Ford & Lincoln Vehicles Affected By Airbag Problem

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Ford is issuing a safety compliance recall for approximately 32,000 2016-2017 Ford Edge, 2016-2017 Lincoln MKX and 2017 Lincoln Continental vehicles to replace Takata driver frontal airbag modules. According to the recall report, the affected vehicles have airbags that may not completely fill or the airbag cushion could detach during deployment. This problem is not related to Takata’s recall for airbags that can experience propellant degradation resulting in a potential rupture, but the results can be just as dangerous.

Owners will be asked to return to their dealer to have the driver frontal air bag module replaced. Because parts are not currently available safety recall will be sent out in March 2017 and a second notice will be sent when parts are available. For more information about the problem owners are asked to contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford’s number for this recall is 17C02 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-123.

2017 Buick LaCrosse Electronic Power Steering (EPS) Warning

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General Motors has decided that a defect affecting vehicle safety exists in certain 2017 Buick LaCrosse vehicles.

According to the defect report, the terminal cables carrying ground and/or power to the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) connectors could have seals that were poorly crimped. The poor crimps make it difficult to fully seat those cables and could allow water to enter and corrode the connector. Drivers could experience an EPS warning light on the instrument panel, a chime will sounds to alert the driver and the vehicle will become difficult to steer.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have their vehicles inspected and the problem corrected. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Buick customer service at 1-800-521-7300. GM’s number for this recall is 17085 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-116.

Ford Focus And Fiesta DPS6 Transmission Problems

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The owners of certain Ford Fiesta and Focus cars have been receiving notices regarding an extended warranty coverage on their Dual Power Shift (DPS6) transmissions. The extension gives owners a 10 year or 150,000 mile warranty on the vehicles transmission control module (TCM). This customer satisfaction program (14M02) affects certain 2011-2015 Fiesta and 2012-2015 Focus vehicles, although owners of 2016 models have received notices as well

The Problem: There is no denying that Fords DPS6 transmissions has problems. Intermittent loss of engagement while driving, lack of power and a no-start condition are common complaints, but the problems are amplified by driver expectations. Ford calls their DPS6 an automatic, when in reality, it is a manual transmission that shifts automatically. Owner expecting it to behave in the same manner as a regular automatic transmission have resulted in an even larger number of consumer complaints. Continue reading →

Excessive Noise & Vibration – Chrysler 300 & Dodge Charger

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain 2014-2017 Chrysler 300s and 2014-2017 Dodge Chargers regarding a problem affecting their vehicles power train system. According to the defect report, some vehicles equipped with all wheel drive (AWD) may experience loosening of the front prop-shaft bolts. The prop-shaft could completely disconnect while driving, causing damage to the power train and under body components. Drivers may notice excessive noise and vibration in the vehicle prior to a failure.

Owners will be asked to return to their nearest dealership to have all eight front driveshaft bolts replaced. Fore more information about the problem, owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T03 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-097.

2016 Mercedes Benz GL & GLE Improper Wheel Tracking

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Daimler will be contacting the owners of certain Mercedes Benz GL and GLE vehicles, regarding a problem affecting their vehicles suspension system. According to the defect report, it is possible that an improper torque connection could exist between the upper control arm and the axle stub. The problem could result in improper wheel tracking and an increased risk of a crash.

The vehicles affected by this problem includes:

  • 2016 Mercedes Benz GL450
  • 2016 Mercedes Benz GLE350
  • 2016 Mercedes Benz GL3450

Dealers will inspect the tightness of the bolt between the upper control arm and axle stub, replacing the upper control arm as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.

2013 Jeep Wrangler – Buyback For Repeated Repair Attempts

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The Law Offices Of Delsack & Associates, P.C. were contacted by the owner of a 2013 Jeep Wrangler 4DR who was experiencing repeated problems with her vehicle.  She told us she had her Wrangler in for repairs on seven (7) different occasions for a defective axle; suspension and drive shaft; recall for transmission oil cooler tube; and loud clicking and clunking sounds.

After reviewing the repair orders and purchase contract, we determined that the 2013 Jeep Wrangler was a lemon and the owner qualified for protection under the California Lemon Law.  A short period after filing our demand to repurchase the defective vehicle, Fiat Chrysler agreed to a buyback.  They paid the balance of the purchase and reimbursed our client for the down payment and monthly payments, less the mileage fee allowed under the California Lemon Law.  FCA also paid all attorney’s fees. Continue reading →

2017 Volkswagen Passat Illuminated Brake Warning Light

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Volkswagen will be contacting the owners of certain 2017 Volkswagen Passat cars regarding a problem that could result in loss of braking power. Improperly manufactured end flares on the brake lines could cause improper sealing that may allow brake fluid to leak and a low fluid waning light to illuminate. If the driver does not notice the warning, braking will worsen over time, increasing the chance of a collision.

Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the affected brake lines replaced. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 47N3 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-075.

2016-2017 Toyota Tundra Damaged Bumper Brackets

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On January 24 2017, Toyota filed a defect report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about a problem affecting certain 2016-2017 Tundra vehicles. The affected trucks are equipped with resin rear step bumpers and reinforcement brackets that could crack if impacted at the corner of the bumper. If a person steps on the corner of the bumper that is damaged, a portion of it may break away, increasing the risk of injury.

Dealers will replace the resin rear bumper reinforcement brackets with steel ones and replace the rear bumper tread. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is H0C and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-051.