Monday, December 16, 2013

Ford F150 Acceleration Problem


 

 

 

 

 

The NHTSA is investigating complaints of sharp reducti acceleration issues and loss of power for owners of 2011-2013 Ford F-150 trucks with the 3.5L GTDI engine. This engine is the V-6 EcoBoost engine.  


Date Complaint Filed: 12/10/2013

Component(s): UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Date of Incident: 08/14/2012

NHTSA Number: 10555429

FORD F-150 2012 

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN):  1FTFW1ET9CF...

SUMMARY:

ON THREE DIFFERENT OCCASIONS WAS IN THE PROCESS OF PASSING A VEHICLE, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN LOST ENGINE ACCELERATION, PICK UP BEGAN TO VIBRATE, PULLED OVER AND CALLED SERVICE CENTER, WAS TOLD TO TURN OFF AND RESTART VEHICLE, PROCEEDED TO DESTINATION!

Date Complaint Filed: 12/08/2013

Component(s): ENGINE

Date of Incident: 11/11/2013

NHTSA ID Number: 10555212

Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)

•FORD F-150 2013                      

 Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN):  1FTFW1ET8CF...

SUMMARY:

UPON ACCELERATION TO PASS ON FREEWAY, ENGINE SHUDDERS AND LOSES POWER. TRANSMISSION DOWN SHIFTED TO TRY TO RECOVER, BUT ENGINE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO THROTTLE PRESS. HAD TO BACK OFF ON THROTTLE AND MOVE TO RIGHT LANE ALL THE WHILE THINKING TO TAKE THE TRUCK TO THE SHOULDER. VERY SCARY WHEN TRYING TO PASS AND NO POWER. LUCKILY I WAS NOT REAR ENDED FOR SLOWING DOWN SO FAST!

Complaint Filed: 12/03/2013

Component(s): ENGINE , POWER TRAIN

Date of Incident: 02/01/2012

NHTSA ID Number: 10554605            

Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)

FORDF-1502011

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN):  1FTFW1ET0BF...

SUMMARY:

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 FORD F-150. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE ACCELERATOR FAILED TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATION ATTEMPTS. ADDITIONALLY, AN ERROR CODE (P0036) AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO OPERATE NORMALLY WHEN DRIVING IN RAINY WEATHER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER BUT WAS NOT ABLE TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,500. 

Date Complaint Filed: 12/03/2013

Component(s): ENGINE

Date of Incident: 08/02/2010

NHTSA ID Number: 10554601       

Vehicle Make Model Model Year Ford F150 Acceleration issues

FORD F-150 2011

 Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

 Vehicle Identification No. (VIN):  1FTFW1ET4BF...

SUMMARY:

SOMETIMES WHEN I TRY TO PASS THE ENGINE DURING FULL ACCELERATION STUMBLES AND LOOSES ACCELERATION. IT DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME AND DOES NOT

Friday, December 6, 2013

Kia Sedona brake, suspension and electronic stability problems

 Owners of the Kia Sedona have had brake, suspension and stability problems and may be  entitled to compensation.  Enclosed are reports.  


 

Date of Complaint: 08/29/2011

Component(s): Brakes, Electronic Stability Control, Parking Brake, Indicator Light, Air Disc Rotor 

Vehicle Make Model, Model Year(s) KIA SEDONA 2006 

Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Sedona 6-cyl 

Summary:

The contact stated that when the brake was applied, the vehicle would shake violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure. The dealer replaced the rotors, but the failure was not corrected. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle back to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 80,000. (View at http://www.carcomplaints.com/Kia/Sedona/2006/brakes/service_brakes_hydraulic.shtml#12)

Date of Complaint: 09/01/2013

Component(s): Brakes, Electronic Stability Control, Parking Brake, Indicator Light, Air Disc Rotor

Vehicle Make Model, Model Year(s) “KIA SEDONA 2006”

Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Sedona

Summary:

The contact stated that the air bag and esc warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the computer in the front driver or passenger's side seat would have to be replaced. The technician was unable to guarantee the repair after replacing the part. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000. (View at http://www.carcomplaints.com/Kia/Sedona/2006/brakes/electronic_stability_control.shtml#8)

Date of Complaint: 06/22/2007

Component(s): Brakes, Electronic Stability Control, Parking Brake, Indicator Light, Air Disc Rotor

Vehicle Make Model, Model Year(s) “KIA SEDONA 2006”

Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Sedona 6-cyl

Summary:

