If the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gets their way, consumers could see mandatory brake override systems in all new vehicles by 2014. The NHTSA has been pushing to have “smart pedals” installed in all vehicles since 2009, when Toyota experienced unintended acceleration in several of their models. As automobiles become more advanced with integrated electronic systems, automakers have been using more safety systems like brake override to protect against electronic defects as well as human error. Since 2010 car makers such as BMW, Nissan, Volkswagen and Chrysler have been using the systems in most of their vehicles. The cost increase to comply to the NHTSAs request should be minimal for consumers purchasing new vehicles compared to the extra safety added by having the system installed.
Posted in Brake problems, California auto industry, NHTSA, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Safe Driving, Safety Problem, U.S. Government, auto industry, autombile technology, automobile safety, repeated automobile issues
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Tagged auto industry, automobile safety, automobile technology, brake override systems, braking problems, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, repeated automobile issues, Safe Driving, smart brake pedals, unintended acceleration
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BMW will be recalling almost 3,000 eight and twelve cylinder turbocharged vehicles because of a problem that could lead to an engine fire. There have been no reported injuries related to the problem, but according to the recall report, the circuit boar for the auxiliary water pump could overheat. BMW will be notifying owners in April and will be replacing the auxiliary water pump free of charge. For more information about the problem contact BMW customer relations and services at 1-800-525-7417. The vehicles affected by the recall include:
Posted in BMW, Manufacturer defect, Rolls Royce, Safety Problem, automobile recalls, automobile safety, electrical issues, repeated automobile issues
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Tagged automobile recalls, automobile safety, BMW, electrical fire, electrical problem, repeated automobile issues, Rolls Royce, water pump failure
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Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2012 Chrysler Town and Country and 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan minivans for a manufacturing problem with the rear suspension. According to Chrysler, a small number of right hand rear hub and bearing assemblies could wear out prematurely because they may have not been fully machined properly. The wheel could unexpectedly separate from the vehicle, increasing the chance of an accident. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Posted in Chrysler, Dodge, Manufacturer defect, automobile recalls, automobile safety, repeated automobile issues, suspension problem
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Tagged automobile recalls, automobile safety, Chrysler, Dodge, Manufacturer defect, repeated automobile issues, suspension problem, wheel separation
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Honda will be recalling certain 2002-2004 CR-V and 2003 Pilot sport utility vehicles (SUVs) for an electrical problem with the low beam headlights. According to Honda, tension on the switch wiring harness could prematurely wear the terminal increasing its electrical resistance. The terminals could overheat and melt, leaving the driver without low beam headlights. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Posted in Honda, Manufacturer defect, Safety Problem, automobile recalls, automobile safety, corrosion problems, electrical issues, repeated automobile issues
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Tagged automobile recalls, automobile safety, corrosion issues, electrical issues, electrical problem, headlight problem, Honda, Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Honda recall, repeated automobile issues
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Ford has issued a recall notice for certain 2012 Focus vehicles manufactured between August 2010 and October 2011. According to the recall report, a seal in the wiring harness connector to the passenger side wiper motor may have not been installed during manufacturing. If water and other contaminates enter the connector, the wiper may become intermittent or quit working completely. Ford will inspect affected vehicles and will clean and properly seal the connector or replace the motor connector as necessary. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.
