We have been receiving a number of e-mails and phone calls lately regarding older cars.  Buying a used car is a tremendous gamble and it you’re not careful, your dream car may have previously been someone else’s nightmare.  Here are a few tips to make sure you are not taken for a ride when buying your next used car:

1) You want a warranty–and not just any warranty.  It must be a manufacturers warranty.  Yes, we realize that it may cost a bit more, but that is the only way the car company will stand behind your vehicle.  If you have a manufacturers warranty, your problems will be addressed by mechanics who are trained by the company and have access to information and tools that outside mechanics may not have.  Furthermore, if you have continuous problems with the car, we can successfully go after the manufacturer for remedy under Federal law.  We cannot hold the manufacturer responsible if you are no longer under the manufacturers warranty.  That’s like asking the doctor to treat you after your insurance lapses.

2) When it comes to accidents, it’s “don’t ask, don’t tell.”  If you do not specifically ask if a car has been in an accident, the dealer does not need to disclose the fact.  And, unfortunately, asking for a carfax is not enough.  There are times where accidents do not appear on the carfax report and the dealer cannot be held responsible for this.   However, if you ask if a car has been in an accident and the dealer says “no,” they can be held responsible if you find out they are not telling the truth. On the flip side,  dealers MUST disclose  if the car has a salvage or reconstructed title, any flood history, or if it was  a manufacturers buyback (aka “a lemon”).

3) If you are buying an “as-is” car (which we never endorse), make sure you have an outside mechanic inspect the car BEFORE you sign on the dotted line.  We understand this could cost a few bucks, but $100 now could save $1,000 or more down the road.

Lastly, take our lemon dodger worksheet with you when purchasing your car.  It provides you with all the questions you need to ask when buying a pre-owned car.  Remember, an educated consumer is an effective consumer.  Happy buying!

As we have frequently reported in the Lemon Law Blog, this downtrodden economy has eroded the quality of manufacturers warranties.

The industry has placed tremendous limitations on warranty repairs.  Manufacturers have set specific time limits on how long it should take for a mechanic to duplicate a problem and fix it.  Unfortunately, many problems are not addressed right away, often leaving a driver with an intermittent problem that could leave them stranded at a moment’s notice, anytime, anywhere.

Factories are closing left and right,  resulting in parts being on back order for months at a time.  Imagine leasing a convertible  that you cannot dive through the Spring months, or being offered a loaner coupe to drive your three children to soccer practice while your minivan’s in the shop.  It’s happening throughout the Country and while the Lemon Law does provide protection in these situations, not every consumer is aware of their rights.

Now we are faced with a new ever-growing dilemma.  The service advisor knows that there is a problem, they verified it, but the manufacturer does not have a fix at this time.  Whose fault is that?   Are you supposed to sit idly by and wait for technicians to come up with a fix?  Or do you take action?

If you find yourself in this predicament, the first thing you need to do is make sure the service advisor puts the term “no fix at this time” in writing on your repair invoice.  This confirms that they are aware of a problem and in essence, they are breaching their manufacturers warranty.  After all, this warranty ensures that problems will be fixed efficiently and effectively, and that is not happening.  Next, make an appointment at another manufacturer authorized dealership for a second opinion.  Take the service advisor on a test drive where you can illustrate and duplicate the problem for them.  If they also tell you there is no fix, make sure you obtain a second invoice and ask if the manufacturer has provided anything in writing to their dealerships pertaining to this problem.  At that point, you should contact 1-800-LEMON LAW or another  lemon law attorney in your state to discuss your situation and a strategy to get the matter resolved.

Remember, if you do not fight for your rights, no one else will.

I hope I don’t sound like a broken record, but we cannot stress the importance of repair invoices. A young lady called today on the 1800 LEMON LAW hotline  to complain about the water leaks in her Jeep–she has been there too many times to count.  Now, anyone who reads our blog knows that we are very familiar with the problem and can help her.  We just need her to provide proof of her repairs. That’s where the problem lies-the dealer never gave her repair invoices.

Every time you pick up your car from a warrantied repair visit, it is essential that you receive an invoice which outlines the mileage in, mileage out, the complaint and the solution.  Could they duplicate the problem?  Were parts replaced?  Were codes found?  Is your problem related to a technical service bulletin, known as a TSB?  Were recalls performed?  Were these repairs covered internally by the dealer, under the manufacturers warranty, or were they the responsibility of the consumer? The answers to these questions could make or break a lemon law or breach of warranty claim.

Invoices provide proof of a continuous defect and illustrate that the problem was so severe that you had to return to the dealer time and time again. In addition, the invoices and repair histories can actually strengthen a claim.  We frequently ask potential clients to fax over their repair invoices so we can have them reviewed by one of our ASE-certified experts (we have three full-time mechanics on staff).  Sometimes, problems are related and the consumer has absolutely no idea.  This afternoon alone, we took two cases dealing with issues that may not have seem related to the “every man,” but our mechanics discovered the pattern immediately.

So, I know that we all dislike clutter, but do yourself a favor and hold on to those invoices.  Throwing them away could turn out to be very costly in the long run.

This just in–Edmunds is reporting that Volkswagen, once revered for having a 4 year/50,000 mile original manufacturers warranty, is now reducing the coverage to 3 years/ 36,000 miles on all 2009 models and newer.  The good news is that like several other high-end manufacturers, VW will be covering this cost of all scheduled maintenance up to 36,000 miles.  Which would you rather have–a longer warranty or free service? While some may perceive it as six of one, half a dozen of the other, that’s not really true.  You certainly could shell out a lot more money with the 14 less months of warranty coverage if a transmission or engine problem occurs at 40,000 miles, or 3 years and 2 months after you purchase your car.  One may also question why VW is shortening their warranty at a time where most companies are tyring to find a competitive edge.

Less publicized is the fact that Mazda has also reduced their manufacturers warranty from 4/50 to 3/36 as well.

No doubt these reductions in warranty protection will help the manufacturers with their bottom line, but how will the change affect sales?  Only time will tell.

