The GMC Acadia water leak issue continues to be a problem. As far back as 2009, we were writing how GMC Acadia drivers were dealing with a water leak problem which was leaving them and their passengers “all wet,” not to mention the floor boards and the electrical systems.   Sadly, the problem is now occurring in 2010 and 2011 GMC Acadia vehicles as well.

The good news is we have successfully resolved numerous water leak claims for this vehicle.  If you are suffering with a water leak in your GMC Acadia, make sure you return to a General Motors authorized dealer at your earliest opportunity.  Try to pinpoint where the leak is coming from so you can provide as much helpful information as possible to your service adviser.  Make sure when you pick the vehicle up from service that you also receive a repair invoice which outlines the water leak problem and what was done to address the situation.    Check for mold, mildew and headliner stains as well.  If the problems continue, you need to keep bringing the Acadia back.

If you are back to the dealer three or more times, you could be entitled to free legal representation under State Lemon Laws or Federal Warranty Laws.  You could be looking at a repurchase, a new vehicle or a partial refund and continued ownership of the Acadia.  Remember, under the Lemon Law and Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, legal representation is completely free , so you have nothing to lose except your (wet) lemon.    If you have questions, feel free to drop us a line or call us at 1 800 LEMON LAW.

As you can expect, of the hundreds of calls and e-mails we receive each week at 1-800 LEMON LAW headquarters, we frequently see the same thing happening to consumers over and over throughout a variety of States.  Here are some defects we are seeing regularly among our clients.  (Keep in mind we are not saying everyone who purchases these cars will have these problems; we are just seeing a trend among our cases.)

Jeep Patriots continue to have massive water leak problems, as do GMC Acadias, Buick Enclaves and Saturn Outlooks.

Ford F-Trucks have diesel problems, resulting in check engine lights, black smoke and stalling among other issues.

BMW models ending in 35 seems to be suffering from fuel pump failure.

Have a Volkswagen EOS?  Having a problem getting the top up and down?  You are not alone. More and more VW claims are coming in with this issue.

Squeak, squeak, squeak go the brakes on Honda Accords.

We are seeing a lot of alignment issues with Toyota Camry and Lexus models.

In most Chryslers, especially the Town and Country and 300 models, we are seeing transmission shuttering.

Finally, the Dodge Grand Caravan sliding doors are causing massive headaches for many of our clients.

Kimmel & Silverman prides itself on having three full-time ASE certified mechanics who work on our clients’ behalf to review and research automotive defects.  If you are having a continuing problem with your car, chances are we have heard about it.  Feel free to contact us through our website or by calling 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

Amidst tons of debt, the worst sales figures in 25 years, and tens of thousands of layoffs, a new General Motors is emerging and according to CEO Fritz Henderson, the name may be the only similarity between the old company and the new.

The new GM was “born” this morning in a New York press conference, and Detroit Free Press reports that Henderson outlined some major changes right out of the gate.  77-year old Bob Lutz, once retired, is now stepping back into the company fold as Vice Chairman in charge of global design, advertising and communications. Henderson is also laying off 34% of the executive management (approximately 450 executives), and disbanding the Automobile Strategy Board where the company had made most major decisions on new automobiles. Henderson himself will take charge of North American operations.

CBS News is reporting that up to 14,000 hourly workers will also be let go and 2,300 of the manufacturer’s 6,000 dealerships may close.

On the positive side, Henderson says the company will focus on customers, cars and, culture, lauching a “Tell fritz” website to allow the public to share their concerns with senior management, and monthly road trips to “listen to the questions, ideas and concerns of the people who matter most.”:  The company is also in the preliminary stages of a possible partnership with ebay to test selling vehicles via on-line auction.

GM is sill in the middle of selling off Hummer, Saab and Saturn.  However the new GM will be responsible for any lemon law and breach of warranty claims that arise from these vehicles in the years they were part of the GM family.

