FORD MY TOUCH NOT VERY TOUCHING; EXPLORER’S ROUGH SEATS

, , , ,

There are plenty of Ford Class Action lawsuit updates as well as other Ford “legal” news – read on for updates on various Ford legal proceedings –

“MyFord Touch” is a class action claim and settlement process that affects certain owners of Ford and Lincoln vehicles sold or leased before August 9, 2013.  This class action suit centers around the defects encountered when attempting to use the devices, which include unresponsiveness to voice commands, errors in driving directions, and general freezes and software crashes.   The states that are included in this lawsuit include California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia and Washington.  Information on the status of this lawsuit can be found here.

Compensation for those who successfully submit valid claims ranges from $45-$400.

In other Ford news, the company announced earlier that certain Ford Explorer models have been recalled due to reports of injuries occurring from rough edges on the seats.  Some 300,000 units, from the 2017 Explorer model year are being recalled due to some seat frames having sharp edges, the company said in a press release.

This affects only Ford Explorers equipped with power seats, the automaker said, further adding that owners should avoid contact with the seat frame edge until a repair is completed by dealers. To fix the problem, Ford dealers will install tape (!) to the exposed edge at no charge to owners.

If you have questions about these or any other Ford Class action lawsuits, including the PowerShift transmission settlement, please call us at 916-672-8443 for a complimentary consultation regarding your rights.

Don’t want your vehicle seats taped up?  Having other Ford problems?  Please remember: if you have a vehicle which is under the manufacturer’s warranty, you are entitled to fair treatment and getting your problem fixed in a timely manner.  If not, you might qualify for a repurchase or refund on your vehicle.  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

CHECK THE SAFETY OF YOUR VEHICLE

, , ,

In this Blog, we examine and recommend a fantastic, free-to-use tool on the web that is great for checking the safety ratings, complaints, and “known issues” for any car.  We are referring to the excellent NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website, one of the most user friendly and data-rich automotive resources available today.

The US Government maintains this excellent online repository, and of course it’s free for anyone to utilize.  Ford, Honda, Volkwagen, GMC – they’re all here.  Want to check the safety rating of a vehicle you own, or are thinking about purchasing? How about open recalls? Consumer complaints? Yes, they’re all here, in one easy to use, user friendly layout.  

Upon landing at the NHTSA website home page, you’ll be presented with an easy to navigate, clutter free menu.  The first two menu choices – Ratings and Recalls – are where you’ll want to start.  Click “Ratings” and enter the year, make and model in the large search box.  You’ll be presented with a list of available models / options.  By clicking on the correct model, you’ll enter the database itself, where you’ll be presented with a plethora of useful information, ranging from safety ratings, recalls, complaints, and investigations.   You may also search by VIN number of the vehicle.

We highly recommend savvy car owners to utilize this website.  We were especially impressed with the vast amount of data available that is presented in a well laid-out, user friendly format.  All of the information you’d ever want relating to a particular automobile can be easily located on this excellent, free-to-use online resource.  

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.  We at the California Lemon Law Expert can help!  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 CLASS ACTION UPDATE: FORD FOCUS AND FIESTA POWERSHIFT TRANSMISSION SETTLEMENT

, , , , , ,

We at The CaliforiaLemonLawExpert.com  are assisting consumers who purchased or leased a 2011 through 2016 Ford Fiesta and 2012 through 2016 Ford Focus equipped with Ford’s Dual Clutch or “PowerShift” Transmission.

The lawsuit, entitled Vargas, et al. v. Ford Motor Company (Case No. CV12-08388 AB (FFMx)), has been resolved by a proposed settlement that has achieved preliminary approval by the United States District Court for the Central District of California (“the Settlement”).

If you are a current or former owner/lessee of a 2011-2016 Ford Fiesta or a 2012-2016 Ford Focus with a PowerShift Transmission (the “Class Vehicles”), you may be entitled to obtain benefits provided by the Settlement and the Orders of the Court.

What are your rights?
You may be entitled to receive money or other benefits that the Settlement provides. If you did not opt out of the Class, you are bound by the settlement results and can no longer sue Ford directly for the same legal claims alleged in the lawsuit.

What benefits does the Settlement provide?

  • If your Class Vehicle’s transmission is malfunctioning, you may be entitled to a repair or a repurchase of your vehicle, through an expedited binding arbitration program.
  • If an authorized Ford dealer performed three or more transmission Software Flashes on your vehicle while you owned or leased it, you may be entitled to up to $600 in cash payments.
  • If an authorized Ford dealer replaced three or more qualifying hardware parts in your PowerShift Transmission while you owned or leased the vehicle, you may be entitled to up to $2,325 in cash payments or up to $4,650 in Vehicle Discount Certificates.
  • If you paid for a repair to you PowerShift Transmission that you think should have been covered by warranty, you may be entitled to reimbursement.
  • If your vehicle was manufactured after June 5, 2013, and two or more clutch replacements were performed on your vehicle under warranty and you had to pay for a clutch replacement after warranty, you may be entitled to reimbursement.

How can we help?
Patrea Bullock and the CaliforniaLemonLawExpert.com can and will submit your claim.  We will advocate for you and work with you and Ford to make sure that you receive all compensation to which you are entitled.