No, we are not talking about that ridiculous boy band song.  We are saying that if you have some money in your pocket, now is the time to consider buying a new set of wheels. The incentives are very attractive, there are many dealers out there who are hungry to make a great deal with you, the cash for clunkers program is in effect, and there are still plenty of 2009 models out there for the picking.  Heck, you can even consider a certified pre-owned car, but as we have repeatedly reminded you, if you buy a used car, please make sure it has a manufacturers warranty.

Just remember the five golden rules you need to keep in mind when aiming to buy your next auto:

KNOW YOUR NEEDS.  Identify what you need a car for.  Is it to get to work an hour away and use as little gas as possible?  Consider a hybrid.  Is it to taxi your brood of children from soccer games to ballet to Chuck E Cheese and then back to ballet because you daughter forgot her slippers? You may want to consider a minivan or crossover.  Figure out your daily schedule and that will help you narrow down the search immensely.

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH.  It’s so important we say it three times.  The internet provides so many incredible opportunities to gather information about cars.  There are reviews on such sites as vehix.com, where you can even put together a side-by-side comparison.  There is a complaint and defect database at the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) website. Every manufacturer from Kia to Jaguar has a comprehensive website where you can examine a model inside and out, review its features and its pricing.  Plus, there are so many automotive forums out there, the king being at edmunds.com. And lastly, don’t forget about our car complaint index and best bets, furnished by consumer advocate Jack Gillis and the good people at the Center for Auto Safety. Before you drive to the dealer, take a trip down the information superhighway and learn everything you can about the car you are looking at. Remember, an educated consumer is an effective consumer.  (And if you do have a gas guzzler you are thinking of trading in, read up on the Cash For Clunkers program before going to the dealer.  Don’t rely on the salesman to give you the most accurate information.  Know your stuff beforehand and correct him if necessary.)

TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT.  And we are not talking about a car like the one you are planning to buy; we are talking about the EXACT car you are buying.  BEFORE you sign on the dotted line, take the car out for a long test drive and go through every single feature from the air conditioner to the trunk release.  Make sure you ask every question and if something is not working, tell them to fix it NOW.  Never settle for an IOU.  This is your one chance to demand satisfaction.  Take advantage of the opportunity. 

UNDERSTAND YOUR WARRANTY.  Every warranty is different.  You need to know the terms of the warranty and what it covers.  Is it cheaper to buy an extended manufacturers warranty when you first buy the car or can you purchase it later?  If this is a used car, is it covered by the company who is manufacturing your car? (We get so many folks calling the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline who are driving a used Toyota with a Kia warranty. Make sure if you are driving a Toyota, you have a Toyota warranty.)  Are there deductibles?  Is it bumper-to-bumper or does it just cover the powertrain components?  Is roadside assistance offered?  Are loaner cars provided?  The warranty is your insurance that if something goes wrong with this car, and chances are it will at least once, you are covered.  Which bring us to…..

FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS.  If something continues to go wrong with your car, or the car is in the shop for an extended period of time, contact a lemon law attorney to find out about your rights.  The State and Federal Laws are on your side and help you go against the billion-dollar automobile manufacturers. Remember, the legal help is completely free, so take advantage of it.

Now, without further ado, get your motor running, head out on the highway, and good luck!

No doubt you have read all about the Chrysler bankruptcy in the headlines.  It has been covered by print outlets and blogs throughout the Country, or perhaps you heard Kimmel and Silverman attorney Bob Silverman discuss the situation on the local news.  All current Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep owners and anyone who intends to purchase one of these cars in the near future has hit a pothole when it comes to their consumer rights under State Lemon Law and Federal Warranty Law. 

As a result of the manufacturer filing in bankruptcy court, all lemon law and breach of warranty claims currently in litigation have been “stayed” or stalled until we receive instruction from the court on how to proceed.  But that’s not all; we have over 20 consumers waiting for complete repurchases or refunds, agreed upon before the manufacturer filed for bankruptcy, who are now stuck.  These folks each have signed releases from the manufacturer.  One client is a handicapped woman who desperately needs her Dodge conversion van to get around, and it has been in the shop numerous times for transmission problems. Another client, who has faced tough financial problems himself, already turned his car in and was waiting for his repurchase, and now he has no car, and no money. Plus, being that his creditor was never paid, he is facing the prospect of his lemon car being repossessed and ruining his credit.  Dozens of other folks have received checks which have bounced and these checks were dated prior to the 4/30 filing.

Currently, Kimmel and Silverman is working extensively on efforts to make sure Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep consumers are protected.  The manufacturers stance (and the PR statement we have heard from Washington DC and DCC headquarters) is your cars will be fully covered under warranty.  But, that’s not really the case.  If you can find a dealer that hasn’t closed, and they do have the part you need in stock (doubtful as a result of the closed factories and stop in production), what happens if they still can’t fix the problem?  If the check engine light keeps coming on?  If the water leak keeps reoccurring, resulting in mold?  If the windows still don’t go down?  If the car still won’t start?  And you are back one, two, three, four times?  Well, under normal circumstances, you would be able to use your rights under State and Federal Law to seek recourse, either a complete buyback, a new vehicle, or monetary damages to reflect the diminished value of the car as a result of the problems that occurred.  But that’s not the case right now.  Right now, Chrysler feels you are entitled to nothing other than continuous repair.  And, the new company that is looking to take over Chrysler is NOT interested in taking over these responsibilities; they do not want to compensate all the distressed drivers who have suffered defects or are currently suffering defects with their products.  The language in their motion is very unclear and contradicts itself.

We are currently working on a motion in an attempt for Chrysler to establish a litigation trust for those people who were entitled to recourse under warranty claims.  We will keep you abreast of our progress. In the meantime, we encourage you to reach out to your State’s consumer protection division and attorney general office and make sure they are aware of this situation.  Ask them what they are doing to advocate for consumers in perhaps one of the most troubling situations we have ever seen.

