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CHECK THE SAFETY OF YOUR VEHICLE

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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.

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HONDA INFOTAINMENT SYSTEMS NOT ENTERTAINING ANYONE

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Recently Honda customers are complaining in increasing numbers of problems arising from faulty Navigation / Infotainment systems and may soon reach class action lawsuit status. We have also been made aware of charging issues (for the “Clarity” electric vehicle) also exhibiting faults. There are numerous online forums filled with customer complaints about these defective infotainment systems and charging systems, affecting 2018-2019 Honda Pilot, Honda Odyssey and Honda Clarity.

Common complaints from owners of these Honda vehicles report that the Infotainment (“IVI”) system does not function as advertised. Bluetooth issues arise, cameras and sensor systems can become totally non-responsive, resulting in owners being unable to take advantage of these features. These defective systems lock up, cause system hang-ups / screen freezes / screen blanking, and a mountain of frustration for end-users.

What is unfortunate is Honda’s apparent lack of willingness to own up to the problem or be able to properly diagnose and provide a fix for these issues. In many reported cases, Honda technicians simply do not know how to proceed to properly diagnose or fix the problem. Entire systems have been replaced, to no avail. This has gone so far as to result in a downgraded rating from Consumer Reports regarding the 2018 Honda Odyssey which is “No Longer Recommended” due to “much-worse-than-average reliability, with problems including the infotainment display freezing and losing all functionality.”

Could this be another instance of faulty software / lack of proper 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.

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Ford F150 and Ford Expedition Transmission Problems

Below is recent information on various problems affecting Ford F150 pickup trucks and the Ford Expedition SUV.  Various transmission problems have been discovered, and in some cases have resulted in legal action.

In a proposed class action lawsuit, transmissions in the Ford F-150 truck allegedly will not shift into reverse gear unless the vehicle is shut off, and subsequently restarted.

According to the lawsuit, the transmissions have defects that prevent the vehicle from engaging reverse gear when drivers shifted.  The plaintiff in this case has claimed he was told the reverse gear failures are a “normal characteristic” of the transmissions.

According to the lawsuit, Ford issued a special service message in 2015 admitting the reverse problem exists in 2015-2017 models but told technicians “no repair should be attempted.” In addition, F-150 drivers were advised to “cycle the ignition on and off” to fix the problem.  Read more at www.carcomplaints.com

And in other Ford news, Ford is recalling 350,000 vehicles for a transmission issue that could result in the car moving after the driver has placed the transmission in park. The recall applies to some 2018 Ford F-150 trucks and 2018 Expedition SUVs with a 10-speed automatic transmission, and some 2018 Ford F-650 and F-750 vehicles with 6-speed automatic transmissions.

Additionally, there may be no warning light or chime to warn the driver the vehicle is not in park upon exiting the vehicle. This could mean the truck rolls away after the driver has left, if the emergency brake is not engaged.

Please remember: if you have a problem with your vehicle which occurs  during 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.  Call us today for a free, no charge consultation at 916-672-8443.

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Buying a new car?

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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.

 

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TECHNOLOGY AND THE CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW

Welcome back to our Blog ! This week, we will take a look at one of the top “technology trends” (yes, we love our technology) in the automotive industry, and share with you why we believe the trend for defects will stay on the rise – and why it is so important that you, as […]

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TESLA-PROS AND CONS!

Welcome back ! Lately, electrically powered cars seem to be in the news daily, and certainly seem to be gaining in popularity. One of the newest and most talked-about car companies is of course, Tesla. Let’s take a look at early reviews of the Tesla ‘Model 3’, which is Tesla’s first ‘mass-market’ electric vehicle. What follows are the initial reviews of those who have experienced the product.

The positives : The Model 3’s handling is reported to be somewhat “stiffer” than that of the pricier Model S, and that it feels “quicker” and was easier to maneuver. Owners have praised the car’s handling and acceleration. In addition to the overall feel, turning radius is also more nimble. Whereas the Model S requires about three lanes width to accomplish a “u-turn”, the 3 can do it comfortably with two. Some premium features of the X are definitely missed but that’s to be expected for $40k less.