What is the cost to you?
There is zero cost for you to have the CaliforniaLemonLawExpert.com  advocating for your rights ; the manufacturer is responsible for the fees.  Therefore, there’s no reason to hesitate in obtaining our help to ensure you receive your entitlement.

For more information about the case and the Settlement, please contact us at (916) 672-8443 and we will be happy to discuss your situation.

/1 Comment/by

Buying a new car?

, ,

Thinking of buying a new car?  There are several things to take into consideration when purchasing a new car.

One of the first things to decide, is what type of car are you looking for.  Are you looking for an affordable small car, a fuel-efficient SUV, a truck or a sporty convertible? What about make and model?   Make list of cars that you would like to test drive based on research, reliability, high owner satisfaction, good safety marks, and a strong road test performance.

Once you have narrowed down your list, make sure your new car has advanced safety issues.  These can help avoid an accident or lessen the impact of a crash.  Although these safety features are becoming widely available, they are not standard on many models and trims.

Car dealers will try to sell you a wide variety of extra add-on products when financing a new car.  This is how the make the most in their profits.  Some of the extras are theft protection, asset protection, prepaid maintenance, tire and key replacement plans, VIN etching, and extended warranties.  Say no thanks to these.

Some people get special sales events via their direct mail.  Don’t shop during these special events.  They are often run by contracted specialist trained in techniques that increase a dealer’s profit.

Be smart on how you finance your new car.   The amount of the monthly payments is usually what most buyers focus on.  But other things to consider are long-term impacts on your finances, the amount of interest on your loan, interest paid, trade in value, and even depreciation.

There are several fees you should avoid.  Refuse to pay fees that are called “pre-delivery inspection,” “delivery,” “destination,” or “dealer prep charges.”  These usually are posted on a second window sticker of the vehicle.

 

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

Subaru Engine Tuning Problems

, ,

 

A recent lawsuit was filed against Subaru with regards to engine tuning problems.  The 2014-2016 Subaru Forester XT, Subaru WRX , WRX STI cars and SUV’s have engines too highly tuned.  This causes the engines to stall or surge.

A 2016 recall was ordered to fix the problems with the ignition timing.  The plaintiff in the case states this recall was a cover to secretly update the operating systems of the vehicles.  By doing so, these repairs de-tuned the engines in an effort to fix engine damage that had already been done.  The plaintiff is claiming that Subaru named the recall an emissions recall, thus ensuring an owner wouldn’t be able to renew the vehicle registration until the recall work was complete.

She is also claiming Subaru secretly installed when the vehicles were installed and did not warn Forester XT and WRX owners about this.

The lawsuit states drivers complained about their vehicles that sudden acceleration  or stall.  And when they took their cars in to be repaired, the technician would tell them they couldn’t find anything wrong with the car.

The plaintiff brought her 2014 Subaru Forester XT into the dealership in 2016 for the mandatory emissions recall.  While at the dealership, the plaintiff claims Subaru re-tuned the engine in an effort to fix the engine being tuned too tightly.  And the technicians  did not inform the owner that the engine would be re-tuned.  This caused the vehicle to surge and stall.  The vehicle went back to the dealership and the automaker initially refused to correct the engine problems but then finally offered to replace the engine after the plaintiff kept complaining. After being told the replacement engine would not be available for months, Subaru would not replace or buy back the Forester XT.

The lawsuit states engine tuning problems cause serious safety issues as well as decreased vehicle values.

 

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

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

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month

,

Hello !  This week, we’re going to focus on what we consider to be a vitally important topic that ALL of us, as drivers, need to be reminded of :  distracted driving and the dangers therein.

All of us face distractions when we drive.   Distractions these days are numerous and include flashy, brightly-lit electronic billboards, in-vehicle telematics / navigation systems, and of course, the most pesky distraction of all – our cell phones.  Have you been driving at night and been nearly ‘blinded’ by the brightness and intensity of some of the newer electronic billboards that are popping up on roadsides ? How about the distraction of the screen / telematics system on your own dashboard ?  Unfortunately, all of these ‘distractions’ can cause us to take our eyes off the road and to lose our ‘focus’ on the important task at hand – being safe and defensive drivers.

Of the many distractions we as drivers are facing, the cell phone probably presents the biggest risk.  Whether talking, texting, navigating, surfing, or snapping selfies (yep, we’ve actually seen it on the freeway !), the cell phone can cause major distractions, to the point where driving is no longer the focus of our attention.  That’s when problems can arise and accidents happen.  The risk of having a mishap increases dramatically when cell phones are used while driving.

The National Safety Council has a mission:  to eliminate preventable deaths at work, in homes and communities, and on the road through leadership, research, education and advocacy.  It is unfortunate to note that statistics show motor vehicle fatalities are up 6% from 2015.  Distractions such as those noted above are major contributors, and many are preventable.  This month is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Council provides many resources to help educate and remind us about the inherent dangers that distracted driving presents.  

Please, take a moment to reflect on the importance of the importance of staying focused while driving, and if you have teen drivers in your household, remind them to be safe and responsible behind the wheel.  It’s a positive message from which all of us benefit.

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

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.

 

source:  The National Safety Council

/0 Comments/by

Chevrolet Bolt Experiencing Power Loss Issues

, ,

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.

 

/0 Comments/by