Confused? No doubt.  if you feel you have a potential DCC lemon law or breach of warranty claim and you would like to discuss this situation and your rights further, please e-mail us or call 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652). (Our firm handles claims in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Ohio, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut,  Massachusetts, New York and New Hampshire.  For other states, please visit www.lemonlawamerica.com.) We will be more than happy to go over your matter with you. 

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.

An interesting article today in AOL’s automotive section sparks a debate we have seen many times over the years.  A consumer starts to encounter problems with their engine.   The car starts to sputter, the service engine soon light comes on, and then all of a sudden, the distressed driver finds himself stuck in the middle of a busy highway.  He has his car towed to the dealer.  After all, he is under manufacturers warranty and therefore there should be no issue with the car being fixed, right? 

Wrong.  The dealer blames the problem on engine sludge and asks to see the driver’s oil change receipts confirming that they have cared for the car as outlined in the owner’s manual.  Fear starts to set in the driver’s face.  He doesn’t remember if and when he got his oil changed.  Perhaps, he went to a franchise, but when and how many miles were on the car?  Did he take it to his mechanic?  Did he change the oil himself?  Before he knows it, the consumer is socked with a repair bill in the thousands and there is nothing anyone can do about it, including us.  Why?  because the consumer did not keep proof that he fulfilled his responsibilities.

Now more than ever, as manufacturers continue to look at the bottom line, it is imperative that you keep records of all maintenance.  There is nothing wrong with going to Jiffy Lube or Grease Monkey but hold to those receipts; do not discard them with the egg mcmuffin wrapper from the sandwich you enjoyed in the waiting room. Those receipts outline the date and mileage of the service.  If you choose to change the oil yourself, you want to keep the store receipt and the proof of purchase, as well as keep a written log. 

If you have proof that you have covered all of your responsibilities and the manufacturer still is not covering the repair under warranty, that is where we step in.  We have represented many organized drivers in these types of breach of warranty claims and manufacturers have no idea what hit them!

More and more consumers are calling into the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline with a problem that “can not be duplicated” by the service department.  Whether it be braking, a sensor light, an alignment issue or a strange noise in the engine, nothing is more frustrating than having a well-intentioned service adviser tell you that they can’t figure out what you are complaining about.

As we have written about in our blog many times before, the automobile manufacturers have been cutting costs across the board as a result of the troubling economy and the service departments have suffered significantly.  Manufacturers have instructed dealerships that they are only paying a certain amount toward a repair, and if the dealer cannot locate the problem within a certain period of time to send the consumer on their way. You will also notice that many of the top-level service representatives have been laid-off, replaced by those who have less experience, and thus require a lesser salary.  In addition, manufacturers are not producing as many parts as they used to, resulting in various components being on back order for long periods of time.

If you find yourself in a situation like the ones described, that does not mean you should not take action.  It is very important that when you are dealing with the dealer, you do the following:

** Make sure you clearly outline your problem or complaint with the service manager and confirm prior to leaving the dealership that your complaint is clearly written on the repair invoice as described.  Do not hesitate to correct it if it is not.

**Upon return, ask to review what had been done to the car, if anything.  Ask if any parts or components are replaced, and make sure these are listed on the repair invoice.

**If they cannot find the problem, ask to take the service adviser or representative on a test drive to try and duplicate it.  If they cannot go for a test ride then, make sure you schedule the next appointment right then and there.

**If the problem is still present because a part needs to be ordered, make sure that is clearly listed on the repair invoice, as well as an estimated time as to when the dealer expects to receive the component.

**If a sensor light is still on, or there is still a noise because the part has not yet been replaced, and the dealer insists that the vehicle is still okay to drive, make sure they write this on the repair invoice.  UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU BE DRIVING A CAR WITH A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON.

**If they insist they cannot find the problem, take the car to another authorized manufacturer dealership to have a fresh pair of eyes look at the problem. A manufacturers warranty enables a consumer to take their car to ANY authorized manufacturers dealership, regardless of where they purchased the car.

**Finally, please make sure you never leave your repair facility after a repair without an invoice.  These invoices provide much needed information and should be kept in a safe place. Never accept an excuse from the dealer as to why you cannot have a copy (i.e. we are keeping the ticket open, our printer is down, we will mail you one.)  Do not take delivery of your car without it.

This situation should not prevent you from looking into your rights to remedy under State and Federal Laws.  If you feel as though you are being stalled in your repair efforts, please contact us or another consumer attorney to determine if you are entitled to remedy.

We are receiving many calls on the 1-800 LEMON LAW hotline from folks who are suffering significant transmission problems, where the vehicle is having troubles going from one gear to another.  Most notably, we have taken several Ford Explorer cases this week. In two of these cases, they were in for transmission repair significant times under warranty and now, they are out of warranty and have to pay for a new transmission.

Folks, if your vehicle is younger than six years old, and you have been in three or more times under your original or extended warranty for transmission repair, we may be able to help.  Under State and/or Federal Law, you could very well be entitled to monetary damages to reflect the diminished value of the vehicle as a result of the problems you have encountered EVEN IF YOU ARE NOW OUT OF WARRANTY.

Furthermore, if the vehicle is still relatively new and you are still under manufacturers warranty, you may even be entitled to a new vehicle or a full refund if you qualify under your State Lemon Law. 

The bottom line is that transmission troubles need to be taken seriously.  Even if the car is now fixed.  You want to always protect yourself “down the road.”  And yes, the pun was intended.

Are you watching the news?  If you are, chances are you are not feeling too well.  The economic outlook is dismal, and that my friends is a euphemism….the money we have worked so hard for, the money we have invested in our future and our family’s future, is in significant danger.  It does not do much good to point a finger at anyone. We know that what goes down must come up eventually, so hopefully, we can ride out this emotional roller coaster.  One thing we know for sure is that, with the exception of those who keep millions stashed under their bed and in their safe deposit box, we are all in this together.  And that includes automobile manufacturers.   Repeatedly, we have told you about the economic turmoil among the manufacturers.  General Motors shares continue in a spiral downward trend, and if you think Ford, Chrysler or any of the automakers is doing that much better, you are sadly mistaken.   Will any of them declare bankruptcy?  We hope not.  Are they in tremendous danger?  Absolutely.