While driving 75 mph, the entire steering column shook when the contact applied the brakes. He pulled off the freeway and noticed the front wheel rims were extremely hot. He waited for them to cool off and drove home. The vehicle operates normally when driving 40-55 mph. The dealer stated that the rotors may be bent or warped. The VIN was unavailable. The current mileage is 15,000 and failure mileage was 14,500. (View at http://www.carcomplaints.com/Kia/Sedona/2006/brakes/service_brakes_air-disc-rotor.shtml#1)
 
 
Vehicle Make Model, Model Year(s) KIA SEDONA 2006
Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Sedona
Summary:
The contact owns a 2006 Kia Sedona LX. While driving in the driveway 5 mph, the contact stated that the front passenger side bushings began to exhibit and abnormal squealing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that they could not replace the bushings until they had fractured and could not press out from the sub frame without causing damaging. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was called who contacted the dealer to determine the failure and what could be done to repair the vehicle. The dealer informed the manufacturer that they would not repair the failure until it was fractured. The failure mileage was 24,400. (View at http://www.carcomplaints.com/Kia/Sedona/2006/suspension/suspension.shtml#4)
Date of Complaint: 12/15/2007
Component(s): Suspension, Control Arm, Tires 
Vehicle Make Model, Model Year(s) “KIA SEDONA 2006”
Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Sedona LX 3.8L
 
Summary:
Note: My biggest beef is the fact that I can't keep tires on this vehicle. One of the problems is the rear camber is excessive on both rear wheels. I haven't been able to find an after market kit to just adj camber. Only the toe and camber kit o/e. Rear tires cup in less than ten thousand miles. Also fuel mpg average 17.5 not at all what I was told I would get. (View at http://www.carcomplaints.com/Kia/Sedona/2006/suspension/premature_tire_wear.shtml#1)
 
Date of Complaint: 09/29/2013
Component(s): Suspension, Control Arm, Tires 
Vehicle Make Model, Model Year(s) KIA SEDONA 2006 
Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Sedona LX 3.8L V6
Summary:
We purchased this vehicle used in January 2013. It passed NH safety inspection when purchased and again in early August at its annual inspection. On September 29, as my wife was making a slow speed right turn into a parking lot, there was a loud rubbing noise and it shook violently. After having it towed to the service center, it was found that the left front control arm had rusted and failed. While it was scary enough to have this happen a slow speed, I cringe at what would have happened if it had failed on the highway, as we were supposed to be on the Interstate that morning with a full van including 2-3 children. Luckily we changed our plans earlier in the week and decided not to make the trip. I will be notifying the manufacturer and NHTSA about this. Seeing how there have been other instances of this problem, and similar problems on other Hyundia/Kia vehicles, I feel that they should look into this and issue the appropriate resolution. I have been driving for 35 years and have owned a lot of vehicles older and with more mileage
www.carcomplaints.com/Kia/Sedona/2006/suspension/broken_front_control_arm.shtml#1)
 
 
Law Office of Howard A. Gutman
230 Route 206, Suite 307
Flanders, New Jersey 07836
(973) 598-1980 (tel), (973) 531-4110 (fax)
New York Office
315 Madison Avenue, Suite 901
New York, New York 10165
howardgutman@aol.com (free consultation on lemon law claims)  

 

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Land Rover Freelander Head Gasket and Engine Problems


 

The Land Rover Freelander have had serious problems of head gasket malfunction which will lead to engine failure.  First signs of a problem include coolant leak, overheating, and engine performance problems.  This will usually lead to the engine failure which characterizes the 2002- 2005, model years of the Land Rover Freelander manufactured with the KV6 2.5 liter aluminum V6 engine.  Owners may be entitled to compensation.  Here is a more technical overview.  

Design and Components of the Vehicle

 
This engine is referred to as an aluminum V6 engine because it is manufactured using an aluminum cylinder block along with aluminum cylinder heads. Many internal components are however made of steel and iron. Most automotive manufacturers today offer aluminum V6 engines that would fall under this description. The KV6 engine shares several technical features with other manufacturer’s aluminum V6 engines of the 2002-2003 period such as double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder design cylinder heads, and variable intake manifold tuning.

 

One distinct design feature of the KV6 engine that makes it different from common aluminum V6 engines is the use of slip fit steel cylinder sleeves (or liners) in it's construction. All of the aluminum V6 engines that I have been exposed to (from Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, and others) use a press fit cast iron cylinder sleeve. Typically, engines using the cast iron cylinder sleeve design have demonstrated virtually no issues related to the sleeves or their integrity as assembled in the aluminum cylinder block. This is not the case with the KV6 engine design. I discovered an alarming number of reports describing failures (head gaskets and engine seizures) related to the sleeves of the KV6 engine.

