We recently helped a client in Morro Bay, CA by having the manufacturer repurchase his car. He was driving a 2011 Chevrolet Aveo with about 6,500 miles on it, and was having problems with the air bag light going on. Air bags not working properly are, of course, a safety concern. By the time our client had called us he already had taken the vehicle in three times for repairs. Someone suggested he look into the California lemon law and he then contacted our offices.

Within a few weeks we successfully negotiated with General Motors to have them repurchase his vehicle under the California lemon law statute. The California lemon law protects consumers who have purchased or leased vehicles in California and which show manufacturing defects.

If the vehicle you are driving continues to have problems that started during the manufacturer’s new car warranty, you may be driving a lemon. Please contact the Law Offices of Delsack and Assoc. at 888-Ex-Lemon (888-395-3666) for a free consultation and find out if your vehicle qualifies as a lemon.

Mitsubishi is asking owners of certain 2012 i-MEV electric vehicles to bring in their cars to correct a problem that could prevent their airbags from deploying properly. According to Mitsubishi, an incompatibility between the air bag sensor and the self diagnostic software, could deactivate the front and side airbag system. During an accident, the airbags may fail to deploy, increasing the chance of injury. Owners of affected vehicles may notice the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) warning lamp illuminating to alert the driver of the problem. Owners wanting more information can contact Mitsubishi at 1-800-222-0037.

Toyota has announced a recall for certain 2006-2011 Toyota Rav4 and 2010 Lexus HS250H vehicles because of a problem with the rear suspension. According to the recall report, if the nuts on the rear suspension arm are improperly tightened during a wheel alignment service, the tire rod will develop movement which could lead to rust and damage to the threads. The tire rod could fail causing an abrupt change in the vehicles alignment leading to loss of vehicle control. Drivers who notice a strange noise coming from the rear of their vehicle are asked to contact their nearest dealership as soon as possible. Toyota is working on a repair for the problem and will send out notifications as soon as possible. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

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 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.

Ford is asking owners of certain 2013 Escape vehicles equipped with 1.6L engines and manufactured between October 2011 to July 2012, to not drive their vehicles until a fuel line in the engine compartment has been replaced. The fuel lines could split and leak, causing an engine compartment fire. Owners can contact their local Ford or Lincoln dealer to arrange to have their vehicle picked up for repairs and will provide a rental vehicle if needed. For more information about the problem, owners can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.

Honda is recalling certain 2012 Honda CR-V and 2013 Acura ILX vehicles for a problem that could lead to the doors not fully latching. If the manual or power door lock is activated at the same time the interior front door handle is being operated, the cable connecting the interior door handle to the door latch mechanism could become loose and move out of position. The door may not fully latch and could open while driving. Honda will replace the front door latch assemblies and the interior front door handles. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Days after the 2013 Ford Escape debuted in dealership showrooms, the automobile manufacturer has already issued a recall for the small crossover vehicle. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the positioning of the carpet padding around the center console could interfere with the drivers use of the brake pedal. The driver could experience increased stopping distances which increases the chance of an accident. It is estimated that over 8,000 vehicles are affected by this recall, but because the vehicle is so new, most are still in the dealership showrooms. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Ford at 1-866-436-7332.