Lemon Law for California

Build Dates: 9 February, 2009 - 26 February, 2009

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 09V118000

Date Owner’s Notified: 2009-06-01 Date Received by ODI: 2009-04-09 Date Added to Database: 2009-04-09

Manufacturers Involved: CHRYSLER GROUP LLC

Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall:

Manufacturer Campaign Number: J13

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 4314

Summary:

Chrysler is recalling 4,314 MY 2009 Dodge Journey, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Commander and Wrangler vehicles. Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver’s airbag may not deploy as intended.

Consequence:

In the event of a crash, the driver’s airbag may not properly inflate and may not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the driver’s airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2009.

Build Dates: 01 July, 2009-07-01 – 25 January,2010

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 10V152000

Date Owner’s Notified: 2010-05-31 Date Received by ODI: 2010-04-15 Date Added to Database: 2010-04-15

Manufacturers Involved: BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, LLC

Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall:

Manufacturer Campaign Number:

Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Potential Number Of Units Affected: 735

Summary:

BMW is recalling certain model year 2010 x5 m SAV vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 108, “lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment,” these vehicle’s were equipped with side marker lamps, but not the power supply cables leading to the lamps. As a result, the side marker lamps do not illuminate.

Consequence:

These vehicles do not comply with requirements of FMVSS No. 108.

Remedy:

BMW will install power supply cables for the front side marker lamps. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during May 2010.

•    Chrysler makes a recall on 2010 left hand drive Jeep Liberty, Dodge Nitro and Ram 1500 trucks and right and left hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles that may have been built with an improperly formed master cylinder to hydraulic control unit brake tube assembly end flare. This could lead to a loss of brake fluid resulting to reduced braking. Dealers will replace the brake tubes free of charge.
•    Ducati makes a recall on 2010 Multistrada 1200 motorcycles for several problems. The throttle cables may come in contact with the upper edge of the radiator, the center stand mounting screws may come loose during operation, and an incorrect screw may have been installed in the steering head. Dealers will correct these problems free of charge.
•    Ford makes a recall on 2010 Transit Connect vehicles manufactured from December 5, 2008 to May 31, 2010. The headliner retention push pin located on the headliner above the b-pillar trim on both the left and right side of the vehicles needs to be replaced because it exceeds the head injury criteria requirement standards. Ford will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge.
•    Jaguar makes a recall on 2010-2011 XK and 2010 XF V8 5.0L gasoline engine vehicles which may experience fuel starvation due to an incorrectly activated fuel pump relay. Dealers will download revised software free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin before August 30, 2010.
•    Kawasaki makes a recall on 2009 EX650C9F/FL and 2010 EX650CAF/FL Ninja 650 motorcycles for cowlings that can interfere with the operator’s foot while braking. This could reduce the operator’s control over braking or distract the operator, creating the potential for a crash. Dealers will install an updated footrest guard and fairing bracket free of charge.
•    Nissan makes a recall on 2002 Pathfinder and Infiniti QX4 vehicles manufactured from August 24, 2001 through August 28, 2001. Due to an improper installation, the inflator housing may rupture, producing loose metal fragments that could injure the front passenger. Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag module assembly with a new one free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin August.
•    Subaru makes a recall on 2010 and 2011 Outback and Legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from April 28 to June 23, 2010. A mislaid lubrication hole prevents the transmission gears from being lubricated, which will lead to the gears eventually breaking.
•    Yamaha makes a recall on 2009 VMX17 motorcycles manufactured from June 2008 to March 2009. Too much electrical resistance in the accelerator position sensors and throttle position sensors ground wire could lead to a dangerous unstable idle speed. Yamaha will notify owners and dealers will repair the motorcycles free of charge.

Build Dates: 01 July, 2008 - 07-01 -16 December, 2008

NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 09V184000

Date Owner’s Notified: 2009-07-03 Date Received by ODI: 2009-05-28 Date Added to Database: 2009-05-28

Manufacturers Involved: SPARTAN CHASSIS, INC.

Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall:

Manufacturer Campaign Number: 09005

Component: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:SUPPLY:QUICK RELEASE VALVE

Potential Number Of Units Affected : 484

Summary:

Spartan is recalling 484 model years 2008-2010 ADV, BEY, FUR, GLC, GLD, K2, K3, MG, MM, MTR, and NVS Fire Truck, Ambulance, and Motor Home Chassis manufactured between July 1 and December 16, 2008 equipped with certain haldex quick release valves “QRV”. The rubber diaphragm inside the QRV may experience delamination resulting in significant levels of air pressure leakage past and/or through the diaphragm, or the development of a bubble in the diaphragm which may trap air pressure in the valve and not allow the service brakes to release.

Consequence:

Malfunction of the air brake system could result in a vehicle crash.

Remedy:

Each vehicle manufacturer will provide a remedy plan and notification schedule. The affected vehicles will be repaired without charge to the owners.

Honda recalls some of its models. Honda Motor Co has already announced about the recall and has released the recalled models: Accord and Civic models from year 2003 and Elements from 2003-2004 years. As it was reported Honda has recalled about 428,000 vehicles in the United States and Canada. The recall was due to ignition switch problems.

The recall will start in late September of this year.  It is the third overall recall over the same problem since 2003(the first one was in 2003, the second one on 2005).

A Honda representative mentioned in his statement that if the ignition interlock mechanism becomes damaged or worn out, the ignition key may possibly be removed without the transmission being shifted into park, allowing the vehicle to roll away unexpectedly; this may possibly lead to a crash.

The car company had reported that they have got several complaints about such failures and related incidents, including one that resulted in a minor injury.” Nearly 197,000 ‘Accord’ and 117,000 ‘Civic’ models from 2003, as well as 69,000 Element models from 2003-04 years are included in the recalls.

