Lemon Law Blog

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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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.

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We frequently receive calls at 1-800 LEMON LAW regarding defective airbags….obviously this is one defect drivers want resolved immediately.  Thus, Nissan truck drivers should be relieved to note that the manufacturer has found an airbag problem with their vehicles and plans to do something about it.

Yahoo is reporting that Nissan Motor Co. will recall more than 240,000 trucks throughout twenty cold weather states, including all of our states: Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.  The manufacturer has noted that in states where road salt is used to melt the ice, a mixture of the salt, snow and water could enter into a crash zone sensor and rust, thus interrupting the signal and preventing the front air bags from deploying in a crash.  Thankfully, the situation was discovered through a large number of warranty claims, and no injuries were linked to the problem. 

Trucks affected include the Nissan Frontier, Pathfinder, and Xterra from 2005-2009 model years.

242,700 trucks in total will be recalled, and the recall is based on where the vehicle is registered.  Nissan said those drivers who qualify for the recall will be notified by mail and Nissan will install a redesigned sensor at no cost regardless of warranty.  Owners in other states not included in the recall will receive a 10-year warranty on the sensor.

For more information, you can contact Nissan at 800-647-7261.  Of course, if you have endured continuous problems with your airbag and it has been serviced by the manufacturer three of more times, you could be entitled to additional remedy through State and Federal Laws.  If you have any additional concerns regarding your airbags and the service you are receiving to attempt to repair them, please contact us or another consumer law firm.

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