Tag Archives: lemon law

Private Auto Sales And The California Lemon Law

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Some California lemon law attorneys believe that it is possible to get a privately bought automobile refunded under the California lemon law by getting the seller to “sell” their Lemon Law rights with the sale of the vehicle. The California Lemon Law states that the vehicle must be purchased from someone who is an authorized dealer in order for the laws to apply. Unless there is a legal agreement that states otherwise, a private sale is always “AS IS”.

When buying a vehicle privately, you are hoping that the seller is honest in telling you the condition of the car. Some states may require the seller to fill out an odometer statement and have the vehicle pass emissions testing, but it is beneficial to you to get the vehicle checked out by a mechanic as well. Still, there are no guarantees. This does not mean that every privately sold vehicle is going to be a lemon, because there are good ones out there, but if you do buy a “lemon”, in most cases, it is your loss. Every situation is unique and if you believe that you have a legitimate lemon law case, a consultation with a lemon law lawyer experienced in your state laws can help you decide how to proceed .

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.

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.

Jeep SUV Rollover Valve Recall

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Chrysler will be recalling certain 2012 Patriot and 2012 Compass vehicles because of a manufacturing flaw that could increase the risk of fire. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) certain vehicles built between December 2011 to January 2012, may have a fuel tank assembly containing a damaged roll over valve. In the event of an accident, the valve may allow fuel leakage, increasing the risk of fire. Chrysler will start notifying owners of the problem, starting in June, and will replace that fuel tanks on these affected vehicles. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Unintended Acceleration In Ford Taurus

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation into certain 2005-2006 Ford Taurus vehicles after receiving 14 reports of stuck throttles. Consumer complaints alleged vehicle engines could rev as high at 4,000 RMP after shifting into “park” or “neutral”, and difficulty stopping the vehicle has resulted in dangerous situations for drivers. According to these reports, the problem could be the result of a stuck throttle due to the cruise control cable detaching. If this preliminary investigation should lead to a vehicle recall, an estimated 360,000 vehicles could be affected.

Volvo Airbag And Seatbelt Wiring Problem

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Volvo is recalling certain 2012 model vehicles manufactured between May 2012 to October 2012 because the wire harness under the front seats may not be secured properly to the seat frame. When the occupant adjusts the seat position, the wire harness may get pulled and disconnected. In the event of an accident, the airbag and lap belt pretensioner may not deploy properly. Volvo owners receiving the recall notice can take their vehicles to their dealership to have it inspected and repaired as necessary. For more information on the problem, contact Volvo cars at 1-800-458-1552. The vehicles involved in the recall include:

Mandatory Back Up Cameras

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The Department Of Transportation has delayed a ruling proposed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to make backup cameras mandatory on all passenger vehicles. The NHTSA was hoping the ruling would be finalized today, but the DOT has decided that further studies are needed in order to ensure the most protective and efficient rules possible. A law to improve and standardized rear visibility for vehicles was first introduced in 2008, but the deadline has been extended several times. The new rule requirements would see 10% of new vehicles equipped with backup cameras by the end of 2012, 40% by the end of 2013 , and 100 % by the end of 2014.

According to the NHTSA, over 17,000 people are injured and approximately 230 people die in backup accidents involving cars, trucks and SUVs. Statistics show that most on these accidents involve children, people with disabilities, and the elderly. It is estimated that using a camera to eliminate the rear blind spot could cut that number in half. Unfortunately, it could also add up to $200 more per vehicle for a total of approximately $3 billion to the auto industry, most of which would be passed on to the customer.

The NHTSA provides a 60-day comment period on this rule making that begins when the proposal is published in the Federal Register. The proposal and information about how to submit comments is at: http://www.nhtsa.gov/Laws-Regs

Subaru Air Bag Defects

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Subaru is recalling certain 2012 Legacy and 2012 Outback vehicles for problems with the side curtain airbags. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) an incorrect propellant mixture for the initiator component could result in an insufficient output of compressed gas. The airbags may not deploy properly, increasing the risk of injury during an accident. The recall is expected to begin in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.