General Motors Recalls, Buick Regal, GMC Terraine

General Motors Announces Further Recalls 

 

General Motors announced six recalls on Wednesday.  GM  is recalling more than 822,000 cars worldwide for a variety of issues, including problems with seats, air bags and turn signals, parts that may not have been welded together properly, and a loss of power steering.   The 2014 Chevrolet Impala, for instance, was identified in February as having a defective transmission shift cable adjuster, which could cause the car to roll away after the vehicle was parked. In June, it was recalled again because the ignition could shut off while the car was in motion, cutting power to the engine and causing the air bags to fail. G.M. recalled more than 65,000 Impalas on Wednesday for a loss of power steering.  The company also recalled more than 475,000 cars — including models of the Chevrolet Camaro and Equinox; GMC Terrain; Buick Regal and LaCrosse; and the Cadillac SRX.  Ivory, General Motors Recall Covers 800,000 More Vehicles.   .

More than half of the company’s recalled cars this year have had problems related to their ignitions, similar to the defect that led to the recall of 2.6 million Chevrolet Cobalts, Saturn Ions and other small cars . some of which were not disclosed.  Vehicle owners may be entitled to compensation. 

Chevrolet Pontiac Brake Problems

Increased resistance in the Body Control Module (BCM) connection may result in voltage fluctuations in the Brake Apply Sensor (BAS) circuit.  These fluctuations can cause one or more of these conditions: the brake lights to illuminate without the brake pedal being pushed; the brake lights to not illuminate when the pedal is pushed; difficulty disengaging the cruise control; moving the gear shifter out of the ‘PARK’ position without pushing the brake; and disablement of crash avoidance features such as traction control, electronic stability control, and panic braking assist features.  Any of these failed conditions increases the likelihood of a crash.

Here are some typical complaints.

Manufacturer: Chevrolet, General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1G2AL15F977...

SUMMARY:

TL- THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 PONTIAC G5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER A RECALL REPAIR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V171000 COMPONENT(S): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE STEERING COLUMN WAS SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND HARD TO TURN. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THE INNER STEERING SHAFT IS BINDING AND IS CAUSING THE SHAKING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. SR

 

                                                

Date Complaint Filed: 05/07/2014
Component(s): SEAT BELTS , STEERING

Date of Incident: 03/03/2014
NHTSA ID Number: 10587007

                            

          

Vehicle Make Model Model Year(s)

• PONTIAC G52007

• Crash:Yes
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1G2AL15F777...

SUMMARY:

DRIVING AROUND A CORNER IN TOWN AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR IN SNOWY CONDITIONS ON A ROUGH ROAD; TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE IT UP A HILL AND THE ACCELERATOR WOULDN'T WORK (COULD PUSH DOWN, BUT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE); TRIED TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAKE THE CORNER AND THE VEHICLE STARTED SLIDING ON THE SNOW; TRIED TO TURN THE WHEEL IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION AND WAS UNABLE TO MANIPULATE THE WHEEL. CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO TWO PARKED CARS; THE SEAT BELT MOUNT DISCONNECTED FROM THE FRAME. THE AIR BAG DID DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS UNABLE TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AFTER THE WRECK.

 

Date Complaint Filed: 04/28/2014
Component(s): STEERING

Date of Incident: 04/23/2014
NHTSA ID Number: 10585344

                           

      

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• PONTIACG52007

 

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1G2AL15F777...

SUMMARY:

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 PONTIAC G5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE POWER STEERING ASSIST FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WOULD BECOME INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE POWER STEERING NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 23,400.  

     

Date Complaint Filed: 03/24/2014
Component(s): AIR BAGS , ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC , STEERING

Date of Incident: 03/03/2014
NHTSA ID Number: 10575580

        

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• PONTIACG52007

 

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1G2AN18B877...

SUMMARY:

I SAW ON THE INTERNET RE-CALLS FOR GM CARS AND FOUND THAT MY PARTICULAR MODEL/YEAR CAR WAS BEING RECALLED. THE MORE READING I DID ON THE SUBJECT I REALIZED THAT EVERYTHING THAT I HAD TO HAVE FIXED ON MY CAR WAS BEING RECALLED. I HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS GETTING MY AIRBAGS, MY STEERING COLUMN, MY BRAKES, MY COMPUTER SENSORS, THE STEERING HARNESS, ETC. FIXED ON THIS CAR ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THERE HAD BEEN RE-CALLS. I AM CURRENTLY WAITING FOR THE 'LOCAL DEALERSHIP' TO FIND A 'GOOD USED' STEERING COLUMN FOR MY CAR SINCE MINE IS BREAKING DOWN AND THEY SAID THEY CAN'T GET ONE. I ALSO OWN A GMC S-10 IN WHICH THE KEY FITS INTO MY CAR AND TURNS IT ON. I CALLED THE LOCAL DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM THAT I KNEW THERE WAS A RECALL RECENTLY AND THAT EVERYTHING I'VE HAD FIXED ON THAT PONTIAC G5 IS NOW BEING RECALLED. HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME.  