So what does this mean for you, Mr. & Mrs. Car Owner? We know that loans and financing are certainly going to be harder to come by, and chances are manufacturers will also not be so lenient with warranty repairs.  If they can’t find the problem, then they can’t find the problem, and it’s highly unlikely they are going to invest the time and money to try and find it.  As we have repeatedly advised consumers, if you are experiencing a problem, you will need to be as descriptive as possible.  Are you hearing a noise?  Where is the noise coming from?  When doe the noise occur?  What exactly does it sound like?  Offer to go with the service manager on a test ride.  Help them help you. 

And if the manufacturer can’t fix or find your problem, then what?  Well, you can call the customer service hotline, and speak to a representative.  They will be glad to hear you out and they may present you with a claim number.  A follow-up call may offer one to two months payment, or an extended warranty if you are absolutely lucky.  Chances are good you will never hear them again.  The industry is suffering; they are not looking at offering you a handout without a fight.  And you can scream at your dealer until you are blue in the face.  As we have repeatedly told you, the dealer is not the defendant.  The fact is if you want to take action, you NEED to file a lemon law claim.  The beauty of filing a claim under the State Lemon Law or Federal Warranty Law is that legal help is free.  Under the fee-shifting provisions of these laws, your attorneys’ fees and legal costs are covered by the manufacturer ON TOP OF what of you receive.  It’s very important that you make sure that the lemon law firm you use provides completely free legal help.  With 1-800-LEMON-LAW, it is 100% cost-free win or lose, but it not like that with every firm.  Make sure you make sure that the law firm you are using provides completely cost-free legal representation. Ask questions.

The fact of the matter is that if you do nothing, you will get nothing.  During this especially difficult time, no manufacturer is going to go out of their way to help you.  if you have been in three or more times for the same problem under warranty, or your vehicle has been in the shop for a significant number of days, call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW.  We will be glad to go over your situation with you.  You could be looking at brand new car or a full refund, and if your car is fixed after three or four attempts, you could STILL be looking at significant monetary compensation (plus, you keep your car and your warranty remains completely in effect.)  The laws are out there to protect you, and protect your investment.  Take advantage of your consumer rights.  Utilize lawyers who understand the law, who work on these types of cases, who have access to the manufacturers’ legal team.  Our firm has three ASE-certified mechanics who work full-time inspecting our clients’ vehicles and researching their defects. And it does not cost our client one penny.  Fight for your rights, because if you don’t, no one will do it for you.  If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a line or fill out our Get Rid Of Your Lemon page, and we will contact you promptly.  

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.

Throughout this blog, you may find a few statements that we repeat over and over again.  Why?  Because no matter how many times we say it, people still don’t believe it.  So, here we are again, reminding you that in most lemon law and breach of warranty claims, THE DEALER IS NOT THE DEFENDANT.  They are merely the middlemen and they do not have the authority to get you a buy back or a new vehicle.  Rather, it’s the manufacturer who is the defendant and many times when a service manager can’t do anymore to fix or diagnose a problem, they will whisper 1-800 LEMON LAW under their breath.  Treat your service team with respect and try your best not to air your frustration with them.  You rely on them to help you get your vehicle repaired and you do not want to create a hostile relationship.

Today, we thought we would give you some tips on how to deal with the dealer when your car is in the shop.

First and foremost, when bringing your car into the shop and describing your problem to the service manager, try and be as detailed as possible.   Is there a leak?  Where is the leak coming from?  Do you smell mold?  Is your floor mat wet?  Did you see water spots in your headliner?  Is there a noise?  What does the noise sound like?  Is it coming from the front or rear?  Is it in the morning when you are starting the car up, or after the car is running?  Is it on highways or in the neighborhood?  Every detail, description or clue can help the service manager and his team properly diagnose the problem.

You may also want to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website prior to your repair to determine if there are technical service bulletins or similar consumer complaints on your vehicle. Bring this information with you to show the service manager.

When you pick up your car, make sure that you give the service manager a few minutes to discuss which reapirs were done.  Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you don’t understand something. And, most importantly, always ask for a repair invoice.  Now, some folks may say “My car is under warranty.  Why would I need an invoice?” Invoices provide a paper trail which is the key to any lemon law or breach of warranty claim.  They outline the problem you complained about, what was done to fix the problem, a list of any components that may have been replaced, and dates the vehicle was in the shop.  Make sure you get a receipt at the time you pick up your car.  Do not let them mail it to you.  You want to review it to make sure everything is correct and if not you want them to revise it on the spot.  Also, it’s very important to keep these invoices in a safe place, and we don’t mean the “circular file.”  These invoices could be your ticket to getting out of a lemon car. Once you have three invoices for the same problem, you want to consult a lemon law attorney to see if you are entitled to remedy under State and/or Federal Law.

Questions regarding your repairs and how to deal with your service manager?  E-mail us and we will be glad to answer them. 

As we have been reporting, the manufacturers are suffering and will do anything and everything to sell.  These dire times provide an ideal opportunity for anyone who is looking to get a nice ride for less.  However, a consumer still needs to take the steps necessary to make sure their new dream car does not turn into a nightmare. Here are a few rules of thumb you need to keep in mind when buying a new (or used) car.

First, do your research!  Make sure the car has a strong customer satisfaction rating, provides the features you need and want, and is priced within your range.  Consumer Reports is a great source of information.  For pre-owned cars, check out the Kelly Blue Book. Also, ask family, friends and neighbors.  Often overlooked, these are some of the very best resources for car shoppers.  In many cases, they can provide reliable and useful information about the vehicle you may be considering.  Also, if you are purchasing a used car, it is worth hiring an outside mechanic to check the car out prior to signing on the dotted line. While carfax is very useful, their report may be incomplete and not include smaller accidents not reported to insurance companies (and don’t forget to use our lemon dodger used car buying worksheet).  

