Owners of 2007 and 2008 model-year Acura TL sedans will soon receive a letter asking them to bring their car in for repairs to a defective steering hose. It has been found that over time, the hoses can deteriorate, which can cause the cars to leak fluid or even start a fire. In 2008, Honda recalled 273,000 Acura TLs for a similar problem.

If you are having issues with the power steering on an Acura TL or experiencing any other problems with the vehicle, please visit Krohn & Moss, Ltd. at yourlemonlawrights.com or call them toll free at 1-800-US Lemon (800-875-3666). A consumer attorney will review your submission and contact you right away to discuss your rights.

Krohn & Moss, Ltd. was founded in 1995 and has helped over 50,000 consumers nationwide to enforce their lemon law rights against automobile manufacturers and distributors of other consumer products.

Once you’ve made the decision to purchase a used vehicle, it’s important to know how to protect yourself under lemon law type laws. The lemon law attorneys at Krohn & Moss, Ltd. suggest the following things when selecting a used vehicle:

• BUY A “CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED” CAR!

Certified pre-owned vehicles are typically inspected to make sure they meet certain manufacturer specifications, and usually come with a warranty or guarantee that the vehicle will perform in a certain way or that the vehicle will be repaired if something is goes wrong with it.

• BUY A CAR THAT IS BETWEEN 1 AND 3 YEARS OLD!

If you can, purchase a vehicle that is still under the factory warranty—it will be cheaper than a new vehicle and you will have some peace of mind in driving it off the lot knowing that defects should be repaired under the warranty. Most cars these days come with a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty, but always check with the dealer to learn the terms of the written warranty.

• NEGOTIATE FOR A WRITTEN WARRANTY FROM THE DEALER ON YOUR OWN!

If the vehicle you’ve selected is not “certified” and is outside the manufacturer’s warranty, ask the dealership to issue a written warranty. Most aspects of a car sale are negotiable, and if you obtain a warranty on the vehicle (even if it is only 3 months long), you can rest a little easier in knowing that the dealer will stand behind its product.

The common thread here is that all of these used vehicles mentioned above come with warranties. “Lemon laws” and related laws are actually “breach of warranty” laws—

without a written warranty on your vehicle, you assume the risk of repairs and are usually not afforded protection under lemon laws.

You may have rights under other consumer protection laws if a major misrepresentation about the vehicle was made, e.g. if it was involved in an accident or has a salvage title and that information was not disclosed, even if you do not have a warranty. If you have questions about whether you have rights regarding your vehicle, you should call the experienced lemon law attorneys at Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Our lemon law attorneys will take time to talk to you about your rights and will let you know if they can help. Visit www.YOURLEMONLAWRIGHTS.com or call 1-800-US-LEMON to submit your information to see if we can help.

- Adam Maxwell, Attorney at Law

Have you purchased a “new” Chevrolet Volt only to later find out that it had already been sold and is actually a “used” car?  Did you pay a new car price for that “used” Volt?  Further, since you were not the first purchaser, were you denied the right to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit available to Volt purchasers?  Much to General Motors’ chagrin, some Chevrolet dealers are selling the fuel efficient Volt to other dealers or to a shell corporation owned by the dealership in order to claim the tax credit for themselves.  Once the dealership receives the tax credit for themselves, they then sell the vehicle, which is now a used car according to the title, to the consumer without disclosing the prior sale or the potential tax credit the consumer is missing out on.  

If you have purchased a “new” Volt and think you may have been defrauded by the dealer, please call Krohn & Moss, Ltd. at 1-800-875-3666 to discuss your rights. Krohn & Moss, Ltd. has been protecting consumers’ rights for over 16 years and has successfully resolved over 35,000 cases.

Have you purchased a “new” Chevrolet Volt only to later find out that it had already been sold and is actually a “used” car?  Did you pay a new car price for that “used” Volt?  Further, since you were not the first purchaser, were you denied the right to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit available to Volt purchasers?  Much to General Motors’ chagrin, some Chevrolet dealers are selling the fuel efficient Volt to other dealers or to a shell corporation owned by the dealership in order to claim the tax credit for themselves.  Once the dealership receives the tax credit for themselves, they then sell the vehicle, which is now a used car according to the title, to the consumer without disclosing the prior sale or the potential tax credit the consumer is missing out on.  