 

Date Complaint Filed: 02/26/2014
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ENGINE , STEERING

Date of Incident: 11/09/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10566107    

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• PONTIACG52007

                       

 

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1G2AL15F877...

SUMMARY:

I WAS JUST DRIVING HOME AN ON THE FREEWAY THE CAR JUST STOPPED, I WAS LUCKY THAT I COULD JUST COAST IN TO A SAFE AREA. AFTER AWHILE I TURNED IT ON AN IT STARTED UP.. THE SAME THING HAPPENED TODAY 2/26/14 I STOPPED AT THE POST OFFICE AND IT WOULD NOT TURN ON I WAITED ABOUT TEN MINUTES AND IT STARTED. IT SEEMS TO BE THE IGNITION. *TR 

     

Date Complaint Filed: 02/03/2014
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , STEERING

Date of Incident: 07/01/2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10562768

                            

         

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• PONTIACG52007

                      

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1G2AN18B177...

SUMMARY:

WHILE DRIVING, THERE'S A CHIME AND ALL MY GAUGES DROP TO ZERO. I GET A "POWER STEERING" AND "LOW FUEL" ALERTS ON MY DASHBOARD (AND I'M PRETTY SURE THE POWER STEERING GOES OUT). SEE VIDEO AT: HTTP://GOO.GL/NAW5NS. *TR  

     

Date Complaint Filed: 11/12/2013
Component(s): STEERING

Date of Incident: 11/11/2013
NHTSA ID Number: 10552011

                            

          

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• PONTIACG52007

 

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): Not Available

SUMMARY:

THE CAR HAS DEVELOPED A RATTLING NOISE WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED. DURING BRAKING THERE IS A VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. THE POWER STEERING PERIODICALLY IS SPORADIC, ESPECIALLY AT LOW SPEED. IT FEELS LIKE MANUAL STEERING AND IS DIFFICULT TO TURN. THE RACK AND PINION HAS DEVELOPED A GREAT DEAL OF SLACK ALLOWING THE CAR TO WANDER ON THE HIGHWAY, MAKING DRIVING AT HIGHER SPEEDS VERY HARROWING. IT IS MY OPINION THAT THE COMBINATION OF A MALFUNCTIONING ELECTRIC STEERING MOTOR AND THE SLACK IN THE RACK AND PINION IS THE COMBINED PROBLEM WITH THIS VEHICLE. IT IS A DANGER TO DRIVE IN IT'S PRESENT CONDITION. ON NOVEMBER 11TH WHILE DRIVING ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY, THE CAR VEERED SUDDENLY AND CROSSED OVER THE CENTER LINE. IT WAS WINDY AND DURING THE DRIVE, I NOTICED THE WANDERING OF THE VEHICLE INCREASED. WHEN I GOT HOME, I BLOCKED UP THE FRONT END AND THOROUGHLY INVESTIGATED THE WHEELS, BRAKES, ROTORS, TIE ROD ENDS, AND THE STEERING. I FOUND THAT THE RACK AND PINION WAS GETTING INCREASINGLY SLOPPY. I HAVE PURCHASED THE PARTS AND PLAN TO INSTALL THEM MYSELF, BUT I HAVE LITTLE FAITH THAT THIS INFERIOR STEERING SYSTEM WILL BE A LONG TERM FIX. A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST GM FOR A SYSTEM THAT PUTS THE GENERAL PUBLIC IN GRAVE DANGER IS IMMINENT. NOT ONLY ARE THE OPERATORS AND PASSENGERS OF THESE VEHICLES AT RISK, BUT SO ARE THE LIVES OF THOSE ON THE HIGHWAY THAT MIGHT MEET ONE OF THESE VEHICLES HEAD ON IN A COLLISION. GM BETTER COME UP WITH A REPEAT RECALL TO FIX THESE ISSUES THE RIGHT WAY, OR BUY THEM ALL OFF THE ROAD. I KNOW THIS AFFECTS OTHER MODELS AS WELL. COBALTS, G6S, ETC. WHAT A CLUSTER THAT A COMPANY LIKE GM COULD MAKE SUCH AN EPIC BLUNDER AND NOW TRY TO SWEEP IT OUT WITH A SIMPLISTIC ONE-TIME RECALL THAT PUTS THE SAME INFERIOR QUALITY OF PARTS BACK IN THIS MACHINERY. I'LL BET THE EXECUTIVES AT GM HAVE BEEN SWEATING THIS DEAL, AND RIGHTLY SO. *TR

