Tag Archives: CA Lemon Law

2021 Nissan Rogue Safety Investigations: Tie Rod Failures and Engine Issues

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The 2021 Nissan Rogue, one of Nissan’s popular compact SUVs, is currently under investigation by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) due to reports of safety defects. Two major concerns have emerged—one involving inner tie rod failures that could lead to a loss of steering control, and the other concerning engine failures that could result in a complete loss of motive power. These issues raise significant safety risks for drivers and passengers, and Nissan is facing increasing scrutiny as the investigations unfold.

Inner Tie Rod Failures: Loss of Steering Control

Nissan Rogue Tie Rod FailureOne of the top issues reported is inner tie rod failures, which can lead to a sudden and complete loss of steering control. The ODI received reports from owners and early warning data indicating that these failures can occur on either the driver’s or passenger’s side of the vehicle. In several instances, the vehicles had to be towed for repairs.

One notable case involved a 2021 Nissan Rogue owner who experienced a sudden and severe steering malfunction while pulling out of a parking lot. According to the owner, the steering wheel suddenly pulled to the right, causing the front passenger tire to become misaligned. The vehicle became undrivable, multiple warning lights illuminated, and it had to be towed to a dealership. Although the dealership diagnosed a bent tie rod and performed a repair, the steering wheel did not return to its normal position. The owner reported no impact that could have caused the damage, yet the manufacturer declined to cover the repair under warranty. This incident occurred with just over 16,600 miles on the vehicle, raising concerns about the durability and safety of the Rogue’s steering system.

This ongoing investigation into tie rod failures has raised serious concerns about the overall safety of the vehicle, as a sudden loss of steering control could lead to catastrophic accidents.

Engine Failures: Loss of Motive Power

In addition to the tie rod issue, the 2021 Nissan Rogue is also under investigation for engine failures that could lead to a complete loss of motive power. The ODI has identified multiple reports of engine knock, strange noises, and metal chunks or shavings found in the oil pan of vehicles equipped with Nissan’s KR15DDT and KR20DDET engines. The KR15DDT, a 1.5-liter 3-cylinder engine, is found in the Rogue, while the KR20DDET, a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, powers other models such as the Altima, QX50, and QX55.

The variable compression ratio engines, designed to deliver both high power and fuel efficiency, have shown an elevated failure rate. These engine issues have been linked to bearing and L-link damage, which could lead to total engine failure, leaving drivers stranded or worse, in a dangerous situation while driving. Nissan has made manufacturing changes in an attempt to address these issues, but the investigation is still open as the company works to find a more permanent solution.

Alongside these investigations, the 2021 Nissan Rogue has been the subject of several recalls, addressing a variety of safety concerns:

  1. Missing Internal Bushing in Brake Calipers – This defect could lead to brake fluid loss, reducing braking performance and increasing the risk of a crash.
  2. Rear View Camera Malfunctions – The rearview camera display may become inoperative, reducing rear visibility and raising the risk of an accident.
  3. Seat Belt Retraction Issues – Some seat belts may not retract properly, making them difficult to use, which could increase the risk of injury in a crash.
  4. Fuel Pump Overheating – An overheated fuel pump can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, posing a serious safety risk.
  5. Second Row Seatback Welding Issues – Improperly welded seatbacks may fail to secure a child seat, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a sudden stop or crash.
  6. Wheel Separation Risk – Incorrectly fitted wheel nuts could cause the wheel assembly to separate from the vehicle, which could result in a loss of vehicle control.
  7. Fuel Hose Detachment – A poorly secured fuel hose can disconnect, causing a fuel leak or engine stall, both of which increase the risk of fire or crash.

With ongoing investigations into tie rod and engine failures, as well as several recalls addressing safety concerns, the 2021 Nissan Rogue has been thrust into the spotlight for potential safety risks. Drivers should stay informed about any updates from Nissan and take immediate action if their vehicle is affected by any recalls or investigations. Safety should always be a top priority, and these investigations aim to ensure that any defects are properly addressed to protect drivers on the road.

2017 Chevrolet Corvette Repeat Repair Attempts

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Our client gave the Chevrolet dealership 6 chances to try and resolve all the problems he was having with his 2017 Chevrolet Corvette.