 

Typically when aluminum cylinder block-iron sleeve engines are manufactured, the cylinder bores of the aluminum block are slightly smaller than the outside diameter of the cast iron sleeves before assembly at room temperature. This difference in sizes is referred to as interference and won’t allow assembly while the block and sleeves are both at room temperature. The block is heated to over 600 degrees F to allow it to fully expand before the cool or room temperature sleeves are pressed (forced) into place within the block and then allowed to cool at a controlled rate as an assembly. The amount of force used to press the sleeves into the block varies with designs and can be from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand pounds. This process assures a permanent, unchanging fitment of the sleeves to the cylinder block.

 

With the Freelander engine the sleeves are simply slipped into place as the engine is assembled. The sleeves of the Freelander engine have a shoulder machined into them about midway down the outside of the sleeves which rests on a machined land within the cylinder bores of the engine block as the engine is assembled. The sleeves essentially have two outside diameters with the lower end being smaller than the upper. It would be critical that these machined surfaces be of high quality and precision as once assembled, the contact area of the two surfaces would have to provide a seal between the coolant jacket of the cylinder block and the engine crankcase where the engine oil is collected and stored in the engine oil pan. The Freelander engine design relies on the clamping force of the cylinder head and gasket of the assembled engine to maintain a tension against the sleeves from the top to ensure a seal at the two machined surfaces described. The cylinder head gaskets are manufactured with a metal compression seal ring that is mated to the tops of the sleeves and these compression seal rings have a designed, calculated "crush" that upon assembly, ensure a permanent seal between the high temperature and pressure combustion gases, and the separate coolant and oil circulation passages of the assembled cylinder block and heads. It is important to note that the tops of the sleeves of the Freelander engine are designed to be flush with the head gasket surface of the cylinder block when assembled so that the head gasket will perform it's purpose of sealing effectively.

 

Incidence of Engine Failure

 

Many head gasket failures have been reported on the Freelander engine on the vehicle and it has been determined that this has been commonly caused by a condition where a cylinder sleeve (or sleeves) has "dropped" in the engine block (meaning that the top of the sleeve has moved below flush with the head gasket surface of the block). The condition occurred often enough that Land Rover issued a bulletin (Technical Bulletin #0036, dated June 16, 2004) for it's dealership technicians to provide a process for inspection and evaluation when a vehicle came in for repair. Though this bulletin also addresses an overheat condition diagnosis and repair, engine overheating often accompanies head gasket failure. The head gasket would have failed primarily because the tension of the crushed compression seal ring would be compromised as the sleeve moved lower into the block and away from the cylinder head, ultimately allowing coolant intrusion into the combustion chamber and combustion gases into the cooling system. This loss of tension against a cylinder sleeve would also compromise the sealing effectiveness of the aforementioned machined surfaces of the sleeve and cylinder block and allow coolant intrusion into the crankcase and engine oil, and thus causing catastrophic engine failure as the lubricating qualities of the engine oil are severely diminished when antifreeze coolant is mixed with it. 

 
Mechanism and dangers of engine failure


This would explain another common concern with the Freelander engine where the engines have seized (locked up), often times while driving. The reason that the sleeves drop in the block seems to be apparent and easy to understand. There are two basic principles at work in this issue. First, there is a significant difference in the thermal properties of steel and aluminum, and second, the steel cylinder sleeves are substantially harder than the alloy aluminum cylinder block they are fitted to.  Aluminum expands and contracts at a greater rate and degree than steel when heated and cooled.  In the normal life of an automotive engine there are an incredible number of these heating and cooling cycles- ie: cold start up to normal operating temperature and then cool down when shut off, occasional high work loads from trailer towing, climbing long grades in extreme weather conditions, etc. After enough of these cycles, the precision machined surfaces of the relatively soft aluminum cylinder block that relate to the fitment of the much harder steel sleeve would understandably be compromised as the aluminum is moving quicker and more than the steel in the process of thermal expansion and contraction. Add to this the fact that as the engine is running, pistons are moving up and down within the sleeves at a high rate of speed with some friction (normal-from the way that they are designed to fit within the sleeve), pushing up on the sleeve as the piston rises and then pulling down on the sleeve as the piston descends. This can effectively cause the hard steel sleeve to "hammer" against the machined surfaces within the bores of the softer aluminum cylinder block. Theses actions could be expected to cause the machined surfaces within the block to deteriorate and/or damaged to a point of failure.  This helps to explain why the sleeves drop in the cylinder block, causing head gasket failure and even catastrophic engine failure.  If this occurs in traffic, mechanical features such power braking will not function.  Stopping and maneuvering the vehicle particularly in traffic become a serious problem, and the condition poses dangers to the driver, occupants, and other vehicles. 

