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2018 Chevrolet Equinox Lemon Law Settlement in Fresno County

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This 2018 Chevrolet Equinox incurred complaints about the following: Foul odors in the A/C system, rattles and loose headliner.

Parts that required diagnosis, adjustment, repair or replacement are: Deodorized cabin, replaced cabin filters, reattached headliner.

In a statutory repurchase of a lemon vehicle you can get back your down-payment, all your payments, towing charges, rental vehicle charges as well as have all your attorney’s fees and costs paid.  Representing yourself against the big manufacturers puts you at a disadvantage. 

Get help! It’s Free.

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Volkswagen Timing … a Chain of Fools ?

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It’s recently come to our attention that certain vehicles manufactured by Volkswagen have exhibited problematic timing chain / engine issues. We’d like to take moment and explore this problem in further detail, and suggest ways in which you might seek relief if you have, or currently are, experiencing this issue.

The problem engine at hand is known as the EA888, a family of three and four cylinder engines that are currently in use across many models of Volkswagen and Audi vehicles. The EA888 family is an Audi-designed unit, and it’s a four cylinder engine available in 1.8 and 2.0 liter sizes. Unfortunately for owners of certain vehicle models (see below), there are many problems associated with these engines. These problems include excessive engine oil consumption, timing chain tensioner failure, and leaking coolant systems. Our focus in this blog is the timing chain issue.

The timing chain is responsible for keeping valves, pistons and the crankshaft in tune with one another – such that power is delivered to the system and the engine’s pistons and valves synchronize during operation. Once the timing chain becomes loose, skips, or is otherwise out of spec, major problems can be expected – and some can lead to catastrophic engine failure. These symptoms include engine rattles, trouble starting, metal shavings inside the oil reservoir, oil leaks, misfire / loss of power while driving, and illuminated ‘check engine’ lights.  Oh, what fun !

Volkswagen models that may be affected include Beetle, CC, GTI, Jetta / Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Rabbit, Routan, Tiguan, and Touareg.  Of these, Jetta and Passat have the highest probability / record for problems.  Certain Audi models may also be affected, including A3, A4 Avant, A4 Sedan, A5 Cabriolet, A5 Coupe, A6, Q5, and TT.  Many lawsuits were filed – starting in 2016 –  and culminated in a combined class-action lawsuit.  The action resulted in a settlement by Volkswagen, despite their best-efforts to have the action dismissed.

If you think you may be experiencing these types of isues, you have options – click here to check your VIN, to determine whether your vehicle may qualify for reimbursement or other damages.  Or call us 916-672-8443 for a free phone consultation.   You will speak directly with the attorney, and we will answer your questions regarding your eligibility, and your rights under the California Lemon Law.  We will quickly help you determine your status in this action, and what to do next.

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.

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

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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.

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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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Ford Recalls Millions of F-150 and F-250 Trucks for Door Latch Issues

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Ford Motor Co recently announced that it will recall 1.34 million 2015-17 Ford F-150 and 2017 Ford Super Duty trucks in North America to add water shields to side door latches at a cost of $267 million.  Ford said the safety recall is due to a latch which can freeze, or a bent or kinked actuation cable in the affected vehicles, that may result in a door not opening or closing.  Customers are to be notified next month but did not have a timetable for when parts will be available.  Dealers supposedly will install water shields over the door latches and inspect and repair door latch cables if needed.

Ford has now recalled more than 5 million vehicles for many different door latch-related issues since 2016.  Also, this new recall is different from prior ones.  Ford communicated to its dealers warning that some 2015-2017 Ford F-150 trucks could have inoperative latches during freezing temperatures and suggested installing a water shield to circumvent the problem.  The company said it was not aware of any accidents or injuries associated with the issue but said because of the fault, the door may appear closed, increasing the risk of the door opening while driving.

Ford previously recalled approximately 4 million vehicles for door latch issues in six separate recalls since 2014, including 2.4 million vehicles recalled in August 2016.  In September 2016, Ford said it was taking a $640 million charge for its expanded side-door latch recalls.

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 CLASS ACTION UPDATE: FORD FOCUS AND FIESTA POWERSHIFT TRANSMISSION SETTLEMENT

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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.

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Subaru Engine Tuning Problems

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

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WELCOME TO THE LEMON LAW EXPERT BLOG.

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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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