A number of General Motors drivers are calling into the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline seeking assistance with hesitation on acceleration.  There has been a Technical Service Bulletin issued by GM for all 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalades (including the EXT and ESV models), 2006-2009 Cadillac XLR and XLR-V models , 2007-2009 Chevrolet Silverados, Suburbans, and Tahoes, 2006-2009 Corvettes, 2007-2009 GMC Sierra, Yukon and Yukon XL models, and 2008-2009 Pontiac G8 models equipped with a gasoline engine and automatic transmission.

In these situations, the driver may experience a sag or hesitation when accelerating during a lane change, or when a lunge when trying to make a complete hard stop.

If you are suffering with this problem, you must bring your vehicle to an authorized GM dealership so they can address the matter.  Please reference TSB PIP4112H.  Do not allow the dealer to tell you this is a normal characteristic of the vehicle; it is not. Also, make sure that you receive a warranty repair invoice which clearly outlines the problem when you pick up the vehicle.

If you find that the problem can’t be fixed efficiently and effectively after several attempts, please get in touch with us either by phone at 1 800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or via e-mail. We will discuss your situation with you and see how we can help.

Late last month, we worked on an investigative report with WTAE TV reporter Paul Van Osdel, uncovering which cars provides the most headaches for drivers throughout the Keystone State. Paul obtained a list from PENNDot (Pennsylvania Department of Transportation) and according to their records, from 2003-2008, Chevrolet led the list of lemons in Pennsylvania. Their list is as follows:

Chevrolet (their story featured 1-800 LEMON LAW client Sarah Griffith of Monroeville, who received a complete buyback after suffering problems with her Trailblazer)

Ford
Dodge
Nissan
Suzuki
Jeep
Hyundai
Cadillac
Volkswagen
GMC

We find this list to be rather incomplete, as it only covers vehicles that were purchased back from the manufacturer and officially titled as lemons. The list does not include vehicles where consumers received thousands of dollar in monetary damages and were able to keep their cars.

Being that we are the oldest and largest lemon law firm in Western Pennsylvania, Paul asked us to compile a list of the cars we see the most in our Pittsburgh caseload. Although he didn’t have time for the information in the story, we thought it would be interesting to give our top 10:
Chevrolet Cobalt
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Silverado
Chevrolet Malibu
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Liberty
Chevrolet Equinox
Kia Sedona
Pontiac G6
Saturn VUE
Jeep Commander
Jeep Wrangler

and of course, to view the cars that receive the most complaints nationally per sales, check out the 2009 Car Complaint Index.

It’s a sad day in the history of automobiles.  Autoblog reports that General Motors will phase out Pontiac by the end of 2010, and will build its accelerated visibility plan surrounding its four remaining brands:  Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac.  By the end of the year, we will also know if and how GM will move forward with the Saab, Saturn and Hummer brands.

The first Pontiacs were produced in 1926 and their popularity has escalated throughout the decades with the production of the Bonneville, GTO, Firebird, and in later years the G6 and Solstice.

So, what does this mean if you have a Pontiac?  Ideally, this situation should not have any effect on your manufacturers warranty or in filing a lemon law or breach of warranty claim if in fact GM cannot fix a non-conformity despite numerous repair attempts.  It appears General Motors is standing behind the brand and its warranty and will continue to do so until the make phases out.

And while the value of the vehicles will certainly diminish come trade-in time, if you like the model, now may be a time you can take advantage of the situation and purchase one for a very reasonable price.

Since 1991, Kimmel & Silverman has prided itself in protecting consumer rights, starting with providing free lemon law help to consumers in the Philadelphia, PA region and building throughout Pittsburgh, and then New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, New Hampshire and Connecticut.  Since our inception, we have handled over 50,000 lemon law and breach of warranty claims, more than any other lemon law firm in the Nation.  It is an accomplishment we are extremely proud of.

So, without any further adieu, here are some of the highlights from our first quarter. These are consumers who realized they had rights and were entitled to monies for their problems they have encountered.  They put their faith in our firm and we are very grateful.

