonable number is four repair attempts for the same or similar problem; or only two times if it is likely to cause serious bodily injury; or if the vehicle has been out of service, in the hands of an authorized dealer, for more than 30 days during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles; AND is still not repaired.
These are not absolute requirements to demand a repurchase on your vehicle. There are many situations which do not meet these guidelines but which may still entitle you to the lemon law protections.
If you think you have a lemon, call us today at 888-EX-LEMON or 888-395-3666 for a free consultation, or complete and submit the short form on our website at www.calemonlaw.com.
Life is too short to live with a lemon, contact our offices and “Get Rid Of Your Lemon Today! CALL:
California Lemon Law in Los Angeles: 310-475-1700
California Lemon Law in San Francisco: 415-285-5366
California Lemon Law in Fresno: 559-382-0359
California Lemon Law in Long Beach: 562-282-9909
California Lemon Law in Oakland: 510-545-9083
California Lemon Law in Orange County: 949-856-4333
California Lemon Law in Palm Springs: 760-395-1000
California Lemon Law in San Diego: 619-229-6900
California Lemon Law in San Fernando Valley: 818-837-0500
California Lemon Law in San Jose: 408-681-8033
Automobile Quality Drops For 2011 Models
According to this years J.D. Power & Associates annual U.S. automobile quality study, 2011 model year automobiles have ten percent more problems than last years models. While the overall quality of vehicles has improved, consumer complaints seemed to focus on significantly redesigned cars and trucks. The Ford Motor Co. took the biggest hit, falling to 23rd from 5th place just a year ago. Most complaints, however, were about the on board MYFord Touch infotainment system offered on the 2011 Edge and Explorer crossovers. According to Dave Sargent, vice president of vehicle research at J.D. Power, Ford would have been one of the top contenders in reliability if it wasn’t for MyFord Touch. “They made the decision to be a leader in this area, leaving them in a vulnerable position.”
The top of the list was controlled by luxury automakers and foreign brands, Japanese vehicles moved up ahead this year but played it safe by not introducing too many new models to its already established line up. Lexus lead the pack with Honda close on it’s heels receiving seven segment awards. Toyota saw an impressive increase in reliability after being plagued by problematic recalls of previous years.
The top 10 most reliable auto manufacturers, based on the least number of problems reported in the first three months of operation were:
- Lexus
- Honda
- Acura
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mazda
- Porsche
- Toyota
- Infiniti
- Cadillac
- GMC
Ford Sync Technology Expands
Ford has announced that they will be expanding their Sync AppLink software program to an additional ten models for the 2012 new vehicle line up, as well as significantly increasing their development team for the Sync over the next four years. Ford’s Sync infotainment system, first introduced on the 2011 Fiesta, has become popular amongst drivers who demand communication and internet mobility hands free through their smartphones. According to Doug VanDagens, director of Ford’s Connected Services Solutions, the number of apps for the Sync has grown over 150% in the last six months and developers have shown much interest in working with Ford to develop their apps to work with Sync. It is important to develop the Sync system to keep up with the demands of the customer while allowing for easy upgrades in app development.
The Sync AppLink will be available in the 2012 Ford Fusion, Fusion hybrid, Fiesta, F-150, F-150 SVT Raptor, Super Duty, Expedition, E-Series, Shelby GT500 and Mustang. Ford also said it will expand the availability of rear seat inflatable seat belts to three additional vehicles beginning next summer. They will now be made available on the 2012 Ford Flex as well as the Lincoln MKT and MKZ.
Children And Automobile Safety
Auto safety group, KidsAndCars.org, are petitioning General Motors and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to recall vehicles built before 2001, to have internal trunk release mechanisms installed. This comes after two boys died last week after locking themselves in the trunk of a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu. The incident, according to the safety group, is “eerily similar” to a case two years ago where a boy and his sister died in the trunk of the same model vehicle.
Kids And Cars first started as the Trunk Releases Urgently Needed Coalition (TRUNC), a group that focused on getting trunk release mechanisms installed in vehicles, but since then have broadened their area of concern to general safety of children. The group was the main push behind the federal regulation for glow in the dark trunk release handles inside of all vehicles built in 2002 and newer, and are currently pushing to have mandatory back up cameras installed in all new vehicles. KidsAndCars.org was the first and only organization to not only recognize the dangers, but also to begin collecting data and bring national attention to these incidents.
VW Recalls Vehicles For Tire Monitoring System
Volkswagen is recalling certain 2012 CC model vehicles for failing to comply with the Federal motor vehicles safety standards for tire pressure monitoring. Certain vehicles that had their factory installed wheels and tires replaced with accessory wheels and tires may not have the proper tire pressure monitoring sensors (TPMS) installed. With the incorrect sensors, the driver will receive inaccurate warnings for the inflation of the tires. Improper tire pressure can lead to premature wear and eventual failure of the tires. Volkswagen will replace the sensors with the proper part for the accessory wheels. Owner wanting more information on the recall can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.
