Archive for May, 2012
Wednesday, May 30th, 2012
Breakthroughs in fuel cell programs and affordable natural gas prices are prompting the U.S. Department of Energy to take another look at hydrogen powered vehicles. In 2009, Energy Secretary Steven Chu, suggested cutting back funding to the Energy Department budge for hydrogen fuel cell research because the technology did not have an efficient way of storing and distributing the product. A closed door subcommittee meeting of the department’s Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technical Advisory Committee, (HTAC) is changing his mind. According to Bill Gibbons, a spokesman for the department, the cost of hydrogen production alone can be cut in half. The only challenge is getting enough stations to meet the needs of the consumer.
Fuel cell vehicles (FCVs) have the potential to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and lower harmful emissions that cause climate change. FCVs run on hydrogen gas and emit no harmful tailpipe emissions. Automakers like Daimler, Hyundai, Toyota and Honda plan to start commercial production of fuel-cell cars in 2015, but say that lack of a widespread refueling network is the biggest obstacle to public adoption of these vehicles.
Tags: alternative energy, Better fuel economy, fuel cell, fuel efficient, fuel-efficient cars, hydrogen car, lemon laws, US Department of Energy
Posted in Auto Industry, Automobile Emissions, California New Car Sales, Fuel Economy, Hydrogen cars, Miscellaneous | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 29th, 2012
General Motors (GM) will be recalling certain 2013 Chevrolet Malibu sedans because the airbags may deploy unexpectedly or fail to deploy at all. According to the recall report, the sensing and diagnostic module (SDM) could reset itself after an event of hard breaking. If this occurs during an aggressive turning maneuver and then there is a rollover sensed, the roof rail airbags could deploy. The reset SDM could also impede the air bags and seat belt pretensioner from deploying during a severe crash. GM will be notifying customers starting in June, and dealers will reprogram the SDM to correct the problem. Owners wanting more information can contact Chevrolet at 1-800-263-3777 .
Tags: air bag problem, air bag safety problem, Airbag Problem, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Malibu recall, Chevrolet problems, lemon laws, Manufacturer defect, Software Problem
Posted in Airbag Problem, Auto Problems, Automobile Safety, Chevrolet, Manufacturer defect, Safety Recalls | No Comments »
Monday, May 28th, 2012
A recent investigation into engine fires in some 2011 Chevrolet Cruze vehicles has been widened to include some 2012 models. The investigation was open last March after complaints of engine fires was reported in two 2011 Chevy Cruze vehicles, but additional reports of fires in some 2012 vehicles has lead the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to include the newer models. According to the investigation reports, the probe is focusing on electrical wiring and the transmission control module. If the probe leads to a recall, over 370,000 vehicles could be involved.
Tags: automobile investigation, Chevrolet, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet problems, Chevy, electrical fire, electrical problem, fire, lemon laws, Manufacturer defect, NHTSA, posssible engine fire, transmission problems
Posted in Auto Industry, Automobile Investigations, Automobile Safety, Chevrolet, Driving Safety, Electrical problems, Manufacturer defect, NHTSA, Safety Investigation, Transmission Problem | No Comments »
Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Toyota will be recalling a small number of 2013 Lexus GS350 cars manufactured between December 12, 2011 to February 7, 21012. The Problem is with the programming for the variable gear ratio steering (VGRS) system. If the engine is restarted immediately after the vehicle has been parked and the steering wheel is turned, the steering wheel could become off centered. Off centered steering will result in an unexpected maneuver which could result in a crash. Toyota will notify owners who can take in their vehicles to have the VGRS system updated. For more information about the problem, contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Tags: automobile problems, lemon laws, Lexus, Lexus GS350, Lexus problem, Lexus recall, Manufacturer defect, programming error, repeated automobile problems, steering problem, Toyota, Toyota problem
Posted in Auto Problems, Automobile Safety, Driving Safety, Lexus, Manufacturer defect, Safety Recalls, Steering Problems, Toyota | No Comments »
Thursday, May 24th, 2012
Last week GM announced that they will no longer be paying to advertise on Facebook, except for the pages that cost nothing to create. GM said that with the continuing rise of advertising costs, they question the effectiveness of certain media and are restructuring where the money is spent in order be more effective. Price concerns are not only confined to GM, with many large companies saying it is hard to know where is the best place to put their advertising money. The announcement came days before the highly anticipated Facebook stocks were to be publicly offered. The uncertainty in Facebook advertising has dampened enthusiasm for the stock as the shares for the social networking company tumble.
