Do you own a Honda or Acura?

, ,

Takata Airbags Recalls

The following list of Honda and Acura  cars have been recalled in the US to replace passenger-side Takata front airbags:

2010-2012 Acura RL

2010-2014 Acura TSX

2011-2014 Acura TSX Wagon

2010-2013 Acura ZDX

2010-2012 Honda Accord

2010-2015 Honda Crosstour

2010-2011 Honda Civic

2010-2011 Honda CR-V

2010-2011 Honda Element

2014 Honda FCX Clarity

2010-2013 Honda Fit

2014 Honda Fit EV

2010-2014 Honda Insight

2010-2015 Honda Pilot

2010-2014 Honda Ridgeline

 

In 2016 the government recalled Takata airbags because the inflators did not contain a desiccant (a drying agent)  to absorb moisture.  The fourth phase of scheduled Takata airbag recalls incudes the cars mentioned in the above list.  https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/topic/takata

Honda is issuing the recall now instead of waiting until December due to the progress they have made with existing recall repairs.  Honda states that the owners who had their driver-side airbag inflators replaced will need to bring their cars back to have the passenger front inflators replaced.  The recall notices will be mailed in November.  You can contact Honda at 888-234-2138 if you own one of these vehicles.

 

 

Please remember : if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner. In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation. If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand. Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

/0 Comments/by

Ford F-150 master cylinder problems

,

Ford F-150 built between the years of 2013-2018 are equipped with master cylinders supplied by Hitachi.  Ford previously used master cylinders manufactured by Bosch.

The Hitachi master cylinders have pistons fitted with a single cup seal responsible for containing pressurized brake fluid.  Normally master cylinders are usually fitted with two cup seals to ensure that fluid does not leak out of the master cylinders.  When master cylinders lose their brake fluid, front brakes can suddenly fail.  This may cause the vehicle to fail to stop, or rolling through stops signs, and even roll into objects.

According to a lawsuit that was recently filed, pistons fitted with a single cup seal is unusual.  Pistons in master cylinders are normally made with two cup seals thus ensuring that fluid does not leak out of the master cylinders. https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/ford-f-150-master-cylinder-problems-lawsuit.shtml  Master cylinders made by Hitachi supposedly place twice the sealing loads on its single piston cup seals.  Plaintiffs in the lawsuit claim the design moves the usual placement of the cup seal from the piston to the master cylinder’s bore where the single cup seal rests in a groove made into the bore of the master cylinder.

The plaintiffs also allege this defect involves failure of the piston cup seals.  The seals roll and become removed from their grooves and losing the seal.  That allows pressurized brake fluid to escape from the master cylinder and back toward the brake booster.  The lawsuit also claims that Ford knew about this danger and concealed this from the truck owners.

A preliminary investigation was opened by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTSA) regarding reports of brake fluid leaking into master cylinders in 2013-1014 Ford F-150s with 3.5 liter engines. Ford issued a recall in May of 2016 for loss of front brakes in these trucks.  http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2016/ford-f-150-brake-failures-master-cylinder.shtml  But the truck owners that filed the recent lawsuit state this did not include all 2013-2014 trucks or the 2015-2018 F-150s that use the same master cylinders.  The plaintiffs are also claiming that the recall remedy replaced the defective master cylinders with the same defective master cylinders.

 

Please remember : if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner. In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation. If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand. Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

 

/0 Comments/by

Driverless Cars Freaking you out?

, ,

Driverless Cars Freaking You Out?

 

Would you get in a vehicle controlled by driverless car technology? https://www.techradar.com/news/driverless-cars-explained  Nearly 75% of drivers, in all age groups, have no confidence in driverless cars that implement all aspects of driving.  But cars that assist drivers with blind spot monitoring, lane departure and forward collision warning systems have grown support with consumers and researchers.  They just don’t like the idea of a computer taking full control of a car.

https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/autonomous-cars-human-drivers-still-required.shtml

 

And research has shown that only 13 percent of consumers would feel safe in a driverless car.

70 percent of men would not feel safe on the roads where a self-driving car was being operated.  The same question was asked of women, and 83 percent of them said they wouldn’t feel safe.

 

AAA says the data indicates that media reports of crashes involving autonomous technology, i.e., blind spot monitoring, lane departure and forward collision warning systems, haven’t sold consumers on the idea of a driverless car.