Honda will start notifying their customers from late September 2010 with the said instructions for scheduling of repairs. The owner can contact Honda at (800)999-1009.

For more details and for learning your options in case of car recall, feel free to contact CA lemon law attorney Hovanes Margarian.

Build Dates : 0000-00-00 - 0000-00-00
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 10V240000
Date Owner’s Notified: 2010-06-11     Date Received by ODI: 2010-06-04     Date Added to Database: 2010-06-04
Manufacturers Involved: GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall:
Manufacturer Campaign Number:
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 1365070

Summary:

GM is recalling certain model year 2006-2009 Buick, Lucerne; Cadillac DTS; Hummer H2; model year 2008-2009 Buick Enclave; Cadillac CTS; model year 2007-2009 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Escalade EXT; Chevrolet Avalanche, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe; GMC Acadia, Sierra, Yukon, Yukon XL; Saturn Outlook; and model year 2009 Chevrolet Traverse vehicles equipped with a heated washer fluid system “HWFS”. A recall was implemented in 2008 to add a fuse to the control circuit harness to address the potential consequences of a printed circuit board “PCB” electrical short. However, there have been new reports of thermal incidents on HWFS modules after this improvement was installed. These incidents resulted from a new failure mode attributed to the device’s thermal protection feature. The significance varies from minor distortion to considerable melting of the plastic around the HWFS fluid chamber.

Consequence:

It is possible for the heated washer module to ignite and a fire may occur.

Remedy:

Dealers will permanently disable and remove the heated washer fluid module. An updated page for the owner manual will be provided and inserted in the owner manual to document that the feature has been permanently disabled and removed from the vehicle. The safety recall began on June 11, 2010.

Build Dates : 24 October, 2009-10– 0000-00-00
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 10V091000
Date Owner’s Notified: 2010-03-09
Date Received by ODI: 2010-03-10
Date Added to Database: 2010-03-10
Manufacturers Involved: TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall:
Manufacturer Campaign Number:
Component: POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 2

Summary:

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Tundra vehicles with four wheel drive, there is a possibility that an improper weld exists at the union of the propeller shaft and yoke. Due to this improper weld, this joint may separate and the separated shaft may come into contact with the road surface.

Consequence:

This may result in a loss of vehicle control increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will replace the front propeller shaft free or charge. The safety recall began on march 19, 2010.

You do need a lemon law attorney to help you when your dream car turns out to be a lemon. Reading the lemon laws may not be helpful enough as they can be difficult to understand, and besides not all laws apply in all cases. That is why having an experienced lemon law attorney is helpful since he/she will explain to you how the law applies to you and what steps you should take in your particular case. By doing this you will be more ready to confront the dealer that sold you a lemon.

Do not rely on yourself in case you have been sold a lemon, you can get assistance from a CA car attorney. He/she will first try to find out the reasons that make you think the car you have bought is a lemon. It is of utmost importance to bring qualifying reasons for your car to be considered a lemon. Keep all your mechanical repair bills organized to prove your expenses. You can decide your actions after having a free consultation with a CA lemon law attorney.

If you just take the car to the dealership and ask for your money back, the chances that your demands will be satisfied are really small. The dealership will less likely take you seriously in case you do not have a lawyer. Having a good car attorney is your first significant step to a successful solution that will meet your expectations.

Your car is probably a lemon, if it has mechanical problem that cannot be fixed by the dealership. To get positive results and deal with the dealership confidently, turning to a lemon law attorney is a must.

Build Dates : 25 November, 2009 – 08 January 2010
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number : 10V226000
Date Owner’s Notified: 2010-05-31     Date Received by ODI: 2010-05-27     Date Added to Database: 2010-05-27
Manufacturers Involved: FLEETWOOD RV, INC.
Manufacturer’s Responsible for the Recall:
Manufacturer Campaign Number: 10519FRV
Component: SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
Potential Number Of Units Affected : 47

Summary:

Fleetwood RV is recalling certain model year 2010 Discovery model 40g and 40x class a motor homes manufactured from November 25, 2009 through January 8, 2010 for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 210, “seat belt assembly achorages.” the seat belts located on the sofa bed may not be adequately mounted for effective occupant restraint.

Consequence:

Lack of adequate seat belt protection increases the risk of personal injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy:

Dealers will inspect the sofa bed seat belt mountings and if necessary reinstall them to a floor-mounted location. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on May 31, 2010.

If you have bought a car that meets lemon law requirements for your state, you have the right to obtain a refund or replacement car from the manufacturer. Although this process is different in each state, you must first notify the manufacturer of the defect in all states. In case there is no satisfactory settlement, most states require you to go to arbitration before going to court.

Manufacturers use different arbitration programs. If you are given the opportunity to choose, it is better to choose a state consumer protection agency program, rather than a manufacturer’s in-house program or a private arbitration program.

BBB (The Better Business Bureau) runs a free national program to resolve new vehicle warranty disputes. This program, called BBB Auto Line, uses arbitration and mediation to assist consumers who have lemon law claims.

Consumers who bring substantial evidence and documentation to the arbitration hearing tend to do better than those with little evidence to support their claims.

The arbitrator will hear both sides and will make a decision usually within 60 days after the hearing. Under the BBB Auto Line program, the timeline is much shorter: 3-4 business days. If the arbitrator decides that your car is a lemon, you will be entitled to a refund or replacement.

The arbitration should be taken seriously, one should get as prepared as possible before it. Although you can usually appeal a bad arbitration decision in court, it can greatly influence your case.

This whole process can take a long time. Most lemon laws allow you use your car while pursuing a claim. However, you should be careful with with. Never use your car if doing so poses a safety risk. Even if you can drive your car safely, some courts may view your case less favorably in case they learn you were able to keep driving your car.