                                          
 
Law Office of Howard A. Gutman
230 Route 206, Suite 307
Flanders, New Jersey 07836
(973) 598-1980 (tel), (973) 531-4110 (fax)

New York Office
315 Madison Avenue, Suite 901
New York, New York 10165   Free consultation on Land Rover Defect Claims
howardgutman@aol.com


Monday, November 25, 2013

Third Party Warranty Fraud

We receive a number of complaint about warranty companies.  They offer to provide the comfort of covering repair costs but consumers are frequently enmeshed in problems and disputes, as they ask for expensive diagnosis before undertaking repair, suggest junkyard parts instead of new ones, pay for only partial costs, delay, and contradict the promises in their brochures.  

Edmunds writes,

"Third-party extended-warranty companies promise to offer peace of mind in the event that your vehicle breaks down. But all too often, their shady practices scam people out of their money instead of giving them real coverage when they need it. Not every extended auto warranty company is out to rip you off, but over the course of our research, we found that the honest ones are few and far between.

What Is a Third-Party Auto Warranty?
A third-party warranty is so named because it has no direct business relationship with the product it covers. In this case, that's your car. These warranties differ vastly from manufacturer extended warranties, which use original parts and factory-trained technicians to repair your vehicle at a dealership.  Third-party warranty companies may give you the option to take your car into the dealership, but the reimbursement process can be a hassle if a company doesn't want to cover a part." 

Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti Brake Problems

Some owners of newer Pathfinders and Infinitis have reported brake problems which Nissan attributed to a problem at one facility.  Owners of vehicles with problems may be entitled to compensation for vehicle problems and repair costs.   

 

Edmunds reports, Nissan is recalling 19,258 2013 Nissan Pathfinders and Infiniti JX35s to fix a brake problem, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"The front brake torque member was improperly cast, resulting in structural weakness," said NHTSA in its summary of the problem. "This can lead to premature failure and cracking. If the brake torque member fails, the brake caliper may move and contact the inside of the road wheel, resulting in reduced braking and increasing the risk of a crash."

The affected vehicles were built from December 3, 2012 through January 29, 2013 at Nissan's Smyrna, Tennessee plant.

Nissan told federal safety regulators it received a field report on March 1 involving a front brake torque member failure on a 2013 Pathfinder. Following that report, Nissan placed a yard hold on all potentially affected vehicles at the plant while a supplier investigation was conducted.

"Detailed analysis of the failed front brake torque member revealed that the casting was out of specification due to a 'cold shut' condition which occurred during the supplier's manufacturing process," Nissan said in documentation filed with NHTSA. "A small amount of molten iron flowed into an adjacent mold prematurely, and did not fuse properly with the newly introduced metal due to temperature loss."

Sunday, November 24, 2013

Range Rover Suspension Problems

Land Rover Range Rover owners have experienced suspension problems Owners have reported suspension problems while driving, air spring problems, and loss of pressure.  Here are some typical problems.  Owners may be entitled to compensation for repair costs, inconvenience, and loss of use.  

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:
DRIVING AT 35 MPH ON A SLIGHTLY SLOPE BLVD. THE 2004 RANGE ROVER EXPERIENCE A SUDDEN LACK OF CONTROL BY DRIVER. IMMEDIATELY FELT RANGE ROVER WEAVE SLIGHTLY OUT OF CONTROL AND REAR END DIPPING DOWNWARD. THE DRIVER HAD TO REACT QUICKLY TO COMPENSATE AND REGAIN CONTROL TO CONTINUE DRIVING SAFELY. IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED (OTHER-FOREIGN) REPAIR SHOP AND DROVE 5 MINUTES TO SHOP. SHOP ASE TECH DIAGNOSIS PROBLEM AS ABS CONTROL MODULE FAILED. REASON FOR SPONTANEOUS AIR SUSPENSION LIFTS TO VEHICLE WHEN SITTING IN TRAFFIC. TECH NOTES: FAILURE WITH AIR SUSPENSION WILL CAUSE VEHICLE TO LEAN (OFF BALANCE) AND MAY CREATE HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS. ABS CONTROL MODULE COST TO REPAIR $2,000. - $2,500 FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC NEEDED TO DETERMINE POSSIBLE OTHER RELATED ISSUES TO SPONTANEOUS AIR SUSPENSION LIFTING. IF FOUND LEAKAGE OF SUSPENSION AIRBAGS, EACH AIR BAG APPROXIMATELY $600 EACH ON REAR SUSPENSION. OWNERS FEELS THIS IS AN OBVIOUS AND WELL KNOWN PROBLEM WITH RANGE ROVERS (AND OTHER LANDROVER MODELS) WHICH THE MANUFACTURER IS IGNORING. OWNER FEEL MANUFACTURER CONTINUANCE TO NOT ADDRESSING THE ISSUE MAY CAUSE GRAVE INQUIRY IF AND WHEN SUSPENSION FAILS WHILE DRIVING. *TR
     