 

There have been some well-publicized deaths involving semi-autonomous technology in Telsa and Uber vehicles.  These events have also caused consumers to distrust a driverless car.

 

 

 

Please remember : if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner. In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation. If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand. Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

/0 Comments/by

Are all Minivans the same?

, ,

Are all Minivans the same?

 

The IIHS, or better known  as  the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety,  has four ratings with regards to vehicles.  They are:  Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor.  During crashes, some minivans fare better than others at protecting passenger-side occupants.

 

Three minivans were tested:  Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Pacifica, and the Toyota Sienna.

https://www.businessinsider.com/minivan-comparo-honda-odyssey-toyota-sienna-chrysler-pacifica-2017-9

 

After being tested for driver and passenger side protection, the Honda Odyssey earned a Good rating.  The LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children)  car seat anchors in the Honda Odyssey received top scores.

 

The Chrysler Pacifica earned an Acceptable rating.  Although the van’s structure was rated marginal for potential risk on the passenger’s side, it received a Good overall for small-overlap front crash. As far as the LATCH is concerned, it was rated Marginal.

 

The Toyota Sienna received the worst score of the three minivans tested, and was only given a Poor for the passenger side.  The driver’s side was rated Acceptable.

 

https://www.caranddriver.com/flipbook/best-boxes-every-minivan-ranked-from-worst-to-best

 

 

Please remember : if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner. In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation. If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand. Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

 

 

 

/0 Comments/by

Do you have an “Earth Dreams” Honda Engine?

,

Do you have an “Earth Dreams” Honda engine?

What exactly is an “Earth Dreams” engine and what does it do? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_advanced_technology  The name of this engine is not so much about what technology does but the goal of environmental performance mixed with the fun of driving, creating a smooth and efficient ride.  It also increases both city and highway fuel economy.  Honda achieved this through cylinder deactivation technology, which means the engine runs off three cylinders with the others aren’t needed.

Recently a lawsuit was filed against Honda alleging that the 2015-2018 Honda CR-V’s and 2016-2018 Honda Civics have 1.5 liter, 2-liter and 2.4 liter direct injection engines are defective.  The lawsuit includes all former and current owners as well as lessees of these Honda vehicles.

One of the plaintiffs purchased a new 2017 Honda CR-V in July of 2017 that had an Earth Dreams Engine.  A few months later, the plaintiff’s wife was driving the vehicle went it went into a limp mode thus triggering the warning lights to come on.  The vehicle was towed to the dealership and the repairman found the engine oil level was too high.  The dealer kept the car for two weeks to replace the engine oil and filter.

Around the time the CR-V had 6,800 miles, the plaintiff smelled gas coming from the vehicle.  They then took it back to the dealer who replaced the oil and filter again.  At 7,600 miles the plaintiff stated the oil level was too high. http://www.hondaproblems.com/trends/crv-oil-contamination/  The technician stated “changed oil and filter.  Oil was about 1qt. over full.  Honda is in the process of creating a solution.” At 8,900 miles the plaintiff noticed the oil had fuel in it.  And again the technicians replaced the oil and filter.

After contacting Honda, the plaintiff says Honda admits a problem exists but they don’t have a solution to the problem.  He is also claiming that Honda hid the fact that the Earth Dreams engines are susceptible to defects that causes fuel to enter the engine oil which damages the bearings and engines permanently.  The oil then decreases its thickness and along with premature wear causes the CR-V SUV and Civic models to stall and fail while driving.  Once the engines aren’t properly lubricated due to loss of thickness, there is too much strain on the engines when under higher loads.  The lawsuit also states that the rotating assemblies and other engine parts can’t handle the pressure without enough oil.

Even though the vehicles are covered by the powertrain warranties, Honda has not fixed the problem.  Honda has blamed some owners for not driving the vehicles for longer distances. Honda has not recalled the CR-Vs and Civics in order to repair the engine problems. And no offers of compensation or refunds have been made.

Please remember : if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner. In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation. If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand. Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

To learn more, check out our page about Honda Lemon Law.

/3 Comments/by

Hyundai and Kia Engine Fires

, , ,

Hyundai and Kia Engine Fires

In recent years Hyundai and Kai Theta II engine fires have occurred in more than 400 vehicles, with and without collisions.