This week GM continues to cut its spending as they announce that they will not advertise in the next Super Bowl. According to GM’s global marketing chief, the Super Bowl advertising is effective but has become too expensive to justify the cost. Part of the GM advertising overhaul will include an emphasis on markets outside of the U.S., where GM hopes to expand into up-and-coming markets. Last year, GM spent almost $5 billion on ads.
Tags: American automobile industry, Automotive sales, decline in auto sales;, General Motors, GM, lemon laws
Posted in Auto Industry, California New Car Sales, GM, GMC, General Motors, General Motors Company | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012
Chrysler has announced a recall for certain 2010 Jeep Wranglers after receiving fourteen complaints of fires starting in the catalytic converter area. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these vehicles were manufactured before July 2010 and have a skid plate to protect the automatic transmission during off road driving. Chrysler said that the skid plate can collect debris and the heat from the catalytic converter could lead to a fire. Chrysler will be notifying owners starting in May, and will replace the skid plate with a skid bar that doesn’t collect debris. The recall is the result of a Jeep Wrangler investigation started in April. Owners wanting more information about the problem can contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Tags: automobile fire, automobile problems, Chrysler, fire, Jeep, Jeep Wrangler, lemon laws, posssible engine fire
Posted in Auto Problems, Automobile Investigations, Automobile Safety, Chrysler, Jeep, Manufacturer defect, Safety Recalls | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 22nd, 2012
Honda will be recalling over 50,000 of its 2007-2008 Acura TL sport sedans because the power steering hose could leak. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this is not the first time Honda has recalled these vehicles. In 2008 almost 275,000 2004-2008 Acura TLs owners were asked to bring in their vehicles for the same problem. High under hood temperatures are being blamed on the premature deterioration despite a design change to reduce the fluid temperatures. If the power steering hose starts to leak, the driver could experience loss of power steering assist and a potential engine fire. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Honda customer service at 1-800-999-1009 or Acura at 1-800-382-2238.
Tags: automobile problems, Honda, lemon laws, posssible engine fire, power steering defect, steering problem, Steering Problems
Posted in Acura, Auto Problems, Automobile Safety, Honda, Manufacturer defect, Safety Recalls, Steering Problems | No Comments »
Monday, May 21st, 2012
Approximately one hundred 2011-2012 Ferrari 458 high performance sports cars will be recalled in the United States for a manufacturing problem that could lead to engine damage. The problem was found by Ferrari as they did a routine inspection of one of their fleet vehicles. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a programming error in the factory caused the crankshaft to be formed incorrectly. The error could lead to excessive engine vibration and eventually engine seizure. Ferrari will notify owners who will be given the option of having their engines repaired or replaced. Owners wanting more information on the problem can contact Ferrari at 201-816-2600.
Tags: Automobile industry in California, automobile investigation, crankshaft failure, crankshaft problem, Ferrari, lemon laws, Manufacturer defect, stalling engines
Posted in Auto Problems, Automobile Investigations, Automobile Safety, Ferrari, Manufacturer defect, Miscellaneous, Safety Recalls | No Comments »
Friday, May 18th, 2012
Ford will be recalling certain 2012 F-150 trucks to replace the Occupant Classification System Module (OCSM). The OCSM is a system that classifies the size of the occupant in the passenger seat and deploys the airbag accordingly. In certain F-150 trucks, the incorrect software for the system may have been installed. The result would be the airbag not deploying properly increasing the risk of injury to the passenger. Ford will notify owners of the problem and will replace the OCSM free of charge. Owners wanting more information can contact the Ford Motor Company Customer Relationship Center at 1-866-436-7332.