 

Date Complaint Filed: 02/16/2011
Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE , STEERING

Date of Incident: 01/18/2011
NHTSA ID Number: 10383792

                            

          

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• PONTIACG52007

Details

0 Associated Documents

• Crash:No
• Fire:No
• Number of Injuries:0
• Number of Deaths:0

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1G2AL15F177...

SUMMARY:

SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE HERE..ON 1/18/2011 I GOT IN MY CAR WENT TO THE STORE. AT THIS TIME I NOTICED A STRONG ODOR OF GAS INSIDE MY VEHICLE. NEXT DAY I STARTED CAR AND BACKED IT OUT SMELLED STRONGER GAS SMELL. PULLED CAR BACK IN GARAGE. CAR WAS TOWED TO GM DEALER. GM DEALER STATED "NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE" PAID $200 GOT CAR BACK STILL WREAKS OF STRONG GAS SMELL UPON STARTING (INSIDE THE VEHICLE). I HAVE CONTACTED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND GM. I AM GETTING NOWHERE WITH GETTING THIS VEHICLE REPAIR. BASICALLY THE TWO WARRANTIES AREN'T BEING USED BECAUSE THE GM DEALERS DON'T WANT TO WAIT ON THEIR MONEY AND OTHER PONTIAC G-5'S HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM (SAME YEAR MAKE AND MODEL) THE FUEL MODULE AND FUEL PUMP ARE TO BE REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE I AM GETTING CONFLICTING STATEMENTS ON "MY CAR NOT BEING ON RECALL" AND FINDINGS WHERE THERE IS A RECALL. I AM CONSIDERING GIVING THE CAR BACK AND REQUESTING A FULL REFUND IF THEY ARE NOT BACKING THEIR WARRANTY. I FEEL THIS CAR HAS SEVERE SAFETY ISSUES AND I CANNOT DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT IS A FIRE HAZARD/EXPLOSION RISK. I WAS ALWAYS TOLD IF YOU SMELL GAS DON'T DRIVE A VEHICLE. I'M STARTING TO THINK WHEN THEY SOLD THE VEHICLE THEY KNEW THERE WAS SAFETY ISSUES AS I WAS FORCED INTO GAP INSURANCE AND AN EXTENDED WARRANTY. WHAT GOOD DID IT DO TO HAVE ALL THESE PROTECTIONS IF NONE OF THEM ARE GETTING MY CAR REPAIRED. THE FIRST THING I DID AFTER SMELLING FUEL WAS LOOK UP ON RECALL INFORMATION.. VEHICLES ASSEMBLED IN MEXICO AND ALABAMA WERE ON RECALL GM STATED "YOUR CAR IS NOT INCLUDED" WHY I AM HAVING THESE ISSUES WITH MY VEHICLE.? THE RECALL STATES THE FUEL MODULE MAY CRACK AND LEAK GAS WHICH MAY RESULT IN FIRE/EXPLOSION. THIS WILL BE THE THIRD RECALL I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW. FIRST DOOR LOCKS,THEN STEERING PROBLEM, NOW FUEL LEAK.

Request Research

Select this checkbox to order available documentation for a fee. Submit using the form that will appear below.

Date Complaint Filed: 12/27/2010
Component(s): STEERING

Date of Incident: 09/13/2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10372525

All Products Associated with this Complaint

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• PONTIACG52007

                       

 

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1G2AL15F077...