The first visit was on February 28, 2017 when he brought it in due to the mode select feature was inop.

The second visit was in March and the throttle response in any mode seemed to be the same.

His third visit was for multiple problems.  He noticed an intermittent stumble around 75 mph while city driving.  The power steering rack was seeping.  When changing stations on the steering wheel switch, the display showed it moving to another station but it did not actually move to the other station. The driver window was losing it’s memory and would be left down over night.   And lastly, there was a lack of acceleration when in trac mode.

The fourth visit was in August.  The problems included the car stumbling at low speeds, the IPC was inop at times during the night and after driving hard and coming to a stop there would be a delay when trying to accelerate again.

The fifth visit was in July 2018 and the Chevrolet dealership had the vehicle for 15 days. It was in due to a cold start problem and there was a clunk while shifting into reverse. He was continuing to have a stumble while driving at about 70-75 mph with a light acceleration in manual mode in 8th gear. While coming to a hard stop and then accelerating to go to a passing gear he felt a delay before the Corvette would accelerate. Also, the launch control was not working.

His last visit was on May 17, 2019 and he took it to the dealership for a shudder at 30-40 mph while accelerating lightly. The dealership had his vehicle for over 32 days total and was still not able to fix his vehicle. That is when he called our law firm.

Our firm filed a demand on our client’s behalf for General Motor’s Corporation to repurchase his vehicle under the California Lemon Law. Within a few months they agreed to repurchase his Corvette. GM paid off the balance on the vehicle, reimbursed our client for the down payment, monthly payments, registration, less the mileage fee allowed under the California Lemon Law. They also paid our attorney fees.

If you are having problems with your vehicle that the dealership is not able to fix, you may be driving a lemon. Please call Barry at 888-395-3666 at the Law Office of Barry L. Edzant for a free consultation and to find out your rights under the Lemon Law.

 

2017 GMC Yukon – California Lemon Law Buyback

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Our client leased a 2017 GMC Yukon. After trying unsuccessfully eight times to have his vehicle repaired, he called our law office for advice and to retain our firm.

In April 2017 he took it to an authorized GMC dealership because the airbag light was on. In May he returned to the dealership because he had hot air coming out of the air conditioner and a loud crunching noise in the dash. His third visit was on account of the vehicle making a loud popping/clicking noise while making a turn. In September the Yukon was in due to it was leaking an oily fluid which was coming from the front wheel area. The next visit was in January 2018 because the vehicle had lost power at an intersection and had to be pushed and towed. His sixth visit was in May – the brake light was not working. In September he brought his Yukon in due to the air conditioning was blowing hot air again. His last visit to the dealership was in December 2018 because of a loud tapping noise from the right. We analyzed our client’s potential lemon law case by reviewing all the repair orders and determined that he had a valid claim under the California lemon law to have the vehicle repurchased.

We sent a demand letter to the manufacturer and demanded that they buy back the vehicle under the California Lemon Law. General Motors Corporation agreed to repurchase the defective 2017 GMC Yukon, pay off the balance on the lease and reimburse our client for the down payment, monthly payments, less a mileage fee allowed under the California Lemon Law. The also paid the attorney fees. We were also able to get additional compensation for our client.

Our client could not have been happier to get rid of the vehicle. If you think you may be driving a lemon, please call The Law Office of Barry L. Edzant at 888-395-3666 for a free consultation. We handle California Lemon Law cases throughout the state.

2013 Ford Fiesta Ca Lemon Law Buyback

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The owner of a 2013 Ford Fiesta contacted the Law Offices Of Delsack & Associates P.C. after repeated complaints and three (3) repair attempts at her Ford dealer. She told us she suspected her transmission was defective as it would slip, shudder and hesitate while driving and she questioned whether her vehicle was eligible for a buyback under the California Lemon Law. After analyzing her case by reviewing the repair orders and purchase contract, we determined that she had a valid claim to have the vehicle repurchased.

A short time after filing our demand, Ford agreed to buy back the 2013 Fiesta. They paid our clients purchase balance, reimburse her down payment and monthly payments, and paid her attorney’s fees. Ford was allowed to deduct a usage fee as allowed under the California Lemon Law.

Our client was thrilled to get rid of her dangerous vehicle and be reimbursed for the monies she had paid.