Tags: air bag problem, air bag safety problem, Airbag Problem, auto safety, Ford, lemon law, lemon laws, Manufacturer defect, Software Problem
Posted in Airbag Problem, Auto Problems, Automobile Safety, Ford, Manufacturer defect, Safety Recalls | No Comments »
Thursday, May 17th, 2012
The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates represents clients to the highest legal standards. With over 24 years of California Lemon Law experience, we have successfully represented thousands of clients throughout the state in all types of lemon law cases. We take pride in the fact that almost 100% of our cases are able to reach satisfactory settlements without litigation, making the process fast and stress free for our clients. Our goal is not to be the “largest” lemon law firm in California, but to continue to be the “BEST”. Below is a list of some of our most recent success stories where we helped consumers get settlements for their lemon vehicles:
- 1. 2008 Audi RS4: Full buyback – Hesperia, CA – 50,409 miles
- 2. 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe: Cash & Keep – Clovis, CA – 45,187 miles
- 3. 2007 Volkswagen Passat: Full buyback – Ramona, CA – 45,481 miles
- 4. 2011 Hyundai Sonata: Full buyback – Walnut, CA – 5,226 miles
- 5. 2010 BMW 550IA: Full buyback – Fountain Valley, CA – 27,107 miles
- 6. 2009 Mercedes Benz GL550: Full buyback – Wilcox, CA – 41,619 miles
- 7. 2009 Audi A4: Cash and Keep – Sherman Oaks, CA – 32,240 miles
- 8. 2006 Saab Aero: Full buyback – Sierre Madre, CA – 75,351 miles
- 9. 2011 Dodge Ram 2500: Full buyback – Arvin, CA – 7,577 miles
- 10. 2006 Dodge Ram 3500: Full buyback – Cypress, CA – 67,695 miles
- 11. 2009 Honda Civic LX: Full buyback – Torrance, CA – 13,325 miles
- 12. 2010 Nissan Murano: Cash & Keep – Yorba Linda, CA – 21,270 miles
- 13. 2010 Jaguar XF: Full buyback – Chino Hills, CA – 16,058 miles
- 14. 2008 Smart 2D Passion: Full buyback – Oakland, CA – 39,637 miles
- 15. 2011 BMW 550i: Full buyback – West Hollywood, CA – 15,206 miles
- 16. 2010 Chrysler 300: Cash and Keep – Beverly Hills, CA – 24,825 miles
If you live in California and and think your vehicle could be a lemon, contact our Lemon Law Offices, or fill out our Lemon Law Case Review, for a FREE consultation.
Anywhere in California (free call): 1.888.ExLemon (395.3666)
- California Lemon Law in Los Angeles: 310-475-1700
- California Lemon Law in San Francisco: 415-285-5366
- California Lemon Law in San Diego: 619-229-6900
- California Lemon Law in Orange County: 949-856-4333
- California Lemon Law in Palm Springs: 760-395-1000
- California Lemon Law in San Fernando Valley: 818-837-0500
Tags: Automobile industry in California, CA Lemon Law, California Lemon Law, lemon law attorney, Lemon Law Buybacks, Lemon Law Lawyer, lemon law reimbursement, Lemon Law Settlements, Los Angeles Lemon Law
Posted in Auto Industry, CA Lemon Law, CA Lemon Law Firm, California, California Lemon Law, California Lemon Law Attorneys, California Lemon Law Buybacks, California Lemon Law Firm, Law Offices of Delsack and Associates, Lemon Law, Lemon Law Buybacks, Los Angeles Lemon Law, Manufacturer defect | No Comments »
Tweet