Regarding whether to go with the shops the insurers recommend, there is only one reason they recommend them: To cut costs. They are notorious for cutting corners on repairs. The BAR (Bureau of Automobile Repair) has a program where they check into repairs, upon request, and they have found instances where, for example, another $12,000…
Lemon law alert: 2009-2014 MINI Cooper may contain a defect concerning the lubrication of the engines. The MINI Cooper engine seals are made of a material that is prone to cracking. When the seals crack, fluids intended to lubricate the engine leak out of the system, which then causes overheating and engine damage. The MINI…
If you bought milk or dairy products in California from 2003 to now, you may be eligible for a refund. The deadline to file a claim is Jan. 31, 2017. A class-action lawsuit settled, alleging that milk-producing companies conspired to limit the production of milk by slaughtering cows prematurely, and thereby raising the price of…
The FTC has amended its Used Car Rule, 16 CFR 455. The Rule requires dealers to “affix” a sticker on used cars for sale, disclosing whether a warranty comes with the vehicle. The FTC changes to the Used Car Rule go into effect January 27, 2017, but dealers can use their existing supply of sticker…
One day after the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement that Fiat Chrysler installed software allowing vehicles to produce excessive nitrogen oxide emissions, lawsuits to protect consumer rights have begun. The EPA announcied that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and FCA US LLC failed to disclose engine management software in 2014, 2015 and 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokees and…
The Federal Trade Commission is now doubling down on their terrible position that dealers should be allowed to advertise that CPO (“Certified”) cars are “safe,” “have been repaired for safety issues,” and “have been subject to a rigorous inspection” WITHOUT actually getting safety recall repairs done, if they merely add a blanket disclaimer that the…
We have received reports about the Tesla X and a serious windshield defect that leads to “ghosting.” As described by Consumer Reports: “[T]here are manufacturing design issues…the Model X’s uniquely curved windshield has resulted in “double vision” distortion of headlights, taillights, and streetlamps at night. The effect is distracting and tiring, and it makes following…
Plaintiffs in a 2014 federal case allege that new 2010-2014 Fusion or 2012-2014 Focus vehicles’ Electronic Power Assisted Steering (EPAS) system has a “systematic defect” that “renders the system prone to sudden and premature failure during ordinary and foreseeable driving situations.” The plaintiffs claim that the vehicles are defective because the EPAS systems contain unreliable…
Consumer Fraud: Restaurants in San Diego such as Rockin Baja Lobster, the Brigantine, the Cohn Restaurants and others have suddenly hit customers with a “surcharge” on their food bill. Rather than simply increasing the menu prices, these businesses hide an increased charge on the bill at the end. Some businesses may even try to indicate…
Westways magazine reports that, based on AAA’s recent study, “Top Tier” gasoline is a lot cleaner and may help avoid costly repairs down the road. What is top tier? It does not mean the “grade” of gas that you see at the pump, which only deals with octane level. You have to go to “toptiergas.com/licensedbrands”…