If you have purchased a “new” Volt and think you may have been defrauded by the dealer, please call Krohn & Moss, Ltd. at 1-800-875-3666 to discuss your rights. Krohn & Moss, Ltd. has been protecting consumers’ rights for over 16 years and has successfully resolved over 35,000 cases.

On February 15, 2012, Porsche Cars North America (“Porsche”) issued a recall affecting 20,278 Porsche Cayennes.  The headlights on the affected 2011 and 2012 models may become loose and detached when driving, which according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”), “could lead to the loss of visibility and an increased risk of a crash.”

According to the recall notice, owners of the affected vehicles should take their vehicles to any Porsche dealer, which will replace the headlight locking assembly free of charge.  For further information you can contact the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (reference recall campaign number 12V065000) or call Porsche on 1-800-767-7243.

This latest recall notice is a distinct example of how on occasion, automobile manufacturers will fall short of the quality standards they set when designing and manufacturing new vehicles.  While virtually every manufacturer makes strives to make the finest vehicle on the road, there are times when a certain percentage of these vehicles will have defects that simply cannot be repaired, thus, rendering the vehicle a “lemon.”

As car purchasers invest a tremendous amount of money to buy a vehicle, they have a right to expect a vehicle that will give them a hassle-free experience and unsurpassed driving pleasure. Unfortunately, when a car troubles its owner with repeat trips to the repair facility or whose individual problems are significant, the car can be considered a lemon. When this occurs, car owners have recourse as federal and state lemon laws provide protection to purchasers and lessees of automobiles who happen to find themselves stuck with a lemon. These laws generally allow the owners and lessees of lemons to seek a refund for the vehicle, a replacement vehicle, or monetary compensation plus payment of attorney’s fees and costs.

A car owner’s happy driving experience, juxtapose to the enriching quality standards is the foremost priority of any automobile manufacturer. Keeping this as one of the top priorities, almost every manufacturer invests its maximum energies in delivering best-in-class cars.

However, there are definitely a few opportunities for every automobile manufacturer to rectify their errors and it is usually an unhappy occurrence for them, as these errors are diagnosed only after being used by the respective car owners.

The recent case of Honda, the Japanese car manufacturer is one such example, where it was forced to recall approximately 46,000 Odyssey minivans in the United States. According to United States authorities, the recall centers on fixing the problematic tailgate. Although this initiative is official, the actual process is scheduled to being in the following month.

Specifically, Honda has decided to recall 45,747 Odyssey minivans that were sold during the years 2008 and 2009 in order to fix the aforesaid problem. The problem is identified as a "manufacturing flaw" in the power liftgate system, according to a statement from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”).

An official spokesman from Honda stated that the company is recalling 51,633 vehicles globally and nearly 5,586 vehicles are identified as "lemons" in Canada, Germany, Middle East and Mexico.

NHTSA has articulated that the defect is in the pressurized gas-filled struts that assist to raise and support the liftgate on vehicles well-appointed with a power liftgate system. Further, NHTSA stated that the flaw can lead to a gas leak that could ensue to an unanticipated closure of the liftgate, “increasing the risk of personal injury.”

NHTSA has confirmed that the recall is projected to begin on March 13th. The recall affecting 46,000 Honda Odyssey minivans are primarily to fix the rear doors that can fall on people unexpectedly, and have on at least two (2) occasions.

Honda is aware of at least two (2) instances where minor injuries have taken place and as a result will send letters to Odyssey owners in the following month that explains the recall process clearly along with the instructions.
 
Disclaimer: This information is not intended as legal advice. Please direct your specific questions to Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® attorneys and know more about your lemon law rights. If you want to pursue your lemon law claim, call 1-800 US LEMON® (800-875-3666) toll free, to reach Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® for your FREE initial consultation. OR submit your information online for your free case evaluation.

