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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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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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