Second, know the MSRP, the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price.  Unless a car is in high demand, dealers generally sell cars lower than MSRP.  And don’t forget to shop around; call several authorized dealers to see if they can get a better offer for you. Identical cars are widely available from dealer to dealer; it’s only the price that changes!

Third, it’s very important to try it before you buy it.  Before you sign the papers and drive off, try every feature, from the defroster to the stereo to the horn.  Take the car for a lengthy test drive, listen for unusual sounds and pay attention to how the car steers, accelerates, brakes and handles.  If something isn’t working properly, don’t sign anything and don’t accept promises to fix it after the sale!  This is the one time you have total control over the dealer and salesperson. Stay in control and demand perfection before you sign or you may be buying a headache down the road. 

Fourth, never purchase a car without a manufacturers warranty, whether new or used.  Otherwise, getting your car fixed properly by qualified mechanics, with the maximum of expertise and the minimum of hassle, may be next to impossible.  If the manufacturer of the car will issue a warranty, it must stand behind the work performed.

Finally, know your rights!  If you have purchased a new car or a car with an existing manufacturers warranty and you have a reoccurring problem that they can’t seem to fix, you do have legal rights.  Best of all, legal help is completely free to consumers under State and Federal Laws. Don’t be afraid to consult an attorney if needed. For more information on the Lemon Law and free legal representation, call 1-800-LEMON-LAW (1-800-536-6652) or visit Kimmel & Silverman’s website at www.lemonlaw.com.

This past weekend, in her Short Cuts column, New York Times writer Alina Tugend questioned whether a consumer should consider purchasing an extended warranty when buying their car.  She found herself immersed in a maze of terminology, regulations and lawsuits so she sought out some advice from a few well-informed sources:

**In their annual auto issue published last April, Consumer Reports concluded that extended warranties were not a good deal.  In a survey issued by the magazine, they found that 65 percent of the 8,000 readers who responded said they spent significantly more for a new-car warranty than they had for repair costs. Only 5 percent said they had a net saving, and about 42 percent of extended warranties were never used. 

**For those consumers who still want added protection, it’s beneficial to wait, says Phillip Reed, senior consumer advice editor for Edmonds.  One reason for this is that “when the warranty is rolled into the purchase price of the car, it is easy for (dealers) to hide the true cost you’re paying.”  In most cases, you can buy an extended warranty up until your original warranty expires.  This could be beneficial, because after a year, you can determine exactly how long you plan on keeping the car for. Reed also points out that it is not true that you need to take an extended warranty to qualify for low-interest financing, as some customers have been told.

**Finally, our own Craig Kimmel, lemon law attorney for Kimmel and Silverman, offers Tugend some important advice.  “If it’s not the exact manufacturer’s warranty, we recommend against it.” 

You can read the whole article by clicking here.

The Northeast has been hit with some wet, wild weather in the past 48 hours. As a result, our lemon law mailbox  has been “flooded” with questions like this:

“I bought a Chevrolet Aveo about a month and a half ago. Yesterday we had a rain storm and I went out to my car, the entire windshield on the inside was dripping wet…what are my options?”

The day after a storm, many distressed drivers discover leaks in their vehicles. And, if those leaks are not immediately addressed and repaired, your car will soon be a nesting ground for mold and mildew.  So, what should you do if you find puddles on your passenger floor (or elsewhere in the car)?

**Make a service appointment with your dealership immediately. Make sure the service manager understands the severity of the situation.

**Try to track down where the leak or mildew scent is coming from. If you can point your service manager in the right direction, they may be able to fix it immediately. Also, let the service manager know when the scent is the strongest (i.e. when starting up the car, when turning on the heater to high, when turning on the rear defroster, when it rains.) The more information you can provide your service manager, the better!

**Make sure you receive a repair invoice outlining your problem and their solution. Do not let them mail the invoice. Have them print out the invoice when you pick up your car.

**If you still smell the fumes after your service, you need to bring the car back to an authorized dealership for another repair attempt. If you feel your dealership is not handling the problem correctly, take your car to another authorized manufacturers dealership.

**If your car is under manufacturer’s warranty, you should not have to pay any extra monies for treatments or ventilation services. This problem should be covered under both the original and extended manufacturer’s warranties.

**If your car is under manufacturer’s warranty and you have given the manufacturer 3 or more chances to fix the problem, you can assert your rights to cost-free legal representation under State Lemon Laws or Federal Warranty Laws.

Don’t let your manufacturer leave you hanging out to dry. Take action if necessary.

Over the years, we have frequently received calls and e-mails from folks who have purchased vehicles on e-bay.  Unforutnately, most times, we had to refer these consumers elsewhere, because it was very rare for a car sold on e-bay to still have a manufacturers warranty.  Well guess what? That’s about to change.

With car sales declining by the day, the manufacturers are looking for new outlets to sell their cars and that includes e-bay.  Reuters is reporting that Daimler Chrysler will market over 15,000 certified pre-owned Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicle on the popular website. Chrysler’s certified pre-owned vehicles cover models from 2003-2008 with less than 65,000 miles and reconditioned to meet the automaker’s standards. They carry an eight-year, or 80,000 mile powertrain warranty, backed by the manufacturer, roadside assistance and rental car allowances.

Just a reminder, of course, that even with certified pre-owned cars, it is important to ask the right questions BEFORE you buy.  Check out the Lemon Dodger for specific questions you need to ask before signing on the dotted line.

