SUV Crash Test Results

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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.

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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.

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Chevrolet Cruze : Cruise Worthy ?

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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.

 

 

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Tesla Results and Model 3 Production Update

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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.

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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.

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Chevrolet Bolt Experiencing Power Loss Issues

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General Motors, maker of the Chevrolet Bolt electric vehicle, has been forced to issue a “customer satisfaction bulletin” to address an apparent low voltage cell condition that may cause a power loss during operation.
Although GM further explains that it’s not (yet) a recall, they are advising owners to contact their dealership for – you guessed it – a software update.

The Chevy Bolt utilizes 350V Lithium Ion batteries. As these batteries develop the problem, the power may be reduced in some of these vehicles due to the low voltage occurrence.  The result: possible false battery charge information and inaccurate power readings.
Bolt owners have been advised to maintain a minimum charge level of 30% or more in order to avoid power loss and shutdown problems. The software update apparently provides drivers more advance notice of low voltage conditions so that drivers may safely get the car off the road. GM has yet to announce a permanent fix to the problem.
Some owners have reported that the problems are ongoing, the resultant loss of power presents a safety hazard, and that the problems have been ongoing for several months.
If you are a Bolt owner and have experienced problems such as those described above, please contact our office for a free consultation. 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.

 

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Update : Vargas vs. Ford Motor Co. Class Action Lawsuit and Settlement Reached

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Did you purchase or lease a 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta or 2012-2016 Ford Focus vehicle that was equipped with a “PowerShift” Transmission ?  If so, you may be affected by a nationwide settlement that has been reached in litigation concerning problems with the PowerShift Transmission.

These problems include claims that the vehicles contain a malfunctioning transmission that causes the cars to slip or jerk when the vehicle accelerates.   As a result of these problems, class members claim that they were forced to spend time and money to correct these problems. Some plaintiffs reportedly waited months for repairs to be completed.


After almost four years of contentious litigation, a proposed settlement agreement has been reached in the Ford Fiesta and Ford Focus class-action lawsuit. In the proposed settlement submitted to federal court in California on March 24, 2017, Ford agreed to “substantial cash payouts” among other concessions to the 1.5 million owners of 2011-2016 Fiesta models and 2012-2016 Focus models.

The proposed settlement, which was filed unopposed, includes a variety of remedies including cash payments for plaintiffs whose vehicles were taken in for repairs three times. Each repair visit beyond the third will receive additional payment.  Ford is alternatively offering the option to receive a discount on the purchase of a new Ford vehicle (for those customers who actually want another Ford product). Software issues will likewise be compensated by a cash payment after the third repair visit.  Ford is also providing a private arbitration program whereby class members can opt to have the company repurchase or replace defective vehicles. Eligible vehicles will include any vehicle that has endured multiple failed repair attempts to the transmission within the first five years or 60,000 miles. 

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 be required 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.  CALL us at 916-672-8443 today.  

Source :  https://www.carcomplaints.com

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