Lemon Law Blog

It’s one of Lemon Law. Com’s most popular features, the annual Car Complaint Index.  The list, put out every year by Automotive Consumer Advocate Jack Gillis, takes a look at which cars receive the most consumer complaints per sales.

It’s important to note that this list is not an end-all, be-all.  In fact there are cars on this list that are still ranked as best buys by Gillis and other consumer publications.  The list is subjective and is based solely on the consumers who take the time to complain to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration about their cars.  You can read these complaints by clicking here.

So, if the list is subjective, why is it so important?  Because it provides another valuable piece of information when you are researching the right car for you.  If you see a number of complaints pertaining to a particular make and model, you may want to steer clear (pun intended) or at least ask the dealer if the manufacturer has addressed the problem.  An educated consumer is an effective consumer and this list could help you make your decision between one car over another one.

First and second on the list are Toyota vehicles, which comes as no surprise following all of the sudden acceleration stories in the news. The granddaddy of the hybrid, the Toyota Prius is first followed by the Lexus HS sedan. Throughout the complaints, there are drivers complaining of problems with their gas pedal and their brakes.

One thing that is worth mentioning when discussing hybrid vehicles is that hybrids drive differently than traditional cars.  You need to test drive a few hybrid models before purchasing one to ensure that you enjoy the ride.  Often, it’s not as smooth but that is a characteristic of the hybrid model.

Third on the list for a second year is the Jaguar XF, the most reasonable sedan of the Jaguar line.  In this situation, electrical issues are irking drivers, who complain of problems with stalling and their bluetooth.   The bluetooth may seem more like a nuisance but when you figure that many states now have cell phone laws, that bluetooth is becoming more and more important.

Subaru has dibs on four and five on the list.  The cross-over Subaru Outback is number four, with stalling again serving as a common thread through many complaints, particularly a loss of power when changing gears.  Some Subaru Legacy drivers are complaining of vibration when driving, making it difficult to keep control on the road.

The Dodge Journey has a few drivers on a journey to find a fix to their stalling problem.  While some drivers have had their computer and ignition switches replaced, others have complained to the dealer and have been met with an invoice which reads “Can Not Duplicate,” leaving them stranded and frustrated.

To see the complete car complaint index, click here.  And if you find you are experiencing these problems with your car, remember the Lemon Law provides 100% cost-free legal representation to help you fight for your rights.  Feel free to contact us at 1-800 LEMON LAW or by clicking here.

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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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The New York Times is reporting that the National Highway Traffic and Safety Adminsitration (NHTSA) has opened an investigation regarding the electric power steering system in 905,000 Chevrolet Cobalts, model years 2005-2009.

NHTSA says more than 1,132 complaints have been filed by Cobalt drivers, with eleven accidents and one injury reported.  Most of these incidents have occurred within the past six months.  Drivers complained that once the power steering system failed, it became difficult to control their car and keep it in the traffic lane. 

General Motors has said they will answer any questions posed during the investigation, and the case will either result in an analysis of the power steering engineering or the matter will be closed.

Kimmel & Silverman frequently receives calls from distressed drivers who have complained about power steering in their Cobalts, as well as other GM vehicles including the Imapla and Malibu.  That being said, we have found that General Motors is a very responsible company and takes consumers’ issues very seriously.  Most power steering issues we have brought to the company’s attention have been resolved efficiently to the consumer’s satisfaction.  Most claims we open start with power steering noises, where steering shafts have been lubed or steering columns have been replaced.

If you find yourself experiencing problems with your power steering, and have been back to an authorized GM dealership three or more times to report the problem, or the vehicle has been in the shop for an extended period of time while the service team investigates the matter, you may be entitled to remedy under State Lemon Law or Federal Warranty Law.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact us for more information.

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