2007 GMC Arcadia — opened 1/9/09, resolved 2/11/09–FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2007 Suzuki XL7 — opened 1/28/09, resolved 2/16/09 — FULL REPURCHASE, plus attorney fees.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu — opened 2/9/09, resolved 3/24/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2008 GMC Arcadia — opened 1/21/09, resolved 2/13/09 — FULL REPURCHASE, plus attorney fees.

2007 Mazda CX7 — breach of warranty, first problem reported at 29,000 miles–$5,500 plus attorney fees, and  the client keeps their car.  opened 1/2/09, resolved 2/12/09.

2008 Mazda CX9 –breach of warranty, first problem reported over 30,000 miles–$6,000 plus attorney fees, and the client keeps the car.  opened 1/5/09, resolved 2/12/09.

Used 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix with 50,000 miles –breach of warranty –$4,000 plus attorney fees, and the client gets to keep the car.  opened 1/2/09, resolved 2/5/09.

2004 Volvo S40 — breach of warranty, first problem occurred at 40,000 miles — $5000 plus attorney fees, and the client gets to keep the car.  Opened 1/6/09, resolved 2/9/09.

2008 Dodge Caliber — opened 2/2/09, resolved 3/25/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2009 Lexus RX350 — opened 2/16/09, resolved 3/9/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2006 Hyundai Sonata –opened 12/19/08, resolved 2/9/09 — 2009 REPLACEMENT VEHICLE plus attorney fees.

Used 2006 Mazda Speed 6 –purchased with over 60,000 miles — $6,000 plus attorney fees plus client gets to keep the car. opened 1/5/09, resolved 2/5/09.

Leased 2008 Ford F250 — $4,000 plus attorney fees — opened 1/6/09, resolved 1/26/09.

2007 GMC Sierra — opened 2/5/09, resolved 3/6/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

Leased 2007 Saturn Outlook — $6,000 plus attorney fees — opened 12/26/08, resolved 2/3/09

Used 2004 BMW M3–purchased with 67,000 miles — $4,500 plus attorney fees and the client keeps the car. opened 12/19/08, resolved 2/11/09.

Used 2006 Infiniti FX35 — opened 1/29/09, resolved 2/26/09 — FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees

2008 Saturn Vue –opened 12/16/08, resolved 2/9/09– FULL REPURCHASE INCLUDING EXTENDED WARRANTY plus attorney fees.

Leased 2008 Jeep Liberty — $6,750 plus attorney fees — opened 12/11/08, resolved 2/17/09.

2007 Dodge Caravan — opened 12/9/08, resolved 2/4/09 –FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

2006 Toyota Rav 4– opened 1/2/09, resolved 3/3/09– FULL REPURCHASE plus attorney fees.

Think you have a lemon?  Feel free to e-mail us and see if you qualify for free lemon law or breach of warranty help.

Happy new year!  The winter months are upon us and so is the wacky wetter weather (try saying that ten times fast.) The phones at 1-800 LEMON LAW are ringing with many distressed drivers who are dealing with water leaks. On this blog, we have discussed why it is so important to continue to bring these leaks to your service manager’s attention, especially since leaks can lead to mold and mildew.

Many vehicles are suffering with clogged sunroof drains and other component failures which are causing water to leak onto drivers side and passenger side floors, and in some cases, even contaminate electrical components.  We are also seeing a great deal of water leaks in trunks and spare wheel wells.

If you have a GMC Acadia, Saturn Outlook, Jeep Commander and Jeep Grand Cherokee, please be advised we are currently handing/have handled hundreds of water leak claims involving these types of vehicles.But, you are not alone.  This past month alone, we have opened water leaks claims against six other manufacturers as well. A leak can occur in any vehicle. Remember that in this tough economy, we are continuously seeing manufacturers cutting warranty repair costs.  Be as specific as possible with regard to when you noticed the leak and what areas of your vehicle appear to be affected.  Furthermore, it is essential that if you smell or see mold or mildew, you immediately bring it to you dealer’s attention and if necessary, you request that carpeting and seats be replaced. Your family’s health and the value of your vehicle both could be at risk.