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) began an investigation in May of 2017 into Hyundai and Kia vehicles equipped with Theta II engines.  This investigation came after the September 2015 recall by Hyundai  http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2015/hyundai-recalls-cars-engine-fires.shtml  for 470,000 model year 2011-2012 Sonatas equipped with 2 and 2.4 liter Theta II engines.  In 2017 Hyundai expanded the recall.  This included 572,000 vehicles with Theta II engines. The 2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe Sport vehicles were included in this list, all having problems  with metal debris.

In the NHTSA investigation, the NHTSA said it was concerned that Hyundai and Kia possibly did  not correct the engine problems fast enough after knowing the problems existed.  Hyundai stated that due to manufacturing problems the metallic debris around the engine crankshaft entered the engine oil.  The result was damage to the connecting rod bearings.

Kia informed the NHTSA about a recall in which the Theta engine bearings wore out too early and caused the engines to seize.   More than 618,000 model year 2011-2014 Kia Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and the 2011-2013 Sportage models were included in this. http://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2017/kia-recalls-optima-sorento-sportage-engines-seize.shtml

But the recall wasn’t ordered when Hyundai first recalled its cars.  Kia stated the reason for this was because the Theta II engines in the Kia were not built on the same production line as Hyundai and had different problems than Hyundai.

The Center for Auto Safety (CAS) was concerned with fires in the Hyundai and Kia vehicles that were involved in the past recalls.  They then petitioned NHTSA to investigate  this matter. https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/hyundai-kia-engine-fires-should-be-investigated.shtml

CAS stated that there were engine fires when no crashes were involved.

Non-collision fires reported in model year 2011-2014 vehicles outfitted with Theta II engines included:

2011-2014 Hyundai Sonata: 47 fires

2011-201 Kia Optima:  33 fires

2011-2014 Kia Sorrento:  30 fires

2011-2014 Hyundai Santa Fe:  10 fires

 

Interestingly enough, the CAS found that three of those models were made at the same Georgia assembly plant.  The CAS stated the high number of fires in Hyundai and Kia cars were not

normal.  However, they do admit non-collision fires can happen in any newer car because electrical current is always moving through various systems.

Please remember : if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner. In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation. If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand. Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

/0 Comments/by

Toyota Cracking Up?

, ,

A recent class-action lawsuit against Toyota Prius 2016-2017 cars alleges that the windshields have defects that cause visibility problems and safety issues.  The owners of these cars claim that the chips and cracks in the glass cost them hundred of dollars to replace the windshields with the ones that are as defective as the originals.

 The plaintiffs involved in the lawsuit claim that Toyota  routinely denies warranty coverage for cracked windshields by blaming the damage on road debris and rocks.  But some claim that the windshields crack while the cars are parked.  Typically the cost to replace the windshields have been between $400 and $800 and even more to fix front camera systems once the old windshield are removed.

 Toyota says the arguments will not hold up according to the law, even though more than 200,000 2016-2017 Prius cars could be affected by the lawsuit.  With regards to the claims about design defects involving the windshields, Toyota states the new vehicle warranty omits design defects in Toyota’s written warranty concerning “materials and workmanship.”

 

===============================================================================================================================

 Please remember : if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner. In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation. If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand. Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

/0 Comments/by

SUV Crash Test Results

, ,

Americans love trucks and SUV’s.  Despite rising fuel prices, we still love our roomy, chunky wagons with room for our kids, groceries, etc.  Read any recent vehicle sales report or manufacturer earnings release and it becomes obvious that the market heavily favors buying and leasing SUV’s and trucks over sedans, generally speaking.

Of interest and special note are the recently released crash test safety result for various makes & models of SUV’s.  Most of us feel that not only do we gain additional cargo space and passenger capacity, but we assume that since the vehicle is larger and heavier, that it is also somehow safer.  While this may be true in some cases, it does not generally apply to all makes / brands.