Date Complaint Filed: 11/19/2011
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , SUSPENSION , WHEELS
Date of Incident: 01/25/2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10436446
                           
    

 Manufacturer: LAND ROVER


Date Complaint Filed: 12/28/2010
Component(s): SUSPENSION
Date of Incident: 12/27/2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10372687

    

Date of Incident: 06/22/2009
NHTSA ID Number: 10291975

 Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

Thursday, November 21, 2013

MULTIPLE VEHICLE PROBLEMS IN A LEMON LAW CLAIM



Salmagundi on offer is not the shortcut it appears to be

"If you could eat the kitchen sink, that's what you'd get when you order Salmagundi. Salmagundi is a salad dish, originating in the early 17th century in England, comprising cooked meats, seafood, vegetables, fruit, leaves, nuts and flowers and dressed with oil, vinegar and spices.  Here's the thing: there are very few people willing to cross the street, spread the word or pay extra for all of the above.  Better to pick just one thing you can be proud of, rather than offering just about everything in an attempt to please just about everyone (and thus no one). "  See Seth Blodin blog. 






    In a lemon law claim, pick no more than 1-2 problems,  and show their seriousness and impact.











Law Office of Howard A. Gutman
230 Route 206, Suite 307
Flanders, New Jersey 07836
(973) 598-1980 (tel) 
(973) 531-4110 (fax) 

New York Office 
315 Madison Avenue, Suite 901 
New York, New York 10017 
howardgutman@aol.com 
www.lemonlawclaims.com 














NISSAN LEAF ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS


The Nissan Leaf has been plagued by electrical and battery problems.  Owners experiencing these issues may be entitled to compensation for repair costs, loss of use and other damages.


NISSAN LEAF 2012
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): JN1AZ0CP6CT... 


SUMMARY:

I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 NISSAN LEAF ON MY MORNING COMMUTE TO WORK, ABOUT A MILE AWAY FROM FREEWAY AND 3 MILES AWAY FROM HOME WHERE I STARTED, THE CAR GAVE A ALARM BEEP, AND STARTED DECELERATING. I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR BUT THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO THAT. NOTICED THE DASH SAYING "I KEY SYSTEM FAULT" THE CAR COASTED TO A STOP. I QUICKLY TURNED ON MY HAZARD LIGHTS AND TRIED TO TURN OFF/ON THE CAR BUT IT KEPT ON SAYING "I KEY SYSTEM FAULT", AFTER A FEW MINUTES OF TRYING THIS I DECIDED TO PUSH THE CAR INTO A DRIVEWAY TO NOT CAUSE A TRAFFIC JAM, HERE I TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO TURN OFF /ON THE CAR BUT IT DID NOTHING HAPPENED, IT BEHAVED LIKE THAT AS OVER AN HOUR AND HALF, EVEN THE SAME WAY WITHOUT THE FOB, EVENTUALLY THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE SHOP STILL ON AND IS STILL BEING LOOKED AT BY THE TECHNICIANS THERE. PRETTY SCARY TO HAVE THE CAR BEHAVE LIKE THIS WHILE DRIVING. CANT IMAGINE WHAT COULD CAUSE THIS FAILURE AND WHAT COULD HAVE HAPPENED IF I WERE ON THE FREEWAY. WILL TRY AND UPDATE WITH WHAT HAPPENS NEXT WITH THE CAR.

Date Complaint Filed: 08/29/2013
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , UNKNOWN OR OTHER 
Date of Incident: 08/20/2013
NHTSA ID Number: 10537862
NISSAN LEAF 2013
Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1N4AZ0CP2DC...


