Tag Archives: auto safety

Ford Sues Windstar Subframe Supplier

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Ford Motor Co. has filed a law suit against automobile parts supplier Dana Holding Corp. over corrosion issues that forced Ford to recall over 425,000 1999-2003 Ford Windstar minivans. The original recall, issued in August 2010, affected rear axles that were susceptible to fractures after years of service in salt states. Continued complaints led to subsequent Windstar minivan investigations and recalls that affected the front lower control arms, rear attaching brackets and body mount attachments.

In a seven page suit filed last Friday Ford stated that they have suffered substantial damages over the minivan issues and are asking the court to enforce a cost sharing agreement between the two companies. When asked about the lawsuit, Dana offered no comment, saying that the company does not discuss pending litigations. Ford and Dana continue to do business together as they work to resolve the issue.

Hyundai Airbag Problem

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Hyundai is recalling certain 2007-2009 Santa Fe and 2012-2013 Sonata vehicles because of airbag problems that could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

  • Approximately 220, 000 Santa Fe vehicles manufactured between April 2006 to July 2008, could have an improperly calibrated occupant classification system (OCS). The problem could lead to the airbags not deploying during an accident increasing the chance if injury. Owners will be notified to bring in their vehicles to get the OCS software updated.

  • Approximately 22, 000 Sonata vehicles manufactured between January to June, 2012 are being recalled because the curtain airbag may inflate without a deployment command. The manufacturing error could increase the risk of injury to the occupants and could increase the chance of an accident by distracting the driver.

Owners wanting more information on either recall can contact Hyundai customer services at 1-800-633-5151.

Chevrolet Problems

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Every automobile manufacturer is subject to repeated problems related to the safety, value, or use of their vehicles, and Chevrolet is no exception. There have been over 16,000 complaints on file for Chevy vehicles, with the Impala, Malibu, Silverado, Trailblazer, Cavalier, Equinox and Cobalt topping the list. Some of these problem are as simple as updates to the owners manual, but many of them can seriously affect the safety of the vehicle, putting the vehicle occupants and others on the road in danger.

In order to protect consumers against defective vehicles, the federal government enacted the Magnusson Moss Act. Every state has their own version of the lemon laws, and California is no exception. California’s Lemon Laws were enacted in 1970 and were founded in the Song Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. The law states that if a manufacturer cannot fix a defective car, truck, boat, RV, motor home, or motorcycle after a reasonable number of repair attempts, the vehicle must be replaced or refunded. Generally, the manufacturer is responsible to re-purchase or replace the defective vehicle.

If you live in California and think that your vehicle could be a lemon, contact the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates at 1.888.395.3666 or go to LemonLawSpecialists.com for a free consultation. You have nothing to loose but your lemon.

Lincoln MKT Potential Wheel Separation

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Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain 2013 Lincoln MKT cars used as hearse or limousine vehicles. These vehicles may have been manufactured with rear brake rotor bolts that are not fully seated allowing the head to protrude above the wheel mounting surface. The raised bolt could lead to torque loss in the wheel joint which could lead to wheel separation. Most vehicles have been quarantined at the coach builder’s facility and will be repaired before delivery and notices were sent out on May 24, 2012 to owners already receiving delivery of their vehicles. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Ford Motor company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Ford F150 Airbag Problem

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Ford will be recalling certain 2012 F-150 trucks to replace the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM). The OCSM is a system that classifies the size of the occupant in the passenger seat and deploys the airbag accordingly. In certain F-150 trucks, the incorrect software for the system may have been installed. The result would be the airbag not deploying properly increasing the risk of injury to the passenger. Ford will notify owners of the problem and will replace the OCSM free of charge. Owners wanting more information can contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.

BMW 3 Series Head Restraint Safety

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BMW has announced that they will be recalling certain 2012 3-Series vehicles because the head restraints fail to comply with the Federal motor vehicle safety standards. According to the recall report, when the head rest is in the highest position it exceeds the downward movement limitations of 25mm. The head restraint could move down during a crash, increasing the risk of neck injuries. BMW will be notifying owners in May and will correct the problem by attaching a clamp to the front seat head restraint posts. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417.

Posted in BMW.

VW Routan Rear Hub Assemblies

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Volkswagen is recalling a small number of 2012 Routan minivans for a problem with the right hand rear hub and bearing assemblies. According to VW, the vehicles affected were built between November 15 to November 21, 2011, and were installed with a hub and bearing assembly that was not fully machined by the manufacturer. The assemblies could wear out prematurely, leading to wheel separation and an increased risk of an accident. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987. Last week, Chrysler issued a similar recall involving certain 2012 Chrysler Town and Country and 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.

Chevy And Jeep Investigated For Engine Fires

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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.