The EPA’s new fuel economy label for 2013 will soon be appearing on vehicle window stickers at a dealer near you. Required for all 2013 model year vehicles (49 CFR Part 575), the revised EPA fuel economy sticker includes a wealth of new vehicle information regarding vehicle fuel consumption and emissions with such data as greenhouse gas emissions, smog rating, and fuel cost over a 5 year period. These revised labels may begin appearing on 2012 vehicles by voluntary early compliance so you should familiarize yourself with the new comparison and fuel economy information as soon as possible to take advantage of this information for your next vehicle purchase.

The "NHTSA and EPA believe that these changes will help consumers to make more informed vehicle purchase decisions, particularly as the future automotive marketplace provides more diverse vehicle technologies from which consumers may choose."  Federal Register, Vol. 76, 39478. The EPA cites some of the following benefits of its new label as:

• New ways to compare energy use and cost between new-technology cars that use electricity and conventional cars that are gasoline-powered.
• Useful estimates on how much consumers will save or spend on fuel over the next five years compared to the average new vehicle.
• Easy-to-read ratings of how a model compares to all others for smog emissions and emissions of pollution that contribute to climate change

EPA-420-F-11-017 May 2011.

An example of the revised label taken from the EPA’s website is shown below. Created for a fictitious gasoline powered vehicle you can see the familiar mpg Fuel Economy rating in the upper left corner. Containing new emissions and consumption information, this new label also incorporates additional information for consideration such as: annual fuel cost (lower left), comparison fuel economy on a 1 to 10 scale, and comparison fuel cost over a 5 year period (upper right).

Source: http://www.epa.gov/carlabel/gaslabel.htm

Need even more information on the fuel economy and environmental factors for this vehicle? The new label also incorporates a QR code for those who want to do further research on their smartphones. Smog rating, fuel usage per 100 miles travelled, greenhouse gas emissions rating, and CO2 grams emitted per mile travelled information also included on the label for the data geeks in all of us. Further detailed information on the information contained in the new fuel economy label can be found here in the official EPA brochure: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/carlabel/420f11017.pdf

A reminder here is in order on the accuracy of any information contained on the fuel economy label, and that is, the economy ratings for any category are merely estimates. The manufacturer makes no promises regarding the accuracy of this information, and the EPA always advises that the information presented will vary based on driving habits and conditions. “The EPA estimates are meant to be a general guideline for consumers, particularly to compare the relative fuel economy of one vehicle to another.”  EPA420-R-06-017, December 2006.  Keep in mind when reviewing this data that its primary purpose is for vehicle-to-vehicle comparisons, not as an absolute indicator of the fuel economy you will achieve with the vehicle.

The 2013 labels contain a wealth of information not previously available, allowing consumers more access to fuel economy information on vehicles than ever before, yet presented in an easily digestible package. Further, the QR code in the lower right allows limitless possibilities for vehicle comparison information supplemental to the paper label. The additional information required on the EPA label, as prompted by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) of 2007, should make better consumers out of all of us when it comes to fuel economy and greenhouse emissions.   Hopefully, as we begin to consider items like grams of CO2 emitted per mile and smog ratings in our buying decisions, the manufacturers will also consider them in their build decisions, and continue to strive for improved fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions in their future vehicle designs.

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as legal advice. Please direct your specific questions to Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® and know more about your lemon law rights. If you want to pursue your lemon law claim, call 1-800 US LEMON® (800-875-3666) toll free, to reach Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® for your FREE initial consultation. OR submit your information online for your free case evaluation.

South Korean manufacturer Kia and NHTSA announced a recall of certain Spectra (Cerato) vehicles sold in the United States, in addition to the Sorento SUVs being recalled. According to a notification posted on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, the recall affects the Spectra LD models from the 2004 to 2007 model years. This recall will affect around 58,322 Spectra cars over the problems related to fuel straps that may corrode and eventually give away, dropping the gas tank to the ground.