SUMMARY:

PONTIAC G5 2007 VIN [XXX] AFTER STEERING WHEEL RECALL REPAIR IN SEPTEMBER 2010 AT BILL STASEK, WHEELING, IL I STARTED TO HAVE KNOCKING NOISE FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AT LOW SPEEDS ON ROUGH . AFTER THAT I WENT TO OCEAN CADILLAC, BAL HARBOR, FL TO CHECK THE PROBLEM-THE ANSWER WAS THAT "PROBABLY" THE STRUT NEEDS TO BE REPLACED FOR ABOUT $600-$800. I SAID NO. I CONTACTED PONTIAC.COM CUSTOMER SERVICE. THEY EXPLAINED THAT I NEED TO GO TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP-LEHMAN BUICK GMC, MIAMI, FL TO CHECK WITH THEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER RESPONDED THAT THIS IS A "NORMAL KNOCKING NOISE" FROM THE STEERING WHEEL FOR PONTIAC G5 AT ALL!!! THE PROBLEM IS THAT NOISE STARTED AFTER THE RECALL SERVICE IN SEPTEMBER 2010. SO TYPICAL OR NORMAL THIS IS ABOUT MY SAFETY. THE CAR IS ABOUT 34000 MILES. I REQUEST TO REPAIR MY PONTIAC G5 2007. GM REFUSE TO SERVICE THE VEHICLE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR 

     

Date Complaint Filed: 10/01/2010
Component(s): STEERING

Date of Incident: 12/13/2009
NHTSA ID Number: 10358770

                           

     

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• PONTIACG52007

Manufacturer: General Motors LLC

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 1G2AL15F677...

SUMMARY:

TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 PONTIAC G5. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON DECEMBER 13, 2009, WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING IN TORRENTIAL RAINY WEATHER CONDITIONS AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE, THE VEHICLE DROVE OFF OF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER DIED AS A RESULT OF THE CRASH. THERE WERE NO INDICATIONS OF SPEEDING OR ANY SKID MARKS. THE POLICE COULD NOT DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH. THE CONTACT RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 10V073000 (STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM) WHICH SHE PRESUMED TO BE THE CAUSE OF THE CRASH. SHE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHO STATED THAT THEY HAD NO KNOWLEDGE OF THE RELATED FAILURE. SHE CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS AWAITING A CALL BACK. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 25,000.

             

UPDATING VIEW...

 

Ford Escape and Vision Problems

 

 

There have multiple reports of serious engine problems on the Ford Escape and Ford Fusion vehicle.  Reports have indicated that engines in the vehicles may possibly overheat and cause fluid leaks. In turn, leaking fluid may land on hot exhaust systems, which may cause a fire. The affected 2013 Escape vehicles were manufactured from October 5, 2011 through November 26, 2012 and are equipped with 1.6L engines. The 2013 Fusion vehicles with 1.6L engines were manufactured from February 3, 2012 through November 29, 2012.

 

1. Recall and NHTSA Investigation

RECALL Subject : Reduced Steering Control

Report Receipt Date: MAY 31, 2013
NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V232000
Component(s): STEERING

All Products Associated with this Recall

• FORD FUSION2013

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

SUMMARY:

Ford is recalling certain model year 2013 Fusion vehicles manufactured April 19, 2013, through April 23, 2013. The steering gears may be missing an internal retaining clip. If the clip is missing, components inside the steering gear may become dislodged inside the gear assembly.

CONSEQUENCE:

This could result in impaired steering, including the loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.

REMEDY:

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began on June 17, 2013. Ford's recall number is 13S06. Owners may contact the Ford customer relationship center at 1-866-436-7332.

NOTES:

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Date Investigation Opened: FEB 21, 2013
Date Investigation Closed: FEB 28, 2014
NHTSA Action Number: PE13003
Component(s): ENGINE

All Products Associated with this Investigation

Vehicle MakeModelModel Year(s)

• FORDESCAPE2009-2012
• FORDFUSION2010-2013
• MERCURYMARINER2009-2011
• MERCURYMILAN2010-2011

Details

47 Associated Documents

Manufacturer: Ford Motor Company

SUMMARY:

On February 21, 2013, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE13-003 to investigate allegations of electronic throttle body (ETB) failures resulting in sudden reduction of engine power in model year (MY) 2009-2013 Ford Escape, Fusion, Mariner and Milan vehicles. During this investigation, Ford identified a condition in subject vehicles equipped with 2.5L and 3.0L engines that may result in a sudden reduction of engine power. According to Ford, the ETB internal motor contacts may develop a high resistance material buildup condition on the commutator, resulting in intermittent electrical connectivity and reduced engine power. When this condition occurs, the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or Wrench light will illuminate and the vehicle may enter a limited limp home mode. Ford?s trade name for the feature is Failure Mode Effects Management (FMEM) mode. In this mode, engine power and vehicle speed are reduced, while full function of the power steering, power braking, lighting, and climate control systems are maintained. ODI?s complaint analysis indicate that the predominant failure mode involved reduced motive power associated with the limited limp home mode with engine speeds limited to approximately 900 RPM. Analysis of warranty claims provided by Ford identified 59,807 claims related to ETB replacements and approximately 50 percent of claims are associated with diagnostic trouble codes (DTC) P2111, "Throttle Body Stuck Open", and P2112, "Throttle Body Stuck Closed". Ford described several factors where the ETB motor may fail resulting in DTCs P2111 or P2112 but the failure is not an existing stuck open or closed ETB valve position. According to Ford, the ETB control strategy provides the driver with three FMEM modes that allow varying degrees of vehicle mobility depending on the severity of the fault detected. DTCs associated with stuck open or closed throttle valves are designated the highest failure severity resulting in engine speeds limited to high idle corresponding to the limited limp home mode. Vehicles are not likely to unexpectedly stall as a result of this condition, but drivers may characterize the reduced functionality as a stall, even though their vehicle may still has motive capability. Other FMEM limp modes may result in reduced engine performance but will maintain vehicle speed above 20mph. During this investigation, Ford and its suppliers, Delphi and Igarashi, updated the powertrain control module (PCM) software to include a throttle body motor cleaning cycle during key-on and modified the ETB internal motor components design, surface finish and material composition to improve durability. Additionally, Ford developed a remedy procedure and issued a special Customer Satisfaction Program (CSP) 13N03 extending the ETB warranty coverage and instructing dealers to update the powertrain calibration to improve vehicle performance in the event that intermittent electrical connectivity of the throttle body motor contacts occurs. The program extends the coverage for up to 10 years of service or 150,000 miles from the warranty start date of the vehicle, all vehicles are eligible for the program through January 31, 2015 regardless of mileage. Owners of the affected vehicles will be contacted by mail to take their vehicle to a Ford dealer who will reprogram the PCM to the latest calibration. The bulletin was sent to dealers on January 17, 2014 and the owner letter mailing began on January 27, 2014. See the investigative file for copies of Ford's bulletin and owner letter. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding that a safety-related defect does not exist. For additional information regarding this investigation, see complete closing resume in the document file for PE13-003.

Porsche Cayenne Class Action

A class action alleges defects in the Porsche Cayenne.

According to the claim, each individual plaintiff asserts that he or she purchased a Cayenne that came equipped with plastic coolant tubes.^[1] Plaintiffs assert that such tubes cracked, leaked, or otherwise failed and that, in 813*813 some cases, the tubes leaked and caused damage to other parts of the engine. When Plaintiffs attempted to repair or replace the coolant tubes, they allegedly learned that Porsche did not offer replacement plastic tubes but instead offered an "OEM update kit" that contained aluminum coolant pipes and cost "at least $1,500 to $3,600 per vehicle" to purchase and install. 

Plaintiffs allege that Defendants defectively designed the Cayenne by equipping it with plastic coolant tubes instead of aluminum pipes. Plaintiffs argue that the Cayenne's coolant system is defective because coolant tubes are exposed to extreme heat and that, as a result of such exposure, coolant tubes made of plastic will crack and degrade. Plaintiffs add that "most high-end performance vehicles with powerful engines use aluminum pipes to transport the coolant" and that the "extent of wear and tear on the Cayenne's plastic valley coolant tubes is entirely disproportionate to the age of these vehicles."  Plaintiffs also allege that the use of plastic coolant tubes "implicates serious safety concerns.

Plaintiffs assert that Defendants knew, reasonably should have known, or were reckless in not knowing about the coolant tube defect but failed to disclose the defect to consumers. Defendants allegedly had or should have had this knowledge "based on, among other things, widespread customer complaints of prematurely cracking coolant tubes, dealer inquiries, repair shop inquiries, dealer-provided repair data, the high volume of replacement parts being ordered, and [National Highway Traffic Safety Administration] complaints." (Id. ¶ 63.) Plaintiffs assert that, despite this alleged knowledge, Defendants promoted the Cayenne's cooling system and made misrepresentations such as "`[t]he entire cooling system is specifically designed for prolonged heavy-duty operation.'"

Free Consultation on Porsche defect claims

SUBARU HEAD GASKET PROBLEMS

SUBARU HEAD GASKET FAILURE

 

 

The Subaru Outback and other models have been experiencing head gasket failure and related engine problems.  Owners may be entitled to compensation for repair costs or loss of use. 

Date Complaint Filed: 05/21/2013
Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , POWER TRAIN

Date of Incident: 06/18/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10513068

SUBARU OUTBACK 2008

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 4S4BP62C787...