Strapped for cash?  Who isn’t?  Unemployment is up. News reports continue to flood in about how poor the economy is. As gas prices soar higher, the money in our wallets seems to dwindle. Our homes are not worth what they were and neither are our stock portfolios. So, how would $2,000, $3,000 or even $5000 sound?  In a non-taxable check, and you don’t have to do much to get it.  You may be entitled to a large sum of money and the answer may be right in front of your nose…in your driveway to be exact (and no, we are not talking about selling your car). If you have read it before on the blog, it bears repeating, because consumers who call into the 1 800 LEMON LAW hotline can’t beleive it.  This is a Federal law which applies to every state we work in:  Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Washington DC, Vermont, Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

It’s a little known Federal law called the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, that’s not discussed by car dealerships when you purchase your car.  It’s a statute that is not heavily promoted or publicized but it applies to cars, or any products that cost over $25 and are covered by a manufacturers warranty.  What is says is that if you find that you have to get your car repaired three or more times for the same thing, it means that the warranty has not proven to efficient or very effective.  And for that reason, you could be entitled to monies that reflect the diminished value of the car as a result of the problem. So, that darn window motor that’s been replaced, the air conditioner that hasn’t been blowing cool air,  the water leak in the trunk that was finally fixed after four tries, or that nav system that’s gone through quite a few upgrades could mean thousands in your pocket PLUS
**You get to keep your car
**Your warranty remains completely in effect and they still have to fix your car.
**Your car is NOT branded in any way (like the lemon law), so know one can look up a carfax report and determine that you received this money.
**You do NOT need to  disclose that you received this money when selling or trading your car. 
**Like the Lemon Law, the Magnuson Moss provides a provision which entitles consumers to completely FREE LEGAL HELP, so they are on equal footing with the manufacturers.
 
And unlike the lemon law, this law can also apply to used cars, motorcycles(when state laws do not apply), and some seacraft too (like jet skis and sea doos). You read this right–This is free money and it applies to any car or truck which has repeated problems under an original or extended manufacturers warranty (normally three times in for the same problem) .

If you’d like to see if you are entitled to this money, click here or call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652). Also, this past Spring, CBS3 consumer reporter Jim Donovan put together a great story on this which you can view by clicking here.

We are seeing an increased number of cases pertaining to Yamaha Roadstar motorcycles.

These bikes could have reoccurring problems with the engine management system, which could cause the unit to stall, leak oil, or backfire. Repairs may have included installing an additive to clean varnish and carbon, yet this additive has been ruled by experts as not being effective in a long-term capacity.
 
If you are experiencing any problems with your Yamaha Roadstar, you could be entitled to a full or partial refund under State and/or Federal Laws. Motorcycles are covered under lemon law in New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, and Rhode Island. In other states, consumers can seek free legal relief through the Federal Magnuson Moss Warranty Act.

If you are having any problems with your motorcycle, free free to contact us or call 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) and we will be glad to discuss the matter with you.

Every month, we will be highlighting some common trends we are seeing in our lemon law claims.  We have successfully handled numerous cases with the following problems.  If you find that you are experiencing these problems, and you have been back in the shop 3 or more times for the issue, please contact us to see if we can help you receive a new car, or a full or partial refund:

TRANSMISSION FLUID LEAKS in 2005-2006 Dodge Charger, Dodge Magnum , Chrysler 300, and Jeep Commander models

WATER LEAKS in Jeep Wrangler models (we have handled hundreds of these pertaining specifically to the 2008 model)

SEVERE VIBRATION (known as “Death Wobble”) in 2005-2008 Jeep Wrangler models

VIBRATION in 2006-2007 Chrysler Pacifica models

BRAKE FAILURE in 2006-2007 Dodge Dakota models

2005-2006 Harley Davidson models are having problem with the bikes charging

PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT in 2006 Kia Spectra models

BRAKES AND ROTOR FAILURE in Nissan Titan and Armada models

BRAKE PROBLEMS with Kia Sedona models

For more information on lemon law help, call us at 1-800-LEMON-LAW or visit our website.

On Your Side: Car Issues by Jim Donovan

PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ― Are you having mechanical problems with your car? While state lemon laws can help, some Federal laws are designed to protect you too. In fact the Magnuson-Moss Act may be your best bet.

Jan Jeffries bought a certified pre-owned Jaguar about a year ago. Almost immediately he had problems. The anti-lock brakes were malfunctioning and needed repeated repairs. While Jan’s mechanical problems weren’t covered by state lemon law, he was entitled to compensation under the Federal Magnuson-Moss act.

“If the vehicle is under warranty and you’ve had problems with it, subject to repair, and it has not been resolved, you have federal, Manguson-Moss warranty rights.” says attorney Craig Kimmel. The Magnuson-Moss Act applies to vehicles under their original or extended manufacturers warranty, and the car must be in the shop for 3 or more times for the same problem. Kimmel says, “We’re talking brakes, transmission, suspension, head lights, water leak, paint defect, any of these problems and more, those issues the consumer should step up and force the manufacturer to comply with the warranty and if they can’t, call a lawyer.”

That’s what Jan Jeffries did. He says, “I got $6,000 from Jaguar as compensation for what would ultimately be reduced value of the vehicle.”

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is a Federal Law that protects the buyer of any product which costs more than $25 and comes with an express written warranty. This law applies to any product that you buy that does not perform as it should.

Your car is a major investment, rationalized by the peace of mind that flows from its expected dependability and safety. Accordingly, you are entitled to expect an automobile properly constructed and regulated to provide reasonably safe, trouble-free, and dependable transportation – regardless of the exact make and model you bought. Unfortunately, sometimes these principles do not hold true and defects arise in automobiles. Although one defect is not actionable, repeated defects are as there exists a generally accepted rule that unsuccessful repair efforts render the warrantor liable. Simply put, there comes a time when “enough is enough” – when after having to take your car into the shop for repairs an inordinate number of times and experiencing all of the attendant inconvenience, you are entitled to say, ‘That’s all,’ and revoke, notwithstanding the seller’s repeated good faith efforts to fix the car. The rationale behind these basic principles is clear: once your faith in the vehicle is shaken, the vehicle loses its real value to you and becomes an instrument whose integrity is impaired and whose operation is fraught with apprehension. The question thus becomes when is “enough”?

As you know, enough is never enough from your warrantor’s point of view and you should simply continue to have your defective vehicle repaired – time and time again. However, you are not required to allow a warrantor to tinker with your vehicle indefinitely in the hope that it may eventually be fixed. Rather, you are entitled to expect your vehicle to be repaired within a reasonable opportunity. To this end, both the federal Moss Warranty Act, and the various state “lemon laws,” require repairs to your vehicle be performed within a reasonable opportunity.

Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a warrantor should perform adequate repairs in at least two, and possibly three, attempts to correct a particular defect. Further, the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act’s reasonableness requirement applies to your vehicle as a whole rather than to each individual defect that arises. Although most of the Lemon Laws vary from state to state, each individual law usually require a warrantor to cure a specific defect within four to five attempts or the automobile as a whole within thirty days. If the warrantor fails to meet this obligation, most of the lemon laws provide for a full refund or new replacement vehicle. Further, this reasonable number of attempts/reasonable opportunity standard, whether it be that of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or that of the Lemon Laws, is akin to strict liability – once this threshold has been met, the continued existence of a defect is irrelevant and you are still entitled to relief.

One of the most important parts of the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act is its fee shifting provision. This provision provides that you may recover the attorney fees incurred in the prosecution of your case if you are successful – independent of how much you actually win. That rational behind this fee shifting provision is to twofold: (1) to ensure you will be able to vindicate your rights without having to expend large sums on attorney’s fees and (2) because automobile manufacturers are able to write off all expenses of defense as a legitimate business expense, whereas you, the average consumer, obviously does not have that kind of economic staying power. Most of the Lemon Laws contain similar fee shifting provisions.

You may also derive additional warranty rights from the Uniform Commercial Code; however, the Code does not allow you in most states to recover your attorney fees and is also not as consumer friendly as the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act or the various state lemon laws.

RELATED LINKS:

PA LEMON LAW

NJ LEMON LAW

DE LEMON LAW

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

Certainly, we have all heard of the lemon law at one time or another.  Every State has one and they are designed to protect car owners when their ride turns sour.  But, what if you fall outside the lemon law provisions?  Perhaps, you live in Pennsylvania, and your problem occurred at 13,000 miles, rather than 12,000? Or you have a used car with a manufacturers warranty and the check engine light just will not go off?  Is the manufacturer off the hook?  Is the consumer out of luck?  The answer is no.

There’s a little known Federal law called the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, that’s not discussed by car dealerships when you purchase your car.  It’s a statute that is not heavily promoted or publicized but it applies to cars, or any products that cost over $25 and are covered by a manufacturers warranty.  What is says is that if you find that you have to get your car repaired three or more times for the same thing, it means that the warranty has not proven to efficient or very effective. 

And for that reason, you could be entitled to monies that reflect the diminished value of the car as a result of the problem. So, that darn window motor that’s been replaced, the air conditioner that hasn’t been blowing cool air,  the water leak in the trunk that was finally fixed after four tries, or that nav system that’s gone through quite a few upgrades could mean thousands in your pocket PLUS**You get to keep your car**Your warranty remains completely in effect and they still have to fix your car. **Your car is not branded in any way (like the lemon law)**You do not disclose that you received this money when selling or trading your car.  **Like the Lemon Law, the Magnuson Moss provides a provision which entitles consumers to completely free legal help, so they are on equal footing with the manufacturers. And unlike the lemon law, this law can apply to used cars.

You read this right–This is free money and it applies to any car or truck which is still under an original or extended manufacturers warranty. If you think you may be entitled to money under the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act, click here and we will be glad to contact you to further discuss your claim.  

By Jacqueline Mitchell, Forbes.com

Think about a used car and you might think junky, dirty and old. But another market is catching the attention of savvy buyers who want updated rides without paying new-car prices.

These certified used or certified “pre-owned” (CPO) vehicles have been inspected and refurbished by the manufacturer and are backed by extended warranties. The certified used car market isn’t one that automakers can afford to ignore. According to a recent J.D. Power and Associates study, sales of certified used cars have increased 46% since 2000. Auto experts estimate that 1.6 million certified used cars are sold annually, a number equivalent to 10% of new vehicle sales. This rapid growth started when the segment emerged in the 1990s. Luxury automakers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Lexus, looking for ways to unload vehicles coming off lease programs, introduced the certified pre-owned programs as a way to attract the discerning buyer who wanted a luxury car but didn’t want to shell out the big bucks. Other luxury and non-luxury automakers who found themselves in similar situations began offering their versions of these programs. Smart car buyers like them, too. Now, with this best-and-worst list of certified used cars from Forbes.com, smart buyers can be even smarter about this growing market segment.

Kelley Blue Book experts say new vehicle prices average $35,000 and depreciate at a rate of about 20% a year. With this in mind, the cost involved with the inspection, refurbishment and warranty of a certified pre-owned vehicle may add up to a better purchase package than buying a brand new car. “CPO cars are selected from the best of the best,” says Micah Muzio, video road-test editor of Kelley Blue Book. “Automakers can sell them for a premium, usually about $3,000 more than a used (non-certified) car. But the customer gets peace of mind, because the vehicle has been inspected and it’s backed by an extended warranty.”

But don’t rush out and purchase or lease just any vehicle wearing a CPO badge. The programs vary by automaker — and the quality of the vehicles is just as diverse. We looked at a combination of measures to find the best and worst certified used cars on the market, including Consumer Reports’ used-car verdict scores, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for crash test ratings and manufacturer-backed warranty programs.Topping our list of the Best CPO vehicles are the Honda Accord, Toyota 4Runner, Acura TL, Subaru Impreza and Lexus GS.

Making our list of the Worst CPO vehicles are the Saturn Relay, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Pontiac G6, Volkswagen New Beetle and Mercedes-Benz E Class.Vehicles that weren’t at the top of class as new car purchases won’t emerge at the top as stellar CPOs, Muzio says. The Relay, New Beetle and E Class, for example, are aging, older models; the Pontiac G6, while fairly new, isn’t a big seller in the segment for family cars. And the Jeep Grand Cherokee has struggled in the highly competitive SUV market.

