Lemon Law Blog

In the midst of all the Toyota trouble comes another possible recall.  The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration is looking into repeated complaints about steering in Toyota Corollas.

Over 150 complaints have been filed with NHTSA regarding the Corolla’s electric assisted steering system.  This system uses an electric motor to reduce the amount of torque the driver needs to exert on the steering wheel to turn the car.  Many drivers have said they have tried to turn their car only to have the system give out on them.

Toyota officials have said IF there is a problem, it most likely connected to the tires or brakes and they will issue a recall if necessary.

More than 300,000 Corollas were sold last year, the second largest Toyota model sold in 2009 behind the Camry.  A potential recall could affect more than a half million Corollas currently on the road.  This problem comes on the heels of the 3.8 million vehicle floor mat recall and the 2.3 million vehicle gas pedal recall.

We  are currently receiving numerous calls every day from Toyota drivers inquiring whether the lemon law applies to those affected in these numerous recalls.  Obviously, many drivers do not feel safe driving their vehicle with all the news headlines.

If you previously reported the accelerator problem prior to the recall or if the problem is existing after the recall repair is performed, you may be entitled to remedy under State Lemon Laws or Federal Warranty laws.  For more information, you can contact us at 1- 800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or visit us on-line at www.lemonlaw.com and we will be happy to discuss the situation with you.

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Back in late November, we reported that Toyota was recalling 4 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles due to faulty accelerator pedals after NHTSA reported more than 2,000 instances of sudden acceleration.

This past Thursday, the manufacturer announced it is recalling an additional 600,000 vehicles.  The new recall affects 2009- 2010 Toyota RAV4 models, 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla models, 2009-2010 Toyota Matrix models,2010 Toyota Highlander models,  and 2008-2010 Toyota Sequoia models.  In addition, three models from the previous gas pedal recall, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon models, 2007-2010 Toyota Camry models, and 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra models,  are included in both recalls.

Toyota says the recall is due to potential problems with the gas pedal mechanism that can cause the accelerator to become stuck regardless of whether the vehicle contains a floor mat. The manufacturer said that in certain situations, the mechanism wears down, causing the accelerator to become harder to press, slower to return, and in some cases stuck.

Toyota said drivers in the recalled cars whose gas pedals become stuck should firmly apply their brakes, drive the car to a safe location, shut off the engine, and contact the nearest Toyota dealer.  The manufacturer advises drivers NOT to pump their brakes.

The manufacturer will be contacting consumers shortly regarding the recall, however if you have been back to a Toyota dealer in the past complaining of sudden acceleration, you may be entitled to a repurchase, replacement or partial refund under State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Laws.  So far, we have taken a number of  Toyota sudden acceleration cases under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law, New Jersey Lemon Law, Ohio Lemon Law, Massachusetts Lemon Law, Maryland Lemon Law and New York Lemon Law.   We are also working on a television report outlining the reason for the recall.  If you find that you are dealing with this defect, please contact us for further information about your rights.

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According to Autoweek, General Motors will recall more than 22,000 Corvettes, model year 2005-2007, for a roof panel problem.

The recall covers the models with the removable roof panel. The issue was discovered once General Motors noticed problems with the adhesive that bonds the plastic roof panel to its frame. If the bond breaks, the roof panel could fly off.

If you hear a snapping noise from the roof when driving over bumps, experience water leaks from the headliner, or feel the roof panel moving while the car is in motion, your vehicle may be in danger.  If you have a bad panel, it will be completely replaced during the recall.  The recall effort will begin in January.

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Earlier this month, we reported on the problem involving sudden acceleration in certain Toyota and Lexus models.  In the past, the manufacturer was blaming the issue on floor mats, but after more than 2000 instances were reported by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, there was no doubt plenty of fear in many drivers’ minds.  It is almost certain that the situation would also affect future sales of one the Country’s strongest automotive brands.

As you can expect, Kimmel and Silverman is quite aware of the situation, having already represented quite a few consumers who had complained of sudden acceleration in their Toyota and Lexus models to their dealers.  

The Associated Press is now reporting that Toyota will replace the accelerator pedals on roughly 4 million recalled vehicles.  Models affected include 2007-2010 model year Toyota Camry, 2005-2010 Toyota Avalon, 2007-2009 Toyota Prius hybrid vehicle, 2005-2010 Toyota Tacoma, 2007-2010 Toyota Tundra, 2007-2010 Lexus ES350, and 2006-2010 Lexus IS250 and IS 350 models. 

The recall was prompted by a high-speed crash involving the death of a California Highway Patrol Officer and his family when the loaner vehicle they were driving exceeded speeds of 120 mph, struck a sports utility vehicle, rolled off an embankment and exploded in flames.  A 911 call was placed as the incident was occurring where a passenger made reference to fact that the accelerator was stuck.  This recall is the largest in the manufacturer’s history.

We are very happy to hear that Toyota is taking responsibility for this issue, but at the same time we remind consumers that if you have repeatedly complained of this problem to an authorized Toyota or Lexus dealer, you should take a look at State Lemon Laws and Federal Warranty Laws to see if you are entitled to recourse even if the car is permanently fixed.   For more information, contact us or call 1-800- LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

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As ABC News is reporting, owners of Toyota cars are rebelling over a series of more than 200 accidents caused by sudden acceleration.

Safety analysts have discovered more than 2000 instances among Toyota models such as the Camry and Prius, and various Lexus models, where cars were surging up to 100 miles per hours without warning.  The manufacturer was constantly blaming the problem on floor mats, saying the mats are getting stuck under the pedal, but drivers are rightfully skeptical.   There was a national recall regarding the floor mats, affecting many vehicles.

NHTSA , The National Highway Traffic and Safety Adminstration , has conducted six investigations on sudden surges in Toyota models since 2003 and has not found any defect in the electronics system, and yet the instances keep occurring.

If you find that you are experiencing this problem, do not ignore it.  Contact your dealer immediately and make sure you address it with your service advisor.  Even if they claim they have no solution to the problem, make sure you receive a repair invoice illustrating that you have attempted to get this addressed under your manufacturers warranty.  If you are in New Jersey and Ohio and cannot get this problem fixed after one repair attempt, contact us immediately as the Ohio Lemon Law and New Jersey Lemon Law both only give the manufacturer one attempt to fix a problem which could cause serious bodily injury or death.  If you live in any other state, please contact us via e-mail or call 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) after you have three repair invoices for this problem.  We are already handling cases on this issue and will be happy to help you in any way we can.

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Yamaha Motor Corp. issued a recall of more than 120,000 Yahama Rhino ATVs today. All Rhino 450 and 660 model vehicles are being recalled for repairs intended to prevent accidents that have resulted in 46 confirmed deaths and hundreds of injuries. These Yamaha Rhinos suffer from inherent design flaws that make them unstable and susceptible to low-speed rollovers. If you have suffered injuries from a Yamaha ATV accident, please contact Michael Sacks at msacks@lemonlaw.com.  Please include your name and daytime phone number including area code.

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