SUMMARY:

VEHICLE OVERHEATED, DROVE TO NEAREST SERVICE STATION. RADIATOR FLUSHED AND TESTED FOR LEAKS, NONE FOUND. NO OTHER DETERMINATION MADE. CAR OVERHEATING, SLOW COOLANT LOSS. SUBARU DIAGNOSED MAJOR HEAD GASKET FAILURE PROBABLY OCCURRED PRIOR TO 73000 MILES, BUT BEYOND POWER TRAIN WARRANTY. SUBARU HQ DECLINED TO HELP WITH COST CONSIDERING THE SERVICE TECH MGR STATED A 2008 MODEL CAR SHOULD NOT HAVE THIS FAILURE. PREVIOUSLY OWNED 1998 SUBARU OUTBACK WITH SIMILAR GASKET FAILURE SOME TIME AFTER POWER TRAIN WARRANTY EXPIRED. COSTLY REPAIR. *TR

Select this checkbox to order available documentation for a fee. Submit using the form that will appear below.

Date Complaint Filed: 02/12/2012
Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING , POWER TRAIN

Date of Incident: 02/10/2012
NHTSA ID Number: 10447686

SUBARU OUTBACK 2008

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 4S4BP61C287...

SUMMARY:

VEHICLE STARTED RUNNING BIT ROUGH WHILE IDLING AT INTERSECTION; UPON ACCELERATION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OTHER INSTRUMENT LIGHTS STARTED FLICKERING AND CAR STALLED. RESTARTED NORMALLY. *TR

applicable terms Subaru engine failure, problem, defect, claim, recall.  

Select this checkbox to order available documentation for a fee. Submit using the form that will appear below.

Date Complaint Filed: 04/28/2011
Component(s): ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

Date of Incident: 08/10/2010
NHTSA ID Number: 10398135

SUBARU OUTBACK 2008

     

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Vehicle Identification No. (VIN): 4S4BP61C387...

SUMMARY:

MY CAR ENGINE STALLS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING AND WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN IN A SIGNAL, WHILE WAITING ON THE RED LIGHT AND WHILE STOPING AND IDLING AT THE PARKING LOT. WHEN THIS ISSUE HAPPENS ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE DASH LIGHTS UP AND THE STEERING WHEEL BECOMES LOCKED. THIS ENGINE STALLING ISSUE HAPPENS RANDOMLY. SOME TIMES EVERY DAY IN A WEEK, 2 DAYS IN A WEEK OR 3 DAYS IN A WEEK. SOME TIMES THE ENGINE STALLS MORE THAN 10 TIMES IN A DAY. IN ORDER TO CORRECT THIS ISSUE, I TOOK MY CAR TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP AND EXPLAINED THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN THE PROBLEM. FIRST TIME, I WAS ASKED TO LEAVE MY CAR AT THE DEALER SHIP OVERNIGHT TO SEE IF DEALER CAN RECREATE THE PROBLEM. DEALER TOLD ME HE COULDN'T RECREATE THE ISSUE. SECOND TIME, DEALER FOUND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND USED THE DIAGONSTIC TOOL TO FIND OUT THAT MASS AIR FLOW SENSOR IS BAD AND REPLACED IT. BUT THIS DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THIRD TIME I CONTACT SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED THE ISSUE. SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE ASKED ME TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. I TOOK MY CAR TO DEALERSHIP AND LEFT IT THERE FOR 2 DAYS. ON THE THIRD DAY, DEALER SAID THE BATTERY WAS BAD AND REPLACED THE BATTERY AND SAID HE COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP ON THE THIRD DAY, WITHIN FEW HOURS MY CAR ENGINE AGAIN STALLED. THIS TIME I TOOK THE VIDEO OF THE ISSUE. I CONTACTED THE SUBARU CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAINED WHAT WAS HAPPENING AND I WAS TOLD THAT DEALER CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE UNLESS HE CAN RECREATE THE ISSUE. SO I TOOK MY CAR TO SUBARU DEALERSHIP MORE THAN 3 TIMES, SPENT MORE THAN $1000 FOR PARTS, LABOR AND CAR RENTAL AND STILL THE PROBLEM IS NOT FIXED. ACTUALLY IT IS GETTING WORSE DAY BY DAY. *TR

.  

Ebay automobile fraud

                        EBAY AUTOMOBILE FRAUD

     Automobile fraud is a serious problem on Ebay.  People purchase cars for 10, 15, or even $25,000 and find they are not as represented.   Some reasons for this fraud:
            1) In a standard used car purchase, the buyer inspects, tests, and drive the vehicle.  On Ebay buyers may rely upon the seller's representation of quality.

