Subaru will be contacting the owners of certain Forester, Impreza, Legacy and Outback vehicles regarding a problem affecting the electrical system. According to the defect report, an inappropriate manufacturing process of the secondary air injection pump relay could allow the the pump to continuously operate and overheat. Drivers may notice an illuminated check engine light and could experience a possible fire. Continue reading
Dodge & RAM Reduced Charging & Engine Stalls
Chrysler will be contacting owners of certain Dodge Charger Police cars and RAM trucks regarding a problem affecting the electrical system. The affected vehicles could experience premature thermal fatigue of the silicon rubber diodes in the alternator. The diodes could develop a short which could result in the failure of the vehicle charging system and a risk of engine stalls and/or a vehicle fire. Drivers may experience a reduction in vehicle charging and/or a low battery indicator warning.
The vehicles affected include:
- 2011-2014 Dodge Charger Police
- 2013 RAM 2500
- 2007-2013 RAM 3500
- 2008-2013 RAM 4500
- 2008-2013 RAM 5500
2013 Chevy Cruze Ca Lemon Law Buyback For Repeated Defects
After repeated complaints and ten (10) unsuccessful repair attempts, the owner of a 2013 Chevrolet Cruze contacted our law offices for advice. A review of the repair orders showed that the vehicle suffered from a number of defects. The engine would run rough, stall, and overheat; the service engine soon was always illuminated; the instrument cluster would give inaccurate readings; and the air conditioning was defective. After reviewing the purchase contract, we determined the Cruze owner had a valid claim to have her vehicle repurchased.
Immediately after retaining our services, we filed our demand for GM to repurchase the defective 2013 Chevrolet Cruze. GM agreed to buy back the vehicle, pay off the balance of the purchase and reimburse our client for her down payment, monthly payments, and all attorney fees. GM was allowed to deduct a small mileage fee as allowed under the California Lemon Law. Continue reading
2016 Honda Civic Brake Warning Indicator Blinks
Honda will be asking owners of certain 2016 Honda Civic two and four door cars equipped with 1.5L or 2.0L engines, to return to their dealerships for a problem affecting the parking brake. According to the defect report, the stability assist electronic control unit software could prevent the electric parking brake from engaging immediately after turning the ignition off. The vehicle could unexpectedly roll away, increasing the risk of a crash. If the parking brake cannot be applied, the brake warning indicator will blink on the instrument panel for 15 seconds to alert the driver.
Dealers will update the vehicle’s software to allow the braking software to engage immediately after the ignition is turned off. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda’s number for this recall is KC6 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-725.
2017 Subaru Legacy & Outback Safety Restraint Defect
A small number of 2017 Subaru Legacy and 2017 Subaru Outback owners will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the safety restraint system. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the knee guard bracket may have been misaligned with the steering beam at the time of welding. If the bracket has not been properly attached, the knee guard may not restrain the occupant under certain conditions.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the knee guard welding, replacing the beam as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru’s number for this recall is WTL-72 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-716.
2016 Kia Optima Driveshaft Noises & Loss Of Power
Kia Motors will be contacting the owners of certain 2016 Kia Optima‘s, regarding a problem affecting the right front axle driveshaft. Insufficient welds at the wheel end of the shaft may result in driveshaft cracks. During acceleration from a stopped position, the crack could completely separate, resulting in a loud noise and loss of motive power. If the driver fails to engage the parking brake under these conditions the vehicle could unexpectedly roll away.
Those receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealers to have the front axle driveshaft replaced. For more information about the problem, owners are asked to contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia’s number for this recall is SC139 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-705.
2014-2016 Mazda3 Fuel Leaks
The owners of certain 2014-2016 Mazda3 vehicles will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the fuel system. Due to improper handling of the fuel tank, the affected cars may have an Inlet Check Valve (ICV) that could fail. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could result in an automobile fire.
Depending on the tank lot number, dealers will inspect the ICV weld and replace the tank as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500. Mazda’s number for this recall is 0116I and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-684.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Tow Bracket May Loosen
Chrysler will be contacting a small number of 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners about a problem affecting the equipment on their vehicles. In the affected Grand Cherokee’s, the rear tow hook bracket or tow eye bracket may not have been tightened sufficiently. If the tow bracket is loose it could separate from the vehicle, possibly becoming a road hazard or could result in a loss of control of the tow vehicle. Either scenario increases the risk of a crash.
Dealers will inspect both tow hook bracket bolts and tighten them ass necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is S73 and the NHTSA campaign number is 16V-686.
