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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Fox 29 News reported this story on a Toyota Prius owner who is afraid to drive his car because of sudden acceleration. Lemon Law Attorney Robert Silverman is featured:

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Courtesy of KYW TV Consumer Crusader Jim Donovan’s Blog, we have some good news for Pennsylvania and Delaware Toyota Drivers:

Both Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett and Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden have secured deals with Toyota where the manufacturer will provide Toyota drivers affected by the recall with rental cars, loaner vehicles, shuttle services and taxi reimbursement for a limited time. Also in situations where the driver feels unsafe transporting the car to the dealer, both Toyota and Lexus will figure out a way to transport the vehicle at no cost to the consumer.

In Pennsylvania, consumers seeking more information should contact the PA Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Hotline at 800-441-2555.  Delaware consumers should call 800-220-5424.

Lastly, we are getting countless calls from folks who have repeatedly complained about sudden acceleration BEFORE the recall.  If you fall under the category, and you have the invoices to back it up, please contact us.  You may be entitled to significant remedy under State and Federal Law.

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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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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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