            2) Many transactions are done across state lines giving the seller a false sense of security.  The buyer can't do anything, he's 1,500 miles away.  In fact, many of the cases we file in New Jersey are for out-of-state purchasers.

            3) A seller can have false reports of quality.  For small transactions, that does not make sense.  However, a cagey used car dealer could sell 10 items for $20.00 online, provide exemplary service to secure a good rating so it can sell a damaged vehicle for $15,000, 

            4) While carfax is standard in regular transactions, many consumers still fail to use it online.

      What can you do to prevent automobile fraud?  Always inspect and test-drive a vehicle, and have it evaluated by a professional mechanic.  If that cannot be done, buy a car locally.   Do not forward payment until the inspection has occurred; all too often payment is forwarded the car is then inspected and found deficient but the inspection comes too late.   Ebay states that it vigorously prosecutes fraud, but a news report found differently:

"EBay officials say they are aggressively fighting fraud in the massive online marketplace, but an investigation by MSNBC.com shows that the company doesn’t routinely inform customers when they have been ripped off or regularly notify law enforcement about apparently illegal activity on its site — even when presented with solid evidence of wrongdoing....
Three of the cases alleged phantom bidding - identical to shill bidding, but perpetrated by an individual rather than co-conspirators. The fourth was more elaborate: an alleged philatelic fraud ring in which collectible postage stamps were being altered and resold at a substantial profit. EBay’s response in each instance was apparently inconsistent with its repeated statements that fraud will not be tolerated."   EBay’s tough talk on fraud doesn’t withstand scrutiny, www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3078736

Many laws apply.  Our office asserts that lemon law disclosure and performance standards apply.   The federal odometer law is a national standard.  If the seller is a merchant, the Uniform Commercial Code requires that the goods be reasonably fit unless it is an as-is sale.  Ebay is generally unhelpful. 

Dodge Journey Brake Problems

DODGE JOURNEY BRAKE PROBLEMS



FREE CONSULTATION ON YOUR DODGE JOURNEY BRAKE PROBLEM  Call 973-598-1980 

Owners of Dodge Journeys have complained of brake problems and premature wear.   Brake pads have had to be replaced at less than 25,000 miles, and related problems occurred. Owners may be entitled to compensation for repair costs, rental bills, or other damages.   Here are typical complaints.



Make : DODGE Model : JOURNEY Year : 2009
Manufacturer : CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10395406 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: November 11, 2008
VIN : 3D4GG47B59T...
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Summary:
04/10/11 NHTSA HEADQUARTERS 1200 NEW JERSEY AVENUE, SE WEST BUILDING WASHINGTON, DC 20590 TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. I AM WRITING YOU IN REFERENCE OF THE PURCHASED OF MY BRAND NEW VEHICLE, A 2009-DODGE JOURNEY SE ON JUNE 08 2008. THIS CAR BEGGING TO HAVE PROBLEMS AFTER IT 6,000 MILES HAVING A NUMEROUS REPAIRS SINCE THEM. I SUBMITTED THE CAR TO THE LEMON LAW BEFORE THE WARRANTY TIME EXPIRED. CHRYSLER GROUP DENIED IT ARGUING THAT MY CAR IS RUNNING UNDER THE COMPANY EXPECTATION. CURRENTLY THE CAR STILL HAS SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND NOISES(SUCH AS BRAKE NOISES, TURN WHEEL NOISES AND OTHER). THE CAR BOUNCING AFTER 50 MP MILES AND EVERY TIME THAT BUMPS ON THE STREET OR ON THE HIGHWAY THE VEHICLE MAKES STRONGLY BOUNCES. THE COMPANY STATES THE BOUNCING AND THE NOISES ARE PART OF THE CAR’S MANUFATURED. IN ADDITION TO ALL THE REPORTED REPAIRS, THE SEATS GET EASILLY STAIN WITH ANY TYPE OF LIQUID AND THE BLACK COLOR OF THE INTERIOR IS FACING, I MEAN THE BLACK IS BECOMING GRAY. I WILL SUBMITT ANY DOCUMENT THAT COULD SUPPORT MY CLAIM IF IS REQUIRED

Pontiac G6 electrical problem, defect, Dodge Journey class action, brake   defect,  claim,  problem, class action, warranty, defect,  brake wear, recall, brake replacement 