SUMMARY:

MY NISSAN LEAF WAS PLUGGED INTO 220V CHARGING STATION AT MY HOME. IT WAS CHARGING FOR OVER AN HOUR. MY SPOUSE WENT TO LEAVE AND WHEN ENTERING THE GARAGE SHE SMELLED A STRONG BURNING SMELL. SMOKE WAS COMING FROM THE CHARGING STATION PLUG WHERE IT PLUGS INTO THE CAR. SHE TURNED OFF THE POWER AT THE BREAKER BOX AND THEN PROCEEDED TO UNPLUG THE CHARGER FROM THE CAR. TWO OF THE TERMINALS ON THE PLUG WERE DAMAGED AND 2 TERMINALS ON THE RECEPTACLE ON THE CAR WERE DAMAGED. THE CONNECTION HAD GOTTEN HOT ENOUGH TO MELT THE PLASTIC AND CREATE SMOKE INDICATING A FIRE. NISSAN HAS DETERMINED BY PICTURES THAT THE CAR WAS NOT TO BLAME FOR THE INCIDENT. THEY ARE BLAMING THE CHARGING STATION FOR THE FAILURE. THEY HAVE DENIED ANY WARRANTY COVERAGE. THE BURDEN OF THE BILL HAS BEEN PLACED WITH THE CUSTOMER. THE CAR IS CURRENTLY ONLY 5 MONTHS OLD AND HAS LESS THAN 10,000 MILES

LAND ROVER LR 2 DIFFERENTIAL DEFECT

Owners of the LR 2 have complained of humming, grinding, and differential problems.  Here are some typical complaints

LAND ROVER LR2 2008
Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): SALFT24N68H...


SUMMARY:

I BOUGHT MY LAND ROVER LR2
HSE BRAND NEW FROM A DEALER IN NJ ON MAY 31, 2008 . IN MID 2012, AT 45K MILES RIGHT AFTER MY WARRANTY EXPIRED, I STARTED TO HEAR A DISTURBING HOWLING OR HUMMING NOISE FROM THE REAR WHICH IS GETTING MUCH LOUDER AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. IT GOT WORSE AFTER DRIVING ANOTHER 2K MILES, SO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN APRIL 2013. I WAS TOLD THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL (RDIFF) NEEDS TO BE REPLACED WHICH WAS THE CAUSE FOR THE NOISE. I WAS GIVEN AN ESTIMATE FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF A REBUILT (NOT A BRAND NEW ONE) FOR $2321. THIS CAR HAS AN ALMOST UNUSED REAR SEAT AND HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROAD AND 80% OFF THE MILEAGE HAS BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY. I CALLED THE LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA IN MAY TO OPEN A CASE AND ASKED THEM TO PAY FOR THE COST OF THE REPAIR SINCE I FOUND THIS PROBLEM EXTREMELY PREMATURE FOR A HIGH END SUV. THEY DON'T EXPLICITLY ADMIT 2008 LR2S HAVE FAULTY RDIFFS BUT THEY AGREED TO PAY ONLY $500 TOWARDS THE REPLACEMENT. I AM AFRAID THIS PROBLEM MIGHT GET WORSE AND TREACHEROUS TO DRIVE AND STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT LAND ROVER NORTH AMERICA SHOULD MAKE A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM AND BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WHOLE COST OF REPLACEMENT WITH A BRAND NEW (INSTEAD OF A REBUILT) ONE. I ALSO FOUND OUT ON THE INTERNET THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM FOR 2008 LR2S. HTTP://WWW.LANDROVERSONLY.COM/FORUMS/F11/LR2-REAR-DIFFERENTIAL-FAILURE-41070/. *TR
LAND ROVER LR2 2010
Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): SALFT2BN3AH...



Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): SALFT2BN3AH...

SUMMARY:

I STARTED TO HEAR A WHIRRING NOISE SO TOOK THE CAR TO A REPAIR CENTER (WITHIN 48 HOURS) THAT WORKS ON LAND ROVERS (THERE ARE NO LONGER ANY LAND ROVER DEALERSHIPS IN VT) AND THEY FOUND THAT THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL WAS DETERIORATED (VISCOUS FLUID, METAL CHIPS SHREDDING). THE CAR WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE - THEY FOUND THAT, WHEN THEY ORDERED THE REPLACEMENT PART, THE SUPPLIER IS GETTING THIS PROBLEM ON THIS MODEL 4-5 TIMES PER MONTH. THIS IS NOT SOMETHING I WOULD EXPECT ON A 3 YR OLD CAR WITH THE SUPPOSED DURABILITY OF A LR THAT IS DRIVEN ONLY ON REGULAR ROADS (NO OFF ROAD DRIVING WHICH SUPPOSEDLY CAN BE DONE IN A LAND ROVER). LAND ROVER SAYS THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BECAUSE IT IS 1) OUT OF WARRANTY AND 2) I DID NOT TAKE IT TO A LR DEALER EVEN THOUGH THERE WERE EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES AS THE NEAREST DEALER IS NOW HOURS AWAY SINCE THE VT DEALER CLOSED 2 YRS AGO AND I COULD HAVE HAD AN ACCIDENT IF I HAD CONTINUED TO DRIVE THE CAR WITH THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. IT SEEMS TO ME THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE DIFFERENTIAL PARTS INSTALLED IN THE LAND ROVER LR2 THAT COULD CAUSE SERIOUS ACCIDENTS TO HAPPEN WHEN THEY FAIL. *TR



LAND ROVER LR2 2009
Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): SALFR24N49H...