Many vehicle brands boast 5 star NHTSA crash safety test results –  including BMW, Volvo, Toyota / Lexus, GM (several brands) and Ford.  However, recent 2018 data suggests that some of the previously high-rated models show weakness during a certain type of passenger-side frontal collision test – one where the vehicle collides with a stationary object on the front passenger side.  Surprisingly, the Ford Explorer suffers from a design weakness in this type of collision. Read more details here :  https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2018/suv-crash-test-ratings-2018-models.shtml

Sure, most of us don’t shop for that new SUV with crash safety at the top of the list, although many of us believe that they’re among the safest vehicles on the road.  While that may generally be true, some will fare better than others, and it always pays to check the data beforehand to know exactly what’s been found in crash safety testing.

=============================================================

Please remember : if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner. In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation. If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand. Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

/0 Comments/by

Chevrolet Cruze : Cruise Worthy ?

, , ,

This week, we round up what has turned out to be a fairly substantial number of complaints from owners of the Chevrolet Cruze.   If you are in the market for a compact sedan, you will no doubt come across this vehicle in your research.  The Chevrolet Cruze is marketed as a compact car for commuters,  boasting good fuel efficiency with its 1.4 / 1.6L engines, roomy interior, and comfortable ride.  It carries a relatively low asking price and therefore scores as a good seller in this particular class.  At a price point of $20k or less depending on features and dealer incentives, it’s no wonder this is a worthy contender in the compact class.

Recently, a number of folks are noticing ‘check engine’ lights coming on after only a few short miles driven.  Other complaints including rattles, water leaks from rain, loss of power / sluggish acceleration, and improper mixtures of fuel due to leaking into the oil pan (!) are just a few of the nightmarish incidents being reported.  Also, a common complaint is the huge blind spot that apparently exists, causing the driver unnecessary worry that a car in the adjacent lane is virtually invisible.  And in most of these cases, dealerships are a nightmare to deal with, according to those owners who are dealing with the problems.

If you own a Chevrolet Cruze and are experiencing problems while under warranty that the dealership cannot or will not fix, we are here to help you.  Contact the California Lemon Law Expert today for a free, no-cost assessment of your case.  Call us at 916-672-8443 and speak directly with a friendly, caring and knowledgeable attorney who will advise you on your case.  You will be glad you did !

Please remember :  if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner.  In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation.  If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand.

Our business is growing and our mission is simple : to educate you, fellow consumers, about the “Lemon Law”, and how it protects those who have found themselves stuck with that new car, truck, RV, motorcycle, etc, that just isn’t performing up to expectations.  Stay in the know, visit this site often and let us know if we can be of assistance. The initial consultation is free, and if you’re having a problem, it is well worth a few minutes of your time to understand your rights and how you can get the help you need.

 

 

/1 Comment/by

Tesla Results and Model 3 Production Update

, ,

Tesla, the American automobile company known for it’s sleek, all-electric vehicle product line, is in the news again. This week,  the Company announced its Q1 results, which were received largely as a mixed bag:  Tesla’s first quarter adjusted net loss widened to $3.35/share as revenue grew 26% to a record $3.4 billion, slightly better than consensus.  However, 2nd half profitability is possible if the company can achieve productions targets of new models, particularly the “Model 3” sedan.

Therefore, investors are primarily focused on Tesla’s ability to ramp up Model 3 production.  Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, has stated that they are targeting production of 3,000 vehicles per week soon, and 5,000 vehicles per week two months from now. The 5,000 unit target has been in place since February.  Production of the Model 3 was halted earlier this year at the Fremont, CA factory, in an attempt to re-tool and prepare the factory for the higher production levels.  As many in the industry have noted, this is no simple task.  Robotics play a key role in optimizing production levels, but so do human workers.  Tesla seems to be searching for the right balance between the two, having stated earlier that they had placed too much emphasis on automation.  They’ve not been shy in touting that the company would soon implement restructuring to cut costs and simplify its processes.

We’re cheering the success of this iconic American automobile company.  However, we know all too well the consequences of ramping up production without thorough QA process :  defects !  Hopefully, Tesla will be able to reach its production targets while avoiding a surge in product safety defects or other quality problems.

=============================================================

Please remember :  if you have a vehicle AND it is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting the problem fixed in a timely manner.  In many cases, the manufacturer will repurchase your vehicle, and may even have to pay civil penalties and or reimbursement of your expenses. It helps to understand your rights as a consumer, and the California Lemon Law expert is here to help you or someone you may know who is in this situation.  If your vehicle is not functioning properly and is under warranty, you have rights under the law that you need to thoroughly understand. Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

/0 Comments/by