A rescue plan to save Saab has hit another road block as General Motors decides to stop supplying Saab 9-4X vehicles as well as automobile technology to Saab’s Chinese owners. According to GM, Saab’s third quarter results showed that it is not in the best interest of GM shareholders to continue investing time and money into the company. While Saab Cars North America has suspended warranty coverage on vehicles, GM says they will continue to cover any warranty remaining on Saab vehicles sold under GM ownership. This includes any 2009 and earlier model vehicles sold in the US and Canada.

Saab Cars North America has told owners of newer vehicles to keep receipts of all related warranty work or services performed until further notice. They said they are suspending the processing and payment of all claims, including recalls, towing, certified pre-owned coverage and no-charge maintenance until further direction from Saab Automobile AB, and that any unsold vehicles still sitting on dealers lots will be sold “as is”.

Saab has not filed for either Chapter 7 bankruptcy, which would lead to the liquidation of the company, or for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which would result in the reorganization of the company under court supervision and protection from creditors.

Nissan is recalling certain 2010-2011 Sentra vehicles equipped with MR20 engines. According to the recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the zinc coating applied to the battery terminal stud bolt may be too thick. The poor connection could result in a voltage drop causing the vehicle to stall, make the vehicle difficult to start, and could damage the engine control module (EMC). Nissan dealers will replace the positive battery terminal and cover. Owners wanting more information on the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Nissan will be recalling certain 2011 Juke crossover vehicles for a defective weld on the turbocharger boost sensor bracket. If the sensor separates from the air inlet tube, the vehicle could stall without warning, increasing the risk of an accident. Nissan will be contacting customers starting in the beginning of January. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Ford is recalling certain 2011-2012 F-Series pickup trucks, for a problem with the brake shift interlock switch. The interlock switch may allow the driver to shift out of “park” without pressing the brake pedal. The vehicle could lunge forward unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash and and injury to pedestrians and other vehicles nearby. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact the Ford Motor Company customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332. The vehicles involved in the recall include:

Honda has announced that they will be offering extended warranty on some 2006-2011 Honda Civic Hybrid vehicles, due to small cracks that could develop in the gas tanks. According to Honda, the cracks are not a safety problem because the potential fuel leak is very small, and comes from the top area of the tank, by the fuel filler, where there is no ignition source nearby. The driver may smell gas vapors and in rare instances may see a small amount of fuel spilled on the ground. The problem is more likely to occur in states known for very hot weather.

In order to promote consumer confidence, the automaker sent a letter to owners informing them of the extended warranty of 10 years or 120,000 miles from the time the vehicle was new. Honda has also reported the problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where it is being reviewed.

Automobile manufacturers, dealers, rental companies and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, have lost their fight against a federal bill that will significantly increase automaker fines for companies who delay automobile recalls. Currently, the maximum fine is just over $17 million, but once the bill goes into effect, the fines could go as high as $200 million. According to groups opposing the bill, “The increases are completely out of proportion to the current penalty structure for manufacturers under the Consumer Product Safety Act.” The bill was introduced in response to unintended acceleration recalls by Toyota in 2009-2010. Even though Toyota vehicles were cleared of electronic flaws causing unintended acceleration, the company ended up paying maximum fines for recall delays.

Other provisions of the bill include an increase in the maximum fine for odometer fraud; new regulations for vehicle pedal placement and push-button ignition; an improved recall database and website; and an anonymous complaint hot line for auto workers, dealers and mechanics to report vehicle safety problems.

Here at the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates, we represent our clients to the highest legal standards. With over 24 years of helping California consumers, we have successfully represented thousands of clients throughout the state in all types of lemon law cases, with all vehicle manufacturers. We are especially proud of the fact that in more than 9 out of 10 of these cases we are able to reach satisfactory settlements without litigation, making the settlements fast and stress free for our clients. The high standards we have set to represent only those clients with legitimate lemon law claims means that we do not compromise our integrity or reputation. 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 lemons:

  • 1. 2005 Ford F250: Full buyback – Antioch, CA – 82,988 miles
  • 2. 2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid: Full buyback – Modesto, CA – 44,462 miles
  • 3. 2007 GTI VW: Cash & Keep – San Jose, CA – 38,148 miles
  • 4. 2006 Ford F250: Full buyback – Simi Valley, CA – 80,375 miles
  • 5. 2011 Jaguar XK: Full buyback – Tarzana, CA – 6,472 miles
  • 6. 2010 Chevrolet Equinox: Cash & Keep – Wilcox, CA – 26,855 miles
  • 7. 2008 Jaguar XFS: Cash and Keep – El Dorado Hills, CA – 36,662 miles
  • 8. 2010 Nissan Altima: Full buyback – San Bernardino, CA – 17,591 miles
  • 9. 2008 Chevrolet Silverado: Cash and Keep – San Jacinto, CA – 91,280 miles
  • 10. 2007 Chevrolet Aveo: Full buyback – North Hollywood, CA – 40,391 miles
  • 11. 2008 BMW 535i: Full buyback – Los Angeles, CA – 28,407 miles
  • 12. 2011 Ford Mustang: Full buyback – Pearblossom, CA – 9,870 miles
  • 13. Kia Spectra: Full buyback – San Jose, CA – 57,504 miles

If you are in California and feel that you may have 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

Volkswagen is recalling certain 2012 Audi A6 sedans manufactured between April and May 2011. Because of a problem with the stitching process of the curtain air bag, the air bag may not deploy properly leaving occupants unprotected. Volkswagen will notify owners, starting January, and will replace both the left and right curtain air bags. Owners wanting more information about the recall can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-822-8987.