We are getting calls on the 1800 LEMON LAW hotline from quite a few Buick LaCrosse drivers with steering problems.  It appears that consumers are suffering from noise in their  steering or front end , which can be verified by General Motors but cannot be fixed.  At this point, GM service personnel are telling consumers that they are aware of the problem, but they do not have a solution at this tme.

If you are experiencing a problem similar to this, make an appointment with the service personnel at your local Buck dealer as soon as possible.  See if the service department can verify the noise and perhaps diagnose it.  If the dealer tells you a fix is not available, you must get their stance in writing.  We still encourage you to contact another Buck dealer to get a second opinion.  It sometimes helps to have a fresh pair of eyes examining the situation.

If you are suffering with the LaCrosse steering situation and are not getting the help needed to fix the problem, give us a call at 1800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or e-mail us a brief synopsis of your situation.  We will be glad to go over your issue with you to determine if/how we can help.

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.

We have a few important recalls to share courtesy of our friends at US Recall News:

Chrysler is recalling 32,865 2008-009 Dodge Ram 2500, 3500 and 3500 cab chassis pickup trucks equipped with Powers & Son Steering Linkage.  There is an issue which could result in loss of steering control and the restricted ability to turn the vehicle. Dealers will inspect and replace the affected parts starting this month. 

The company is also recalling 19,024 2005 Dodge Durango vehicles for problems stemming from a fuel tank valve which may not close at the end of refueling, resulting in fuel possible escaping from the vehicle. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire. Dealers will inspect the fuel tank assembly free of charge.  This recall is expected toe begin next month.

Owners may call Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for more information.

In motorcycle news, Yamaha is recalling 9,300 2006-2009 FJR1300 motorcycles because the internal switch wiring could be disconnected, resulting in engine stalling.  Dealers will replace the ignition switch free of charge.  Recalls started last week, however if you have not been contacted, you can call Yamaha at 1-800-962-7926 for more information.

As always, we remind you that if you have an issue which is recalled and then you have to return a couple times after to fix issues caused by the recall, or if you complained about a problem prior and it was finally fixed by the recall, you still have rights under State and Federal Laws.  Feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Every day, we receive many calls to our 1-800-LEMON LAW hotline, and most callers have a common question “Do I have a lemon?” As discussed before, a lemon by definition is a vehicle with a significant non-conformity that affects the use, value or safety of the vehicle, and cannot be repaired within a reasonable number of repair attempts.  Each state’s lemon law provides a different number of repairs required, a different amount of time in which the first repair needed to be performed, and a number of days in which the car is in the shop to be declared a lemon.  In Pennsylvania, for instance, the lemon law says the car has to be in the shop three times, with the first problem occurring in the first 12 months or 12,000 miles whichever comes first, or in for 30 days within the first year. (But, please remember that after the lemon law parameters ran out, you still have rights under Federal Law as long as you are covered under manufacturers warranty.)

Then, we need to look at the defect.  Many folks think that in order for a car to be declared a “lemon,” something needs to go wrong with the engine or transmission, and the car cannot run.  This is untrue.  Here are just some of the problems we have encountered in our caseload, which have resulted in new cars, full or partial refunds for our clients, in addition to standard no start, engine, and transmission problems:

• Faulty Gas Gauges
• Sliding Doors
• Water Leaks/Mold
• Faulty Door Windows & Locks 
• Check Engine Lights
• Brake Problems–constant replacement of rotors, pads etc.
• Pinging Noises/Piston Knock in Engine
• Stalling
• Navigation System Defects
• Faulty Electrical Sensors
• Sunroof Problems
• Steering Fluid Leaks
• Sudden Acceleration/Deceleration
• Constant Replacement of Radio/CD Player
• Oil Consumption
• Convertible tops not retracting
• HVAC problems

The bottom line is as long as the dealer is fixing the problem and billing the repair to your manufacturer’s warranty, it is a defect that could yield compensation.  The important thing is to make sure you keep all of your repair invoices, and if you find yourself in three times, TAKE ACTION either with us or through another avenue.  The Laws are in place to help you; Take advantage of them.

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).