In most circumstances, if you report a water leak or a leak-related problem (mold) to a dealer three times under original or extended manufacturers warranty, you very well may be entitled to a full or partial refund, or a new vehicle under State and/or Federal Law (even if the leak is fixed).  If this applies to you, and you are interested in 100% cost-free legal assistance, please contact us to discuss your rights.

Unfortunately, as the economy continues to spiral downward, so does production of several General Motors sport utility vehicles. The manufacturer has announced that come December 23, they will close their plant in Moraine, Ohio and cease production of the Chevrolet Trailblazer, the GMC Envoy, and the Saab 9-7x.  Thankfully, it’s not all coal and humbug this Christmas for the company. The Chevrolet Traverse, Saturn Outlook, GMC Acadia, and Buick Enclave have all remained popular and will continue to be produced.

As the rain has been pouring down this past week, the calls have been pouring into 1-800 LEMON LAW . We have been successfully resolving a large number of water leak claims recently, especially in General Motors SUVs.  But, GM drivers are not alone; I just took a call from a gentleman who has been in 7 times for a water leak in his trunk…and he drives a 2007 Honda Accord! There is no doubt that as the weather continues to get wetter, many distressed drivers will locate a leak. So what do you do if you find a drip?

We have repeatedly provided tips on what to do if your car leaves you all wet. Provided you are under manufacturers warranty, make sure you take your car to an authorized manufacturers dealer as promptly as possible. And, when you pick up the car, make sure you also pick up a repair invoice that outlines the problem and what they have done to resolve it.  Keep these invoices in a safe place. If you are facing this problem repeatedly, and the service manager is leaving you out to dry, you need to take action.  If you are in the shop three times under warranty for a leak, you have the right to file a lemon law or breach of warranty claim EVEN IF THEY EVENTUALLY FIX THE PROBLEM.  Why?  Because your vehicle has suffered a non-conformity which significantly affected its use, value and safety.  A decent claim could result in significant monetary compensation…we are talking a partial or full refund…possibly even a new car. And as you know, under your lemon laws and federal laws we work with, the legal help is completely FREE.

And let’s say they fix the leak?  How sure are you that the leak will not return? Or worse yet, you may discover mold and/or mildew. Unfortunately, one thing we see time and time again are folks who do not open a claim because their problem is fixed…and then it pops up again 15,000 or 20,000 miles “down the road.”  The case is weaker. The remedy is usually weaker.

If you are find yourself ready to flip after discovering your drip, contact us via e-mail or phone at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) and we will be glad to discuss the situation with you and how we can help.

Throughout the year, we receive countless calls from folks looking for car buying advice.  Many figure that by calling 1-800 LEMON LAW prior to buying a car, they may be able to prevent problems “down the road” so to speak. For that reason, since 2001, we have teamed up consumer advocate Jack Gillis and the wonderful team at the Center for Auto Safety to provide the Car Complaint Index to consumers.  We feel that an educated consumer is an effective consumer. 

Yesterday, JD Power & Associates came out with their dependability rankings and it appears that Land Rover is lowest on the Power totem pole.  While the Car Complaint Index looks at specific models, JD Power looks at brand quality.  They rank their cars based on an average of car problems; how many problems are reported per 100 cars, as experienced by original owners of these cars after three years.  The industry average is 206 problems per 100 cars, roughly averaging 2 problems per car.

Here are the brands that fall below the industry average:  Audi 207, Mercedes Benz 215, Nissan 224, Pontiac 225, GMC 226, Mazda 228, Subaru 228, Chrysler 229, Dodge 230, Mini 233, Chevrolet 239, Hummer 241, Scion 243, Volvo 244, Saturn 250, Jeep 253, Volkswagen 253, Saab 254, Isuzu 274, Kia 278, Suzuki 302, and lastly Land Rover with 344 problems reported per 100 cars.  This is not good news for the SUV manufacturer, which was recently sold by Ford to an Indian company.