SUMMARY:


A recall is being evaluated. 




FREE CONSULTATION ON COMPENSATION FOR LR 2 PROBLEMS (973) 598-1980



Law Office of Howard A. Gutman
230 Route 206, Suite 307
Flanders, New Jersey 07836
(973) 598-1980 (tel) 
                                                      
New York Office 
       315 Madison Avenue, Suite 901 
New York, New York 10017 
  www.lemonlawclaims.com








VOLVO S80 STEERING DEFECT



Steering problems and other problems have been reported on multiple Volvo ‘S80’ vehicles


Date of Complaint: 09/17/2010
Component(s): Steering, Steering Linkages
 “VOLVO S80 2004”
Manufacturer: VOLVO Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): S80

Summary:


The contact stated that when driving over a road bump, the steering wheel begin to pull to the right abnormally. Within minutes, the power steering failed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the power steering would need replacing. The manufacturer advised there was a previous open steering recall on the vehicle but the vehicle was never taken in for repairs. The contact stated that she had purchased the vehicle used and was unaware of any open recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 99,000.

Date of Complaint: 11/01/2011
Component(s): Steering
“VOLVO S80 2004”
Manufacturer: VOLVO Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): S80


Summary:
The last time I had the car serviced the representative at the dealership said that there were issues with the power steering reservoir. He said that they had apparently made it of the wrong plastic and when it heats it expands and will leak fluid, possibly failing. I don't know what the result would be with the steering if this happened. He said that the item would be the owner’s responsibility to replace and they were not recalling or replacing them.

Date of Complaint: 07/12/2007
Component(s): Steering, Hydraulic Power System
“VOLVO S80 2004”
Manufacturer: VOLVO Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): S80 6-cyl

Summary:

The contact owns a 2004 Volvo S80. While making a sharp turn at an unknown speed, the power steering activated and made the vehicle difficult to turn. The dealer replaced the power steering rack. There had been no further occurrences since the repair. The failure mileage was 72,000 and current mileage was 80,000.


Date of Complaint: 11/01/2011
Component(s): Steering
 “VOLVO S80 2004”
Manufacturer: VOLVO Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): S80

Summary:

The last time I had the car serviced the representative at the dealership said that there were issues with the power steering reservoir. He said that they had apparently made it of the wrong plastic and when it heats it expands and will leak fluid, possibly failing. I don't know what the result would be with the steering if this happened. He said that the item would be the owner’s responsibility to replace and they were not recalling or replacing them. 




FREE CONSULTATION ON COMPENSATION FOR VOLVO S80 PROBLEMS 
(973) 598-1980














Law Office of Howard A. Gutman
230 Route 206, Suite 307
Flanders, New Jersey 07836
(973) 598-1980 (tel) 
(973) 531-4110 (fax) 

New York Office 
315 Madison Avenue, Suite 901 
New York, New York 10017 
howardgutman@aol.com 
www.lemonlawclaims.com 











VOLVO S60 ENGINE PROBLEM



Owners of the Volvo ‘S60’ have experienced various kinds of engine problems. Following are complaints filed by owners



Date of Complaint: 06/17/2013
Component(s): Engine, EMT
 “VOLVO S60 2006”
Manufacturer: VOLVO Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): S60 2.5T

 
Summary:

It appears that Volvo had Electronic Throttle Module (ETM issues) in earlier design and continues. I am not sure how to file a grievance with the Volvo Company but it is clear that the design is a bad one and continues to be used in currently models. I did notice that in the earlier models 2001 and 2002 there was a design issue and Volvo was forced to Extend Warranty on ETM Due to High Failure Rate, 10 Year I believe. But there needs to be another Grievance and/or Law Suit filed on the same principal.


Date of Complaint: 07/28/2012
Component(s): Engine
 “VOLVO S60 2006”
Manufacturer: VOLVO Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): S60

Summary:

I was driving my 2006 Volvo S60 and the engine shut off without warning. The electrical system shut off and I was not even able to put the flashers on so that other drivers could know that there was a problem. I was able to pull the car to the side of the road (with difficulty since the power steering no longer worked) and put the car in park and restart it.