Posted in Ford, Manufacturer defect, Safety Problem, automobile recalls, automobile safety, corrosion problems, electrical issues, repeated automobile issues
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Tagged automobile recalls, automobile safety, corrosion issues, electrical issues, Ford, Ford recall, reduced visibility, repeated automobile issues, Safe Driving, windshield wiper problems
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Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2012 Patriot and Compass SUVs manufactured between December 2011 to January 2012. According to the recall report, the vehicles may have been built with a defective roll over valve. In the event of an accident, any fuel leakage could increase the risk of a fire. Chrysler will be notifying owners and dealers of the problem, starting in June, and will replace the fuel tank free of charge. For more information on the problem, owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Posted in Chrysler, Jeep, Manufacturer defect, Safety Problem, automobile recalls, automobile safety, fuel problem, repeated automobile issues
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Tagged automobile recalls, automobile safety, Chrysler, fire hazard, fuel problem, Jeep, repeated automobile issues, Safe Driving
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Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has announced that the 2006 Honda CR-V will be recalled for problems with the passenger side front lower arm bushing collar. According to Honda, the weld strength in this area is insufficient for the amount of vibration, and could break. If the collar separates from the arm, the driver could be left without steering. Honda will be notifying CR-V owner of the problem this month, and will inspect and replace affected parts as necessary. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Honda Customer service at 1-800-999-1009.
Posted in Honda, Manufacturer defect, Safety Problem, automobile recalls, automobile safety, repeated automobile issues, steering problems, suspension problem
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Tagged automobile recalls, automobile safety, Honda, Honda CR-V, Honda recall, repeated automobile issues, steering problems, suspension problem
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In Orange County, a California Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of allowing the consumer to pursue claims against a Newport Beach Mercedes Benz dealership, without being forced to take the complaints to arbitration. The lawsuit filed by the plaintiffs lemon law lawyer, alleges that the dealership falsified the customers down payment, to assure they would qualify for the lease. There are also allegations of breach of the Vehicle Leasing Act (VLA), which states that that all vehicle lease contracts must be a single document that includes all of the agreements between the consumer and dealership.
According to the Orange County lemon law attorney, these types of falsified down payment lawsuits have become one of the most frequently filed lemon law suits, even though they do not violate any California lemon law statutes. And, not being forced into arbitration makes it easier for the plaintiff to receive a full refund, as it gives more time to gather evidence to prove their claims.
Posted in California Lemon Law, California auto industry, Lemon Law, auto industry
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Tagged auto industry, California Lemon Law, legal arbitration, lemon law buybacks, lemon law for attorneys, lemon law for consumers, lemon law statutes, Vehicle Leasing Act
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BMW will be recalling certain 2004-2010 vehicles for a bulkhead connector in the trunk of the vehicle that may have not been installed correctly by the manufacturer. According to the recall report, the incorrectly installed cable could loosen, increasing the electrical resistance. The connection could overheat and eventually lead to a fire. BMW is advising owners to park their vehicles outdoors until the problem has been fixed. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact BMW Customer Relations and Services at 1-800-525-7417. The vehicles involved in the recall include:
Posted in BMW, Manufacturer defect, Safety Problem, automobile recalls, automobile safety, electrical issues, repeated automobile issues
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Tagged automobile recalls, automobile safety, BMW, electrical fire, electrical issues, electrical problem, Manufacturer defect, repeated automobile issues
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Gulf States Toyota is recalling certain 2012 4Runner sport utility vehicles and 2012 Sienna minivans for a problem with the remote engine starter that could affect braking and stability. The Gulf State Toyota dealerships installed remote engine starter modules supplied by Audiovox instead of obtaining them through Toyota’s supplier. A malfunction in the Audiovox electronics could prevent communication of the vehicles controller area network (CAN). The condition could lead to loss of anti lock breaking and stability control. Drivers will be warned there is a problem through the dashboar warning lights. Gulf States Toyota will be notifying owners and replacing the remote engine starter with a new one. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Toyota at 1-800-444-1074.
(Gulf States Toyota is a franchised distributor of 150 Toyota dealerships in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Texas.)
Posted in Brake problems, Manufacturer defect, Safety Problem, Toyota, automobile recalls, automobile safety, electrical issues, repeated automobile issues, software problems, suspension problem
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Tagged automobile recalls, automobile safety, braking problems, electrical issues, Gulf States, remote start malfunction, repeated automobile issues, stability problem, suspension problem, Toyota, Toyota recall
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