The models in question have straps that hold the fuel tank to the frame of the vehicle, and if exposed to road salt, these can rust. The direct consequence of such a problem is that the tank can fall to the ground, which could cause a leak and a fire.

According to Kia:
There is a possibility that corrosion of the fuel tank straps which hold the tank may occur as a result of prolonged exposure to road salt
As a result of the corrosion, one or both straps may separate allowing the fuel tank to contact the ground and possibly disrupt the integrity of the tank
Should a fuel tank fall from the vehicle, it could leak and increase the chances of a fire
Only vehicles operated in states using road salt during winter months are susceptible to the corrosion issue

Specifically, Kia is recalling more than 58,000 Spectra compact cars registered in cold-weather states, including Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The Spectra compact cars manufactured between November 7th 2003 and March 6th 2007 also fall under the recall.

Details on whether the issue had caused any fires or injuries have not been disclosed, but the company confirmed that dealers will replace the fuel tank straps and bracket hardware with zinc-coated parts on all affected vehicles at no cost to owners and the recall is expected to begin in June 2011.
The Sorento SUVs

The Sorento SUVs in question were manufactured till the start of 2011 model year production from May 22, 2010
All the Sorento SUVs affected have two-wheel drive, automatic transmissions and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine
All the Sorento SUVs have their problem stemmed from a misalignment that took place during assembly between the intermediate shaft and the right-side output gear
The problem in the Sorento SUVs can create excessive wear and noise, eventually leading to damage to the transmission
This recall of the Sorento SUVs marks the second for the 2011 Sorento, following a fire risk recall issued in September 2010. For the latest recall, Kia says it will replace the right side output gear and intermediate shaft on the affected vehicles.
The Sorento recall will begin this month and the Spectra recall, in June.

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Apr 19, 2011) - A consumer from downstate Bloomington, Illinois received a jury verdict against General Motors, LLC ("GM") for breach of express warranty and breach of implied warranty in connection with her purchase of a defective 2010 Cadillac SRX. Shelly Newman filed a complaint against GM after her attempts to have various defects in her vehicle repaired by an authorized GM dealership failed. Ms. Newman contacted Krohn & Moss, Ltd., Consumer Law Center® a Chicago law firm that has handled over 35,000 cases since its inception in 1995, seeking to enforce her rights as a consumer. Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® initially contacted GM in writing seeking a resolution to Ms. Newman's case without having to seek court intervention. However, efforts to resolve this "lemon law" dispute were unsuccessful and ultimately the case proceeded to trial.

In reaching the verdict, the jury found that GM had been provided a "reasonable number of attempts" to repair Ms. Newman's vehicle but failed to do so. The jury awarded Ms. Newman $7,000.00 in damages representing how much she overpaid for her vehicle due to its defects along with the aggravation of being forced to live with the problems. As a result of the verdict in Ms. Newman's favor, Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® was also able to seek and receive payment for its attorneys' fees from GM as is required by various state and federal laws after prevailing in a "lemon law" case. Eric Kaczander of Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® who was the lead trial attorney for Ms. Newman in commenting on the jury's verdict stated, "This verdict sends a message to all manufacturers that they need to stand behind their products and the excuse that they are 'working on a fix' for the very product they manufactured and profited from is unacceptable." Mr. Kaczander can be reached by calling Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® at (312)578-9428, extension 274 or e-mail Mr. Kaczander directly at ekaczander @ consumerlawcenter . com.

For more information concerning this case, please reference Tazewell County, Circuit Clerk 10^th Judicial Circuit of Illinois, Case No. 10 LM 393.

About
The law firm of Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center®, was founded in 1995 by attorneys Adam Krohn and Gregory Moss, providing legal representation to consumers with defective vehicles and products, consumer fraud concentrating in auto fraud claims such as odometer setbacks, auto dealer financing scams and vehicle history misrepresentations, FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) and FDCPA (Fair Debt Collection Practices Act) violations. Visit the Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center® website at www.yourlemonlawrights.com or you can contact our firm at 888 MY-LEMON (888-695-3666), toll free from anywhere in the US.

SOURCE: http://mwne.ws/GC2cRD