Make : DODGE Model : JOURNEY Year : 2009
Manufacturer : CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10392710 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: February 15, 2011
VIN : 3D4GG57VX9T...
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Summary:
AFTER 27,000 MILES MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY NEEDS A SET OF NEW BRAKES FOR THE FRONT TIRES. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL SUV'S TO FAR SURPASS THIS MILLAGE WITH NO NEW BRAKES NEEDED. AFTER TAKING MY JOURNEY TO A LOCAL MECHANIC, I WAS TOLD THAT 15 MINUTES BEFORE HE HAD HAD AN IDENTICIAL 2009 DODGE JOURNEY WITH THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. WHEN I CAME HOME, I RESEARCHED DODGE JOURNEY BRAKE PROBLEMS ONLINE AND WAS SHOCKED AT WHAT A PROBLEM THIS WAS FOR JOURNEY OWNERS. I THINK A RECALL SHOULD BE DEMANDED. MY HUSBAND AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR TO BUY AMERICAN..... AND THIS IS WHAT WE GET.

Make : DODGE Model : JOURNEY Year : 2009
Manufacturer : CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10372249 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: December 18, 2010
VIN : 3D4GG57V69T...
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Summary:
AFTER ONLY HAVING 25,000 MILES, MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY NEEDED TO GET ALL NEW BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS. THIS CAME ON SUDDENLY AS MY CAR JUST BEGAN HAVING A GRINDING SOUND EVERY TIME I PRESSED THE BREAKS. I HAVE TWO SMALL CHILDREN AND FEEL THAT THIS COULD HAVE BEEN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER MUCH RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND THAT THERE HAVE BEEN MANY REPORTED INCIDENTS OF THE SAME OCCURRENCE WITH THE 2009 DODGE JOURNEY. AFTER DISCUSSIONS WITH CHRYSLER DODGE, I SUGGESTED THAT THIS BE LOOKED INTO FOR A RECALL SO THAT THIS UNSAFE SITUATION NOT OCCUR TO ANOTHER PERSON, POSSIBLY ENDING MUCH WORSE THAN MY SITUATION DID. I AM AWAITING REIMBURSEMENT FOR A PORTION OF THE AMOUNT PAID TOWARD THE BRAKES, AND AS MUCH AS I WOULD LIKE TO BE FULLY REIMBURSED, I AM MORE CONCERNED WITH THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE AND THE SAFEY OF OTHERS.

keywords  defect, Dodge Journey class action, brake   defect,  claim,  problem, class action, warranty,  brake wear, recall, brake replacement 

Make : DODGE Model : JOURNEY Year : 2009
Manufacturer : CHRYSLER GROUP LLC
Crash : No Fire : No Number of Injuries: 0
ODI ID Number : 10357884 Number of Deaths: 0
Date of Failure: June 10, 2010
VIN : 3D4GG67V49T...
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
Summary:
FRONT BRAKES ROTORS AND PADS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT 12000 MILES, REAR BRAKES PADS AND ROTORS REPLACED AT 20000 MILES AND FRONT BRAKES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AGAIN AT SAME TIME STEERING WHEEL VIBRATES HORRIBLY DEALER SAID NEEDED REAR WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND 2 NEW TIRES AT 20000 MILES HAD IT DONE BRAKES STILL SQUEALING AND GRINDING AND DEALER SAYS "CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG" STEERING WHEEL STARTING TO VIBRATE AGAIN AT 23000 MILES DEALER SAYS NOTHING WRONG CAN'T HEAR SQUEAKS IN BRAKES UNBELIEVABLE IT IS EAR PIERCING AND THEY GRIND INTERMITTENTLY I AM SURE SOON TO BE GRINDING CONTINUALLY AND THEN THEY WILL TELL ME I NEED NEW BRAKES AGAIN HAVE SPENT 1200.00 DOLLARS OUT OF POCKET VEHICLE ISN'T EVEN PAID FOR YET I HAVE LOST FAITH IN CHRYSLER AND DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO CAN'T AFFORD THESE COSTLY REPAIRS ON A CAR THAT IS BASICALLY NEW I AM AFRAID THAT ONE TIME THE BRAKES WILL FAIL COMPLETELY THAT IS HOW FAST THEY WEAR OUT. *TR



Law Offices of Howard A. Gutman,
230 Route 206, Building 3, Mount Olive, New Jersey 07836
(973) 598-1980, E-mail Howian@aol.com

New York Office
315 Madison Avenue, Suite 901
New York, New York 10165

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION  

We offer a free initial telephone consultation to discuss your consumer fraud or lemon law case. Please feel free to call or e-mail our office.