To get a comprehensive list, we did not use multiple vehicles from one brand, but took the best of the bunch. So if one company had two vehicles that could make the list, we chose the top-ranked car from that brand, based on our measures, to include on the list. We did not include vehicles that had been significantly redesigned for 2008, and we excluded vehicles that did not have complete reporting data for safety or Consumer Reports’ used-car verdicts.

Those used-car verdicts are based on reliability history in 17 areas, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system. Consumer Reports provides the data, where available, dating back to 1998. We used data for a three-year period spanning 2005 through 2007, as data for a five-year period was not always complete. The highest possible score a vehicle could earn over that time period is 15, or five points for each of the three years. We considered only vehicles with a total of 13 points or greater for the “best” list; a cutoff of seven points or less was used to determine the “worst.”

The only vehicle making our list with a score of 15 is the Honda Accord. The vehicles with the lowest score are the Saturn Relay and Jeep Grand Cherokee, both tying with a score of three.Keep in mind a score of 15 doesn’t mean that the vehicle is problem-free; it just means that it has relatively fewer problems compared with other models. And a score of three doesn’t mean a vehicle is unreliable; it merely has a higher rate of problems than the average model.

Safety was another key factor. Using information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, we were able to find historical crash test ratings. All the vehicles that made the “best” list have safety ratings of “good” for both frontal-offset and side-impact crash tests for the three model years considered.

The vehicles on the “worst” list all earned “good” ratings in frontal-offset testing, but earned scores of less than “good” for side impacts. The lowest score was “poor” — for the Volkswagen New Beetle. The Saturn Relay, depending on the year, had scores of “average,” “marginal” or “poor.”

We looked at the extended standard warranty and the number of points inspected, which range from 75 to 165. For the best, we used a cutoff of 150 points or higher; for the worst, 130 points and below. The length of time of an extended standard warranty and additional benefits were taken into consideration, but were not as heavily weighted as the number of inspection points, crash-test ratings and reliability history. All extended standard warranties kick in when the original manufacturer warranties expire; if the original has already expired, the new warranty goes into effect at the time the CPO vehicle is purchased. This information is available at the manufacturers’ websites and the Kelley Blue Book site.

The CPO Acura TL includes 24-hour roadside assistance, 24-hour emergency towing services, emergency fuel delivery and emergency lock-out service as part of its 12-month/12,000-mile extended warranty.

The CPO Lexus GS comes with a loaner car, 24-hour roadside assistance and trip interruption service (If your vehicle breaks down while you are away from home, this will cover reimbursement for meals, lodging and rental for a certain period of time, while your car is under repair) under its three-year/100,000-mile standard warranty. Some vehicles making our “worst” list also offered some added benefits under standard warranty plans. The CPO Pontiac G6 standard warranty includes 24-hour roadside assistance, a three-day, 150-mile satisfaction guarantee and a vehicle history report that details any past accidents, damage or “lemon” history.

With the information you need guiding you to the right CPO vehicle, you just might be able to slide behind the wheel of your dream car sooner than you think.

From Associated Press
Ford Recalling 3.6 Million Vehicles
By Ken Thomas, Associated Press Writer
 
Ford Recalling 3.6 Million Vehicles to Deal With Concerns About Faulty Cruise Control Switch

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ford Motor Co. said Friday it is recalling 3.6 million passenger cars, trucks, sport utility vehicles and vans to address concerns about a cruise control switch that has led to previous recalls based on reports of fires.

Ford said the recall covered more than a dozen vehicle models built from 1992-2007. The company said it was responding to concerns from owners about the safety of their cars and questions about the speed control deactivation switch in the vehicles that is powered at all times.

The Dearborn, Mich.-based automaker previously had recalled nearly 6 million vehicles beginning in January 2005 because of engine fires linked to the cruise control systems in trucks, SUVs and vans.

“Customers remain concerned about the long-term durability of the speed control system and about the safety of their vehicles,” said Ford spokesman Dan Jarvis.

He said the automaker had received “a few reports of fires” in Ford Crown Victoria passenger cars prior to the recall. He did not have a precise number.

The recall involves the following vehicles: 1998-2002 Ford Ranger, 1992-1997 Lincoln Town Car, 1992-1997 Ford Crown Victoria, 1992-1997 Mercury Grand Marquis, 1993-1998 Lincoln Mark VIII, 1993-1995 Taurus SHO, 1999-2001 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer.

Also covered are the 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport, 2001-2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, 1992-1993 E150-350 vans, 1997-2002 E150-350 vans, 1993 Ford F-Series pickups, 1993 Ford Bronco, 1994 Mercury Capri, 2003-2004 Ford F-150 Lightning, and 1995-2002 Ford F53 motor homes.

An additional 177,000 vehicles in Canada, Mexico and Europe are covered by the recall.

Jarvis said there have been no deaths, injuries or accidents associated with the recall.

It was Ford’s sixth recall, involving a total of more than 10.4 million vehicles, conducted since 1999 because of problems with the speed control system, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The nation’s largest single recall involved 7.9 million Ford vehicles in 1996 to replace an ignition switch.

Texas Instruments Inc. supplied the speed control switch in all of the vehicles covered under Friday’s announcement, Ford said. A TI spokeswoman could not immediately comment.

Owners will begin receiving recall notices on Aug. 13. Jarvis said the parts for passenger cars would not be available until early October. In the meantime, owners can take their vehicle to a dealer to have their cruise control deactivated until the parts arrive. The parts are available for trucks, Jarvis said.

Dealers will install a fused wiring harness into the speed control electrical system or replace the deactivation switch if its found to be leaking.

Owners with questions about the recall can contact Ford at (888) 222-2751.

Ford Motor Co.: http://www.ford.com/

A large and growing number of corporations now require consumers and employees to sign contracts that include mandatory arbitration clauses. Unfortunately, in most circumstances, most individuals have no option but to move forward and accept the clause, or to forgo securing employment or needed goods or services. The Arbitration Fairness Act would ban pre-dispute Mandatory Binding Arbitration clauses in consumer and employment contracts that are buried beneath the fine print.

For more information, visit the National Association of Consumer Advocates website at www.naca.net.