Tag Archives: Steering Problems

Nissan Ariya EV – Loose Steering Wheel

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Nissan has initiated a voluntary safety recall for certain 2023 Nissan Ariya EVs that underwent a recent port modification activity to replace the steering wheel due to a quality issue. The modification required the replacement of the vehicle’s steering wheel, which could have led to an inadvertent application of incorrect torque settings to the steering wheel bolt by the technician. In certain cases, the steering wheel bolt may not have been installed, causing the steering wheel to experience some play or potentially separate from the steering column if pulled toward the driver. This can increase the risk of a crash. Owners are advised to contact their dealer immediately for transport and repair if they notice excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel.

Nissan first became aware of the issue in January 2023, following a report from one of their dealers about a loose steering wheel found on a 2023 Ariya vehicle. An investigation found the steering wheel center bolt was completely missing. After receiving a second report of a loose steering wheel and missing steering wheel bolt on another 2023 Ariya vehicle in February, Nissan opened an investigation and identified that both vehicles had been serviced by the same technician during the port modification activity.

In response, Nissan launched a dealer quality action to inspect the steering wheels on 418 Ariya vehicles in dealer inventory that was previously repaired as part of the port modification activity. One additional Ariya vehicle with a loose steering wheel was identified during the audit, and an investigation found that the incorrect torque had been applied to the affected steering wheel bolt during the port modification activity. Out of an abundance of caution, Nissan decided to conduct a voluntary safety recall to remedy all vehicles included in the port modification activity.

To address the issue, dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt, and Nissan’s recall number for this issue is PC956, while the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-131.

Lemon Alert – 2018 Jeep Wrangler SUV Later Release

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The 2018 Jeep Wrangler SUV Later Release, a popular off-road vehicle, has been the subject of numerous recalls and investigations. Many of these problems substantially impair the use, value, or safety of the vehicle. There have been a total of 11 recalls issued for the 2018 model year Jeep Wrangler Later Release. Some of the major issues include problems such as corrosion of the left rear frame section, incorrect transmission park rods, a cruise control system that cannot be canceled, and a voltage regulator that may fail and cause the vehicle to stall.

Although a recall hasn’t been issued since 2021, there are 5 ongoing investigations affecting the 2018 Jeep Wrangler SUV Later Release. These investigations include an examination of frame weld deficiencies, electrical over stress in the air bag ACU, seat belt buckle bracket failures, weld quality deficiencies, and the risk of desiccated air bag inflator ruptures.

The 2018 2018 Jeep Wrangler SUV Later Release has received the highest number of complaints for Jeep Wrangler built in the last fifteen years. Some of the major complaints include:

  • Service Brakes (21)
  • Vehicle Speed Control (15)
  • Fuel/Propulsion System (10)
  • Seats (10)
  • Exterior Lighting (8)
  • SEAT Belts (7)
  • Air Bags (7)
  • Lane Departure (5)
  • Steering (995)
  • Suspension (303)
  • Electrical System (120)
  • Power Train (91)
  • Structure (78)
  • Wheels (54)
  • Electronic Stability Control (46)
  • Engine (42)
  • Visibility/Wiper (33)

These recalls, investigations and complaints are a cause for concern. It is important to note that safety issues and repeated problems could mean your Jeep Wrangler is a Lemon. The California lemon law provides a solution for California consumers who have repeated problems with their vehicles. It applies to all new and many used vehicles, whether purchased or leased, for personal and most small business use.

Call us today at 888-EX-LEMON or 888-395-3666 for a free consultation, or complete the short form at the top of this page.

Steering Lock Up In Certain Volvo Vehicles

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A small number of 2019-2020 Volvo vehicles could experience a steering wheel lock up because of a manufacturing assembly error at the supplier. Owners of the affected vehicles will be sent notification letters with instructions on how to get their vehicles repaired.

Volvo’s Critical Concern Management Team (CCMT) first became aware of the problem in December 2022 when one of their supplier’s contacted them about a manufacturing error with a small number of steering gears. CCMT ordered a technical investigation which determined it was a critical safety issue that requires repair. They have initiated a recall for all vehicles that could be affected.

According to defect report, a manufacturing error at the supplier’s production multi O-assembly line may have fed double screws on top of each other when assembling the steering gear screw assembly. If the extra screw falls down into the gearbox housing, it could become jammed in the steering wheel gears and the steering wheel could lock up. In most cases, there is no prior warning, but some drivers may notice a grinding noise when turning and a stiffness in the steering prior to the steering locking up.

The vehicles affected include:

2019-2022 Volvo V60CC
2019-2022 Volvo XC60
2019-2022 Volvo XC90

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealership to have the steering gear replaced in their vehicle’s. Volvo Car’s number for this recall is R10213 and the NHTSA campaign number is 23V-001.

Do you think your vehicle may be a Lemon? Call 1-888-395-3666 and get some great Lemon Law Advice.
Since 1989, Mr. Edzant has earned a reputation as the Santa Clarita lemon law and personal injury lawyer clients can trust. His firsthand knowledge of faulty vehicle repairs helps him better understand the struggle to protect buyers’ rights, giving him the experience to negotiate where possible and the tenacity to litigate when necessary. With his firm on your side, you can feel confident that your rights will be protected and that all available resources will be exhausted in making sure you receive fair compensation for your losses.

Chevy Heavy Duty Trucks Steering Instability

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General Motors (GM) will be contacting the owners of certain HD and XD trucks because of a problem affecting the suspension in their vehicles. If the problem is not fixed, it could lead to difficult steering and an increased risk of an accident.

