Tag Archives: lemon laws

The End Of The Chevy Avalanche

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After nearly a decade of production, General Motors has announced that 2013 will be the last year that they will be manufacturing the Chevrolet Avalanche. The vehicle has been labeled as starting the boom toward crew cab pickups due to its innovative design and unique features. Not only does it offer the passenger comfort of a SUV, but doubles as a work truck by allowing drivers to extend the length of the cargo area from five to eight feet by removing its “midgate”. The truck has sold over 580,000 units since being released in 2001, but sales tapered off as buyers gravitated toward standard pickups which became available with four doors and a broad range of car like features.

GM said it will end production of the vehicle with a 2013 special edition model called the Black Diamond. This special edition Avalanche will feature body-colored bed surrounds, unique badging, and additional features like rear cameras, and park assist standard on LS and LT models. Chevrolet said that the Black Diamond Avalanche edition will get an $2,500 price cut across the entire lineup.

NHTSA Mandatory Brake Override

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A year after safety regulators closed an investigation into unintended acceleration by Toyota vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing that all automakers be required to install brake override systems in all their cars and light trucks. Also known as a “smart pedals”, these systems recognize when the gas pedal and brake pedal are being pressed simultaneously and uses the car computer to slow it down. The technology was first used in the late 1980’s in the BMW 750, as a performance enhancement for heel-and-toe race-style driving , and every BMW built since 2001 have brake override. As of early 2010, car makers like Nissan, Volkswagen, and Chrysler, have been using brake-override systems in the majority of their vehicles. As automakers use more and more integrated electronic systems, it’s likely that more models will come standard with advanced safety systems like brake override.

Opposition to the proposal should be minimal. Most automobile manufacturers already have the technology standard on most of their vehicles, and the cost is minimal for those that don’t. If the proposal is voted in, automakers would have two years to comply.

Honda CR-V And Pilot Headlight Problem

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Honda has announced a recall for certain 2002-2004 CR-V and 2003 Pilot vehicles because of a manufacturing problem that could lead to loss of low beam headlights. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tension on the switch wiring harness could lead to excessive wear of the terminal, increasing the electrical resistance. The terminal ends could melt leaving the driver without low beam headlights. Honda will repair or replace the harness and lighting switch as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Wheel Separation On Chrysler And Dodge Minivans

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Chrysler will be recalling a small number of 2012 Chrysler Town and Country and 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans because of a manufacturing error with the right rear hub and bearing assemblies. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the assembly may have not been fully machined which could lead to premature wear. The wheel could separate from the vehicle resulting in loss of control for the driver. Chrysler will be notifying owners starting in April, and will replace the right rear hub an bearing assembly free of charge. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Ford Windshield Wiper Failure

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Ford has announced that they will be recalling certain 2012 Focus vehicles because the passenger side motor could fail. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a seal in the wiring harness connector on the passenger side could be missing. Water and contaminant could accumulate in the connector resulting in an intermittent or inoperative passenger side wiper. Ford will inspect, clean, and properly seal the connector, or replace the wiper motor as necessary. Ford will be notifying owners starting May 21. For more information on the problem, contact Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

Fuel Saving Technology At A Cost

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With fuel prices on the rise, more Americans are turning to electric and hybrid vehicles for the promise of saving money. Today’s consumer is offered a wider selection of vehicles, advertising better fuel economy with super fuel saving technologies. Even the government has jumped on the bandwagon with significant changes to fuel economy window stickers that estimate what a drivers annual fuel costs and savings will be. But, once the consumer starts looking into buying one of these vehicles, the promise of saving money is not always apparent.

According to recent studies, even if gas prices would climb to $5 a gallon, it would take the average hybrid or electric vehicle, six years before the consumer would start to see any savings. Analysts say that the price of these new technologies is a road block that limits the appeal of fuel efficient cars and trucks. The proof in in the numbers, with hybrid and electric car sales accounting for less than three percent of the total market.

So why do consumers pay more for these advanced technologies that promise to save them money? Many are blinded by advertising, but never actually sit down to do the math, or they overestimate the miles per gallon savings compared to actual savings. Some see the better fuel economy as better for resale, and hope to make up the difference when they sell their vehicle. Others just want to do something for the environment. Regardless of what the reason is, every day that gas prices increase, electric or hybrid automobile owners can feel better about the purchase they made.

Honda CR-V Steering Problems

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Honda has announced that they will be recalling certain 2006 CR-V compact SUV vehicles for a problem that could lead to loss of steering. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the weld strength of the sub frame bushing collar to the passenger side front lower arm is insufficient for the vibration in that area. The collar could separate from the arm leaving the driver without steering and increasing the chance of an accident. Honda will inspect the production stamp of the passenger side front lower arm and replace affected parts as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the issue can contact Honda Customer service at 1-800-999-1009.

Fire Warning For BMW Vehicles

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BMW has announced a recall that will affect certain 2004-2010 model year vehicles. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the insulated bulkhead connector for the positive battery cable may have not been installed properly to the trunk floor panel. If the connection loosens, the increased electrical resistance could cause the cable connection to overheat, and could cause a fire. BMW is advising owners to park their vehicles outside until the problem has been fixed, because overheating could occur even while the vehicle is not in use. The models involved in the recall include:

Owners can contact BMW Customer Relations and Services at 1-800-525-7417 for more information about the problem.

Posted in BMW.