Nissan has announced that they will be recalling almost 14,000 2010-2011 Sentras for a problem that could lead to engine failure. The problem is being blamed on the positive terminal of the battery not making good contact with the battery cable. The problem could lead to the engine stalling, difficulty starting, and could cause damage to the engine control unit (ECU).

The vehicles recalled were built between May and July of 2010. Owners can contact Nissan at (800) 647-7261 for further information.

General Motors is recalling almost 14,000 2010-2011 Buick Lucerne and Cadillac DTS automobiles in the United States for a problem with the power steering. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) there have not been any injuries related to the problem but there have been four reported fires.

After investigation, GM found that the starter and alternator cables were installed too close to the power steering conduit. The contact between the cables wore the conduit and wire insulation, resulting in an ignition source for the leaking steering fluid. The worn lines could also lead to a battery short.

Dealers will inspect and re-route harnesses in the recalled vehicles, as well as hold any unsold cars under the recall until the inspections and rectification can be made.

While Tata Motors insists that it is not a recall, they are asking owners of the world’s cheapest car, the Nano, to bring in their vehicles for a free upgrade in safety equipment. The upgrade is in response to reports of mysterious circumstances which led to six cars catching fire since the car was first introduced last year. Tata Motors Group CEO and managing director Carl-Peter Forster said, “The Nano car is a very reliable and safe vehicle. The company has undertaken a second check and found that the vehicle has a safe design. After a thorough investigation by a team of internal and international experts, it was found that the fire hazard problem was specific to the cars which had the incidents.”

The company has taken up several corrective measures. They will now offer a cover on the catalytic converter to prevent the car from catching fire, as well an add a fuse in the electrical system to prevent short circuits. For any Nano cars produced before January 2010, they will also be replacing the starter motor. The company will contact owners of the Nano and perform the upgrades free of charge.

  • BMW and Rolls-Royce are recalling vehicles for a leak in a check valve of the brake vacuum pump that could lead to the loss of Power assisted braking. The vehicles affected by this recall are:
    • 2004-2010 5-Series
    • 2004-2010 6-Series
    • 2002-2008 7-Series
    • 2003-2010 Phantom
    • 2007-2010 Phantom Drophead coupe
    • 2008-2010 Phantom coupe

    Owners can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417, for more information.

  • Hyundai is recalling some 2011 Sonata vehicles built between December 2009 to September 2010. Some of these vehicles may have an improperly assembled steering columns that could lead in loss or reduction of steering. Dealers will inspect the steering column intermediate shaft universal joint connections for proper assembly and torque and will update the power steering software free of charge. Owners may contact Hyundai customer service center at 1-787-999-3333.
  • Mercedes Benz is recalling some 2010 C-class, E-class and 2010-2011 E-class vehicles for a problem with the power steering. The problem is being blamed on connections that have been improperly torqued during manufacturing. Owners may contact Mercedes-Benz at 1-800-367-6372 for more information.
  • Chrysler is recalling some 2010 Sebring, 300, Charger (LX), Dodge Challenger (LC), Avenger (JS), Journey (JC), and 2011 Dodge Ram light duty pickup (DS) vehicles for power steering problems. The crimp on the power steering pressure hose assembly may leak fluid on the engine creating a fire hazard. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403 for additional information.
  • GM is recalling 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impalas for front safety belt webbing that may have not been properly secured to the seat. Dealers will inspect and repair recalled vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact Chevrolet at 1-800-630-2438 or at the owner center at www.gmownercenter.com.

Swedish automaker, Volvo, is recalling almost 10,000 vehicles in the United States for a software problem related to drivers side airbag inflation. According to a Volvo spokesperson, the problem was discovered by a European automotive testing agency who found that the airbag deployed too late in some circumstances. The vehicles affected by the recall are:

  • 2010-2011 S80
  • 2010-2011 XC70
  • 2011 XC60
  • 2010 V70

According to Volvo, there have been about 140 complaints related to this issue. Volvo dealers will install a metal shim in the driver’s air bag clockspring wiring connector in order to remedy the problem. For any recall related questions, owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552.

Daimler AG has announced that it will be recalling over 2,000 diesel Mercedes-Benz vehicles in the United States over a faulty engine filter that could leak fuel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the O-ring on the engine fuel filter may not have been properly lubricated which could result in diesel spilling on roads creating a potential hazard. The models being recalled are:

  • 2011 M-Class
  • 2011 GL Class
  • 2011 E-Class
  • 2011 R-Class

Daimler Europe started to get complaints of the problem in July, and have already modified the part and lubrication process to fix the problem. Merdedes-Benz will start notifying U.S. consumers later this month. Owners can call Mercedes-Benz at 800-367-6372 or NHTSA’s hot line at 888-327-4236.

“Death Wobble” is a situation where the front axle of a vehicle oscillates out of control making the vehicle difficult to handle. The above video shows just how scary and potentially deadly the situation can be. While the majority of complaints of death wobble come from Jeep owners, the problem has also been reported in Toyota, Ford, and Dodge vehicles as well.

Death Wobble is extremely difficult to diagnose and fix, because it could be caused by a combination of parts in the steering and suspension systems and may not be the same for every vehicle. Every time you experience a death wobble episode, more parts may be damaged. Fixing the problem can become very expensive and if it is not fixed right away, can be dangerous.

If you have experienced death wobble in your Jeep, Toyota, Ford or Dodge vehicle and your mechanic or dealership is unable to fix the problem, you may be entitled to your money back or a new vehicle under California’s Lemon Laws.

The California Lemon Law Offices of Delsack & Associates is recognized as one of California’s best and oldest lemon law firms. We have a nearly 100% success rate of the California Lemon Law cases we accept, and offer statewide services so that wherever you live in California you can put our 22 years of experience to work for you.

If you are in California call our Lemon Law Offices:

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

Mitsubishi is recalling almost 20,000 2006-2008 Endeavor SUV’s for an electrical software problem that could affect heat and air conditioning functions. Some vehicles equipped with manual air conditioning have experienced failures that can cause the heater door to stick. The window defrost may not work properly reducing the drivers visibility.

The company will start notifying customers beginning December. Mitsubishi will reprogram the software and replace the controller to correct the problem, and will replace the mode door shaft if damaged. Owners may contact Mitsubishi at 1-888-648-7820.