So, who’s on top?  Number one with a bullet for the 14th consecutive year is Lexus, followed by Mercury and Cadillac.

General Motors, not wanting to face the fate of bankruptcy, is scaling back with an overall $15 billion cost-cutting program, as reported by Mike Harris of The Associated Press. Speedway Motorsports Inc., which owns eight tracks that hold NASCAR events, already has been told GM will not renew contracts at two tracks — New Hampshire Motor Speedway and Bristol Motor Speedway. In addition, the company has suspended its stock dividend, another huge blow to investors who have seen their shares dip to the lowest prices in fifty years. And finally, to reward those employees who have stood by the company through its trials and tribulations, The Street is reporting that they will no longer offer health care to retirees, effective January 1, 2009.

However, depsite the gloom and doom that has been haunting the automaker, the company is remaining optimistic with their plans for the upcoming year. A story in the Baltimore Sun reports that GM’s sales fell 16 percent in the first half of the year, with trucks off 21 percent and cars down nearly 9 percent. GM Prez Fritz Henderson says that for the company to succeed, they must repair their car brand image and “steer” away from trucks (pun intended.) The Chevrolet Malibu has seen its sales increase a whopping 46 percent in the first half of the year, even though the new and improved quality and style resulted in an MSRP increase of $4000. Eighteen of the 19 vehicles GM will unveil between now and 2010 will be cars or crossovers, including a smaller Cadillac.

The manufacturer is also kicking the clunky Cobalt to the curb, replacing it with the sleek Cruze, a little powerhouse with a 1.4 liter turbo-charged four-cylinder engine that will allow it to get a fantastic 45 miles per gallon.  The Cruze is coming to a GM dealer near you in 2010.

As you can expect, we have successfully handled thousands upon thousands of GM lemon law cases through the years….Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets, Corvettes, Pontiacs, Hummers, etc.  Founding Partner and Lemon Law Attorney Bob Silverman has taken charge of many of these cases, and he has always felt that, despite the fact the glitches occur, GM has constantly exhibited a strong commitment to quality and customer service.  We have also seen that many of our GM clients have illustrated tremendous brand loyalty, buying a brand new GM vehicle following their lemon law experience.  Thus, it is quite disheartening to hear that this once invinceable auto giant is suffering a tremendous amount of troubles and tribulations.

Bloomberg reports that the company has suffered a 16 percent decline in 2008 U.S. auto sales and the price of GM stocks is now at a 54-year low (Shares have tumbled 62% this year, the most among the 30 companies in the Dow Jones Indsutrial Average). However, despite continuous speculation that GM could file for bankruptcy in the next year, Chief Executive Officer Rick Wagoner says that the company has “no thoughts whatsoever” of bankruptcy.  Wagoner also says that Hummer is the only one of GM’s U.S. brands being studied for possible sale or shutdown. As gas prices continue to soar, the manufacturer will review the truck’s future and sales potential. He adds that the bankruptcy rumors have not resulted in any drop in sales, with GM sales falling less than 1 percent in the first three months of the year.

As a company, GM has not posted an annual increase since 2004, with no U.S. sales gain since 1999. Last year, they suffered an astounding $38.7 billion loss. Outside analysts say that in a worst case secnario, with sales continuing to decline and an inability to acquire much needed captial, GM might have to declare bankruptcy by the end of 2009 or beginning of 2010, but they put the odds of that happening at 25 percent.