In November 2022, GM received information from one of their suppliers that there was an investigation into a manufacturing quality problem in certain flange lock nuts used in 2021-2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado medium-duty vehicles. After consulting with their supplier, GM’s Safety Field Action Decision Authority (SFADA) decided to conduct a recall.

The vehicles affected include:

2021-2022 Chevrolet 4500HD
2021-2022 Chevrolet 4500XD
2021-2022 Chevrolet 5500HD
2021-2022 Chevrolet 5500XD
2022 Chevrolet 6500HD

According to the defect report, certain hex flange lock nuts used in several locations on the suspension in some HD and XD trucks were not properly formed and heat treated by the supplier. Over time, the nuts could loosen and cause a loss of tension in the suspension joints. Over time, drivers will notice a degradation in vehicle handling.

Parts are not currently available, but when parts are available owners will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the hex flange lock nuts replaced. GM’s number for this recall is N222391080 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-874.

2014 Tesla Model S Lemon Law Buyback

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Our client bought a 2014 Tesla Model S and was thrilled.

Their first visit for servicing was on December 7, 2017. There was a 12 volt alert present. The headlights were aimed too high and would not adjust. The windshield washer jets were misaligned. The firmware was not installing. The A/C was not working. The vehicle would not charge with the customer’s cable. The vehicle was pulling slightly to the right. Car uses more energy on short drives than the range estimates.

The next visit was on December 11th as the floor mats were folding over.

The Tesla was brought in again on March 8, 2018 because the universal mobile connector would not light up and the vehicle would not charge. Key FOB is not recognized when inside the vehicle. The charge port door will not open with touchscreen or charge cable. The exterior door handle is poorly aligned.

April 10th the vehicle was back for servicing because there was no sound coming from the speakers. There was a problem with the windows not rolling up all the way.

It was back for service on April 24th because the charge port was not functioning.

September 6th it was back for servicing due to the fact that the charge port door would not stay closed and the light does not illuminate when charging. Per bulletin need to replace the bolts in steering rack housing. There was a humming sound coming from the front of the vehicle.

The next visit was on September 17th because the humming sound was still coming from the front of the vehicle. When the parking sensor was pushed in there was a problem. The alert was on for car needs service and the steering assist was reduced. The charge port door magnet was detached from the charge port.

The last visit was on December 10th as the vehicle was towed in for “power reduced” alert.

At this point our client was frustrated and contacted our firm to see what the attorney thought about his Tesla being a lemon.

We filed a demand letter with Tesla that they repurchase his defective vehicle under the California Lemon Law. They agreed to repurchase the vehicle, pay off the balance, reimburse him for any down payment and payments made, pay off the balance less a mileage fee allowed under the California Lemon Law.

Our client was very happy with the buyback of his vehicle. If you think you might be driving a lemon please contact The Law Office of Barry L. Edzant at 888-395-3666 for a free consultation.

Infiniti Q50 Hybrid Common Problems

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Of all the Infiniti Q50 vehicles, the 2014 hybrid model has the highest number of manufacturer recalls and owner complaints. The systems with the highest defects include steering, electrical, air bags and braking.

Steering problems is the number one driver complaint of the 2014 Q50 hybrid. The vehicles Direct Adaptive Steering (DAS) is an advanced “steer by wire” system developed to enhance feel and feedback, but drivers say it is unpredictable and unreliable. Temporary loss of steering because the system goes out of calibration and resets, the vehicle unexpectedly pulls left or right and the vehicle fails to steer in the intended direction, are also common complaints.

Repeated failure of the electrical equipment on the 2014 Q50 hybrid have owners frustrated. The top complaint is unexpected software shutdowns which leave drivers without an instrument panel, climate control and audio control. The vehicle must be shut off and restarted before it can be restored. Failure of the vehicle sensors is common as well. These sensors are used throughout the vehicle to help the driver maintain safety while driving. If they are not working properly it can cause unexpected problems with the Occupant Classification System (OCS), driver assist and the backup camera system.

Airbag problems are a common complaint on many many vehicle makes and models, and the Infiniti Q50 hybrid is not immune. Errors affecting the OCS have drivers concerned about their passenger safety, even after having the Air Bag Control Unit and the OCS Electronic Control Unit (ECU) reprogrammed under NHTSA recall 16V-244

According to some 2014 Q50 owners, the electronic braking system in their vehicles have made their cars difficult to handle. Brake booster pump failures cause reduced braking power and longer stopping distances, and the emergency collision warnings and impact mitigation activates while driving, making it difficult to avoid collisions or make quick maneuvers around obstacles.

Do you think your Infiniti Q50 is a LEMON?… Fill out the above form or call us now for a free case evaluation.

2017 Lexus ES350 Steering Wanders

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The owners of certain 2017 Lexus ES350 sedans will be contacted by the manufacturer regarding a problem affecting the steering system. According to the defect report, a lock nut which secures the right hand side tie rod assembly to the steering gear assembly may have not been properly tightened during the assembly process. If the nut loosens drivers could experience nose from the steering or the vehicle may drift while driving. If the problem is not repaired, the tie rod could separate completely, resulting in loss of steering control.

Dealers will inspect the lock nut and if it is found loose, replace the lock nut, steering gear assembly, and tie rod assembly. Owners wanting more information about the problem may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota’s number for this recall is HLC and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-415.