Date of Complaint: 10/25/2011
Component(s): Engine, Engine Cooling
 “VOLVO S60 2006”
Manufacturer: VOLVO Company
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): S60 5-cyl

Summary:

The electronic throttle module had to be replaced in my 2006 Volvo S60. The car only has 72,702 miles! this is after having paid several hundred dollars to have the ETM cleaned several months ago. The cost to replace the ETM was over $800. As I search the internet, these cars seem to have problems with this particular part. It's ridiculous to think that I'm going to have to keep paying for this part, especially when the car is only 5 years old and has far less than 100,000 miles!!! I demand a recall and warranty replacement! the service manager at my local Volvo dealership tells me these units need to be cleaned or serviced about every 30K miles. I have a copy of my receipt from this week’s service. This part should be covered under a warranty by the manufacturer.





FREE CONSULTATION ON COMPENSATION FOR VOLVO S60 PROBLEMS 

(973) 598-1980








Law Office of Howard A. Gutman
230 Route 206, Suite 307
Flanders, New Jersey 07836
(973) 598-1980 (tel) 
(973) 531-4110 (fax) 

New York Office 
315 Madison Avenue, Suite 901 
New York, New York 10017 
howardgutman@aol.com 
www.lemonlawclaims.com 













LAND ROVER FREELANDER ENGINE PROBLEMS





Land Rover owners have experienced problems with the Freelander. Here are some early reported complaints. Owners may be entitled to compensation but critical questions concern filing claims after the warranty has ended, concealment of the problem, and the existence of claims during the warranty period.

Date of Complaint: 12/29/2004
Component(s): Engine, Engine Lights
Vehicle Make Model, Model Year(s) “LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2003”
Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Freelander SE3 V6

Summary:

I have a constant nightmare with my Freelander, I being reporting one problem after another and the Dealer complains not to find the problem or claim to fixed, but pass several month all came back again, over and over. After 75,000 miles and the extended warrantee expired they suddenly found the problem. BUT, they charge and excessive amount of money for the repair and the problem still there. I have being on found different repair shots and none of them have being able to fix the problem.


Date of Complaint: 07/09/2008
Component(s): Engine, Engine Cooling
Vehicle Make Model, Model Year(s) “LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2003”
Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Freelander

Summary:

The contact owns a 2003 Land Rover Freelander. While driving at any speed, the vehicle completely shut down on at least four occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer each time. The dealer has never repaired the failure; therefore, the vehicle continues to shut off and get towed. The vehicle has been to the dealer at least seventeen times for the heating and cooling system. The passenger compartment smelled as if something were burning. A couple of times after shutting the vehicle down, the contact could hear the reservoir boiling. On several occasions, he noticed smoke coming from beneath the engine like steam. The vehicle has been taken to the dealer at least nine times regarding the thermostat and heating core. The vehicle has been to the dealer at least eleven times for the window motors. The vehicle is currently with the dealer after shutting off again. The contact has the repair invoices. The current mileage was 65,000 and failure mileage was 24,379.


Date of Complaint: 05/04/2011
Component(s): Engine, Engine Cooling
Vehicle Make Model, Model Year(s) “LAND ROVER FREELANDER 2003”
Manufacturer: LAND ROVER
Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Freelander 6-cyl

Summary:


Bought car used in fall 09, had several what seemed like normal wear and tear repairs. There was no warranty on it as I bought it from another owner. Early may '11 the oil light came on but I didn't know what it was. I arrived at my destination. On the way home it came on again and as I was 2 blocks away from home the car just slowed and came to a stop. This turned into a 2+ month stinch in the shop, with the engine needing to be rebuilt. This was done by my mechanic. I wished I had read the info listed here prior to the purchase or even a year ago. Last winter the coolant constantly needed to be replaced like every few days and the car was over heating. My mechanic said the hoses needed to be replaced. Between then and this winter both were replaced and now I'm experiencing the car over heating when its full with coolant, having problems with it starting, there not being enough power to get it up a hill etc.





FREE CONSULTATION ON COMPENSATION FOR FREELANDER PROBLEMS (973) 598-1980









Law Office of Howard A. Gutman
230 Route 206, Suite 307
Flanders, New Jersey 07836 
(973) 598-1980 (tel) 
(973) 531-4110 (fax) 

New York Office 
315 Madison Avenue, Suite 901 
New York, New York 10017 
howardgutman@aol.com 
ww.lemonlawclaims.com