This morning, while taping a segment for the CW talk show “Speak Up,” we met up with one of our former clients, John Bryant.  John, an accomplished attorney himself, had endured several significant problems with his Cadillac. The battery kept dying, again and again, and he found himself back at the dealer on five different occasions.  He thought that General Motors would certainly do the right thing and exchange his car with a new one under the Pennsylvania Lemon Law.  When they refused, he upped the ante and told the dealer he would pay them $10,000 and turn in his car in exchange for a new car and he was still getting the run-around.  It was around that time that his daughter got involved.  She had heard about Kimmel & Silverman and she looked up lemon law.com on-line.  Once John contacted us, we started representation and shortly after, John received an MSRP to MSRP swap, exchanging his 2003 Cadillac for a 2008 Cadillac.  He paid NO attorney fees (as you know, if we can help, it is completely free) and only paid $2,400 in mileage and upgrade offset, MUCH LESS than what he offered the dealer.   Needless to say, he was thrilled.

So, what’s the moral of the story?  Dealers can only do so much to help the consumer.  When dealing with a lemon law or breach of warranty issue, the defendant is NOT the dealer; it is the manufacturer. Many a dealer has whispered “1-800-LEMON-LAW’ to their customers over the years.  They do this because they know they have no control, and really want to help.  If you find yourself in a similar situation, don’t bend the dealer’s ear, hoping that he will come to your rescue.  Instead, research your lemon law and breach of warranty rights, make sure you keep all of your repair invoices, and look into hiring a lemon law attorney.  It is cost-free and risk-free.

For those in the Delaware Valley, “Speak Up” will air this Sunday morning at 8am on CW57. In addition to John, the program will feature lemon law attorney Amy Bennecoff and Director of Communications & Automotive Consumer Advocate Michael Sacks.

This year, we have handled numerous lemon law claims with regards to the Jeep Commander (#6 on this year’s car complaint index) and the Pontiac G6.  Now comes word from consumer affairs.com that NHTSA, The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration has opened a preliminary investigation which could lead to a recall of 136,444 Commanders and 176,968 Pontiacs.

Jeep Commander drviers have been complaining of stalling incidents with simultaneous loss of lighting systems including headlamps. NHTSA has also received 19 complaints of power steering from Pontiac G6 drivers with two incidents resulting in accidents.

If you find that you are experiencing problems with your Jeep Commander or Pontiac G6, it’s very important to keep all of your reapir invoices and keep a log when you are experiencing problems.  If you bring your car in the shop three or more times, you could be entitled to significant remedy under State or Federal Law.  Feel free to contact us or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652).

There is no doubt that the current economic situation has affected new car sales. Normally, when folks reach out to 800-LEMON-LAW , they call about newer cars (2005, 2006, 2007). We are currently seeing an increase in used car inquiries. While, some can still be helped under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, provided they are still under a manufacturers warranty, we knew that this trend would really hurt the manufacturers. And with the high prices at the pump, SUVs and trucks were going to take the worst beating.

Yesterday, it was reported that General Motors will close truck plants in Ohio, Ontario, Wisconsin, and Mexico. More than 10,000 employees will be losing their jobs. In addition, there will be cuts at powertrain plants as well, and the company is studying the future of the Hummer brand.

From WPXI TV Pittsburgh airing last night…. 

Some Mini Vans Put Local Families At Risk

PITTSBURGH — Families buy them for room and safety, but some minivans are now scaring local drivers. Lisa Ray, of Penn Hills, said she got a sweet deal on her 2005 Chevy Uplander. She bought it new and it came with a television and all the bells and whistles.

Kelly Zajicek, of Allenport, said all of her friends were excited when she bought her new 2007 Chevy Uplander van last spring. She finally had a vehicle big enough to carry her daughter and several fellow cheerleaders to practice and games. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before Zajicek started having trouble with her van. “This right door will open sporadically by itself. It will not close properly. It’s opened going down the highway,” Zajicek said. That’s right, opened while the van was moving. It happened one time when Zajicek was going 55 mph on the highway with her daughter and friends in the van. Dani Zajicek said, “It flew open and me and another girl was in the car and we were scared that we were going to fall out or something was going to happen.”