Defective 2014 Fiat 500L – CA Lemon Law Buyback

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Shortly after purchasing a 2014 Fiat 500L in June 2014, the owner was returning to her dealership with car problems. She subsequently provided FCA eight (8) more repair opportunities that kept her vehicle out of service for over 90 days. When she contacted the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C. she told us her vehicle had numerous problems which included:

  • The transmission, electrical and ignition system were defective;
  • Both the body control module and power train control module had been replaced;
  • The check engine light always remained on;
  • There was a burning smell from the engine;
  • The vehicle had been recalled for a drivers side knee airbags that may not deploy properly; and
  • The vehicle had been recalled for a transmission that was slow to shift or wouldn’t shift at all.

After trying unsuccessfully to have these defects repaired until March 28, 2016 , our client retained us to represent her in her demand for a buyback. Within a short time our firm was able to negotiate a repurchase of the defective vehicle. Our client was reimbursed for her down payment, monthly payments, and registration. FCA additionally paid her purchase balance in full and her attorney’s fees. The manufacturer was allowed to deduct a usage fee as allowed under the California Lemon Law, but the amount was minimal. Our client was thrilled with the outcome and happy to be rid of her defective Fiat 500L.

2014 Chevrolet Traverse Repurchased For Safety Defects

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After his second (2) unsuccessful repair attempt, the owner of a defective 2014 Chevrolet Traverse contacted our law offices for advice and to retain our firm. He told us his vehicle had several manufacturing non-comformities affecting the engine and safety systems. The engine would periodically lose power; the check engine, traction control and airbag warning lights would remain on; and the passenger front safety belt anchor and restraint system were defective.

We analyzed our client’s potential lemon law case by reviewing the repair orders and lease contract, and determined that he had a valid claim to have the vehicle bought back. Shortly after filing our demand, GM agreed to repurchase the 2014 Chevrolet Traverse, pay off the balance of the lease and reimburse our client for his down payment and monthly payments. GM also paid our client’s attorney’s fees. The only cost was a usage fee as allowed under the California Lemon Law.

Our client could not have been happier to get rid of the dangerous vehicle and be reimbursed for the monies he had paid.

California Lemon Law Buyback For 2014 Chevrolet Corvette

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The owner of a 2014 Chevrolet Corvette, purchased in November 2013, returned to her GM dealership in April 2016 when she first started having trouble with her car. She subsequently provided her dealer six (6) more repair opportunities before she called us for help.

When she contacted the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, P.C., she told us her vehicle was experiencing a phenomenon called “Tire Hop”, a problem caused by imperfect steering geometry and sticky tires. She told us it caused a chattering noise from the rear of the car and the tires would slip when turning at low speed and tight steering angles. In addition, the drivers window, radio, cooling system, and fueling system were defective and the instrument panel would black out under normal operating conditions.

After trying unsuccessfully to have these defects repaired until December 10, 2015, our client retained us to represent her in her demand for repurchase of the vehicle under the California lemon laws. Within a short time our firm was able to negotiate a repurchase of the defective vehicle. GM also paid off her lien holder and paid for her attorney’s fees. Our client was delighted with the outcome and happy to be rid of her dangerous car.

Don’t let problems affect the safety of your vehicle. If you have had three (3) or more repair attempts for the same or similar substantial problem, two (2) repair attempts for a safety related problem, or your vehicle has been out of service in the hands of an authorized dealer for more than 30 days during the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, it could be a lemon.

2014 Cadillac CTS Repeated Repair Attempts – CA Lemon Law Buyback

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The owner of a leased 2014 Cadillac CTS gave his GM dealer more than twelve (12) repair opportunities before he decided to call the Law Offices Of Delsack & Associates, P.C. for advice. He told us the engine, transmission and suspension were defective and there had been numerous repairs on the rear differential and axle. The CTS had also been recalled for a defective fuel flow control module, a problem common to many GM models.

Within a few short weeks of retaining our services, we were able to negotiate a repurchase of the defective vehicle and recover his down payment, monthly payments, and registration; less the mileage deduction fee allowed under the California Lemon Law. GM also paid the lease balance in full and our attorney’s fees. Needless to say our client was thrilled to be rid of his defective 2014 Cadillac CTS and get his money back. Continue reading →