Problem areas : Some owners have reported that the car’s biggest problem so far concerns similar issues we have seen with other Tesla models : Inconsistent door operation. The front driver-side door doesn’t close as easily as it should, and does not properly latch, as we have seen in prior models. Other owners report malfunctions with the Model 3’s Bluetooth features. Problems reported include the fact that the car is constantly connecting to smartphones via Bluetooth every few minutes, resulting in the car ‘waking up’ and unfolding the mirrors – all day long.

The positive responses the Model 3 have received so far are good news for Tesla — which has struggled to meet its production goals for the vehicle. For Tesla to meet their intended market-capitalization goals (regardless of model), the company will have to find success among consumers who can’t afford Tesla’s high-end vehicles. Solving the Model 3’s production issues and working to fulfill the car’s preorders in a somewhat timely manner would be a good first step.

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.

Source : https://www.businessinsider.com

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FORD ANNOUNCES NEW VERSION OF RANGER TRUCK

One of the bigger debuts at the 2018 Detroit auto show was the 2019 Ford Ranger. The newest Ranger is larger in size this time around and will compete against the likes of the Chevrolet Colorado, GMC Canyon and Toyota Tacoma once it reaches dealerships next year. Ford officials are positioning the pickup as a lifestyle vehicle that appeals to younger, active buyers who may not want the herculean hauling capabilities of a full-size F-150.

The question is how this will serve North American buyers who drive their pickup to work five days a week and for play on weekends when the Ranger goes on sale early next year. The addition of features like an Ecoboost engine and Wi-Fi hotspot augurs well. But the fact that Ford describes the interior as ‘functional and durable’ raises questions about look, feel and comfort.

“It’s finally here, the new Ford Ranger. After years of looking at the foreign market one enviously, it’s coming here. And it sounds promising. It has the 2.3-liter four-cylinder we know from the Mustang and Focus RS, so it should be pretty potent. While I wish a manual was announced, the 10-speed should be very good, since we’ve enjoyed it in basically every car to feature it. It also has a nice, clean, simple look that contrasts with the more aggressive, heavily styled trucks from competitors.”

— Joel Stocksdale, Autoblog

“While I’m a little disappointed that Ford didn’t go further in updating the Ranger before bringing it to America (it’s largely the same model we’ve seen on sale globally since 2011), what Ford did bring is tasty, stylish and a welcome addition to the market.”

— Aaron Bragman, Cars.com

“In total, this is a far more sophisticated machine than the previous Ranger, and it adopts many of the innovative conveniences Ford has placed in the F-150 and the Expedition SUV.”

— Jeff S. Bartlett, Consumer Reports

“Slightly more aggressive designs for the front end and tailgate distinguish the North American Ranger from its cousins. It looks very much like one would expect a Ranger to, with appropriately sporty styling, a utilitarian interior, and trim dimensions. If we had a complaint, it’d be a slightly plain-looking rear quarter view and the use of hard plastic on the door panels (though we’ll withhold final judgment till we sit in a series-production example).”

— Brett T. Evans, Four Wheeler Network

When you buy a new car, be sure to protect your rights by taking it to the dealer to document every problem. If you ever have to make a Lemon Law claim, you will need that documentation as evidence.

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.

Source : https://www.autonews.com

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FORD TO INCREASE OUTPUT RATE OF LUXURY SUV LINE

Customer demand is reportedly surging for high-end Ford SUV’s, another sign that America’s appetite for big, luxury SUV’s isn’t stopping anytime soon. Dealers are struggling to get their stock to keep up with demand for their biggest, most expensive SUVs. Ford is reportedly investing $25+ Million to speed up output at its Louisville, KY plant, with a goal of increasing output by 25% over current levels.

Sales have increased by 59% and 132% for Expedition and Navigator respectively. Ford enjoys a relatively high profit margin on these trucks, and “turns” (time from on-lot delivery to final sale) has decreased dramatically. Dealers cannot keep them in stock.

According to Ford sales analyst Erich Merkle, both of the vehicles are doing well. It is imperative that the company do everything it can to increase output. The Ford CEO has implemented a no-order policy for Ford employees from ordering Navigators or Expeditions for personal use.

Currently, the Ford Expedition sits an average of just 11 days on the lot. Average sale prices reflect a $7k rise in part due to those vehicles with the “Platinum” trim level, with a starting price of $76,600. Also, Navigator sales are up over 100% in nearly every region, including California, where sales are up a whopping 135%.

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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.

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.

Source : https://www.autonews.com

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