Lisa Ray said she had very similar problems with her power doors. Her right passenger van door popped open as she was driving and her 4-year-old and 13-year-old daughters were in the car. Her daughter Taylor Ray Jetter said, “I looked at my sister and she starts screaming the door is opening I’m going to fall out.” Ray now puts her 4-year-old in the opposite seat.

Channel 11 searched the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) database and discovered over 20 complaints about similar problems with the Uplander’s doors. The Uplander isn’t the only GM made van with door complaints. There have also been similar complaints for the Pontiac Montana, Saturn Relay, and Buick Terraza.

This doesn’t surprise Bob Silverman of Kimmel and Silverman, a law firm that specializes in the lemon law. Silverman said, “I’ve had clients, hundreds of clients, complain of doors not closing, popping open when they felt they were closed, warning buzzers going off and actually some of my clients saying the doors are opening while driving. Very serious issues.” Silverman said despite repeated complaints,GM has never issued a recall for the vans.

Ray and Zajicek took their vans back to the dealers several times. Zajicek said, “I had the vehicle for 12 days the first month I owned it. It was at the dealership the whole time trying to get this door replaced.” In all she has documentation that shows she took it back to the dealer five times between in the six months she had the car. Ray also took her van back to the dealer several times. Despite several attempts to fix the problem he said, “I’m being told there is nothing wrong with the van.” Zajicek contacted General Motors. “Sometimes they didn’t even listen to my concerns and validate them. They’d open up a case and not follow through with it.”

Silverman has heard that complaint before, “With these Uplanders we saw a huge trend in the beginning where manufactures instructed dealers, on the side, don’t find anything wrong, it’s normal, clean the contacts, it could be debris or something causing the door to fly open. It isn’t.” Finally, Zajicek contacted Silverman. Within two weeks she got good news. “They are going to buy back the vehicle which means I will not have to worry about my family’s safety. GM is doing the right thing.” And Zajicek does not pay any attorney fees. Silverman said the quick resolution of Zajicek’s case is a little unusual. “That case involved a newer vehicle with repairs that occurred faster under PA law and where the cable actually snapped. Once where the door did open when driving and essentially there is no way to deny it on GM’s part,” according to Silverman. Zajicek also had all her repair work and phone calls documented which made filing the claim easier. Silverman said, “A lot of manufacturers including GM tend to do what is right. “

Imagine driving down the road in your minivan and having your sliding door open while you’re vehicle is in motion….some as fast as 45 miles per hour.  We are getting repeated calls from folks with Chevrolet Uplanders, Saturn Relays, Buick Terrazas, and Pontiac Montanas with this problem, and we are working on several television stories dealing with this problem. You can read about this issue, and tips on how to deal with this problem by clicking here.  Using State Lemon Laws and the Federal Warranty Law,  we have succeeded in getting clients full and partial refunds as a result of this problem. Although General Motors is aware of the problem, there are no recalls issued as of now, so if you are dealing with the problem, it’s important that you take charge and fight for your rights.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

General Motors is backing up talk of better product quality with new warranties. Starting with all 2007 models, GM will offer a 100,000-mile/five-year powertrain warranty on its lineup. In addition, consumers will also get expanded roadside assistance and courtesy transportation, GM CEO Rick Wagoner said at a press conference.

For non-powertrain components, GM’s standard warranties remain in effect: four years or 50,000 miles for Buicks, Cadillacs, HUMMERs and Saabs, and three years or 36,000 miles for Chevrolets, GMCs,Pontiacs and Saturns, GM officials said.

Wagoner credited the expanded warranty coverage to the company’s ongoing improvements in quality. GM’s warranty costs have dropped by roughly 40 percent in the past five years thanks to a concerted effort to ensure the company’s vehicles are reliable, he said.

Wagoner also said the warranty improvement will mean that GM warranties are now better than those offered by key competitors such Ford, Toyota, Honda and Nissan. Ford increased its basic warranty to five years and 60,000 miles earlier this summer.