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GM Recalling 100,000 SUVs for Seatbelts

Posted by  on 20 December 2010, 11:35 am

General Motors is recalling almost 100,000 of its 2011 model year crossover SUVs because the front seatbelts could come loose in a crash. The models involved in the recall are the Chevrolet Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac SRX compact. A total of 97,843 vehicles are involved in the recall.

The problem was discovered during seatbelt development tests in September where the seatbelt buckle anchor failed. The seatbelt buckle anchor is used on the driver and passenger side seatbelts.

While the seatbelts won’t fail on a first impact, GM spokesman Alan Adler said, they could fail during a secondary impact.

GM will begin mailing letters to owners of the vehicles in mid-January. Owners will be asked to bring the vehicles to a GM dealer to have the seatbelt buckles modified.

If you have seatbelt problems with any GM vehicle three or more times during your original or extended manufacturers warranty, you have rights and it is important to look into them to determine the remedies you are entitled to. For more information, please call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or send us an e-mail.

Filed under Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Recalls. Tagged , , , , ,
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GM Recalling 1.3M Vehicles Over Steering Problems

Posted by  on 9 March 2010, 9:48 am

General Motors Company is recalling 1.3 million vehicles in North America to address a power steering problem that has been linked to 14 crashes and one injury, the company said.

The recall covers the 2005-2010 model year Chevrolet Cobalt and 2007-2010 Pontiac G5 in the United States; 2005-2006 Pontiac Pursuit sold in Canada, and the 2005-2006 Pontiac G4 sold in Mexico, GM said in a statement.

The sudden loss of power steering can occur at any time and consumers are urged to not wait for the recall notice if the problem happens. They are to report to an authorized manufacturer’s dealer immediately for assistance.

If your power steering goes out three or more times during your original or extended manufacturers warranty, you have rights and it is important to look into them to determine the remedies you are entitled to. For more information, please call us at 1-800 LEMON LAW (1-800-536-6652) or send us an e-mail.

Read more: Autonews.com.

Filed under Pontiac, Recalls. Tagged , , , , , ,
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Pontiac G8 GT with Vapor Leak Problems

Posted by  on 8 December 2009, 3:25 pm

Amy wrote us this question:

I have a 2009 Pontiac G8 GT and I have had nothing but problems from the word go all surrounding things involving the fuel tank, gas cap, air bag sensor and now finding out today that it may have a vapor leak. I have had my car to the shop numerous times, the check engine light stays on more than off, I have had my car 10 months and they have had the gas tank and exhaust system off twice already, it is very aggravating having to go to the shop every little whip stach and I am wondering how many times parts have to be replaced before the car is considered a lemon?

Hi Amy:

Whether your car is a “lemon” under the law, depends a lot on the particular state you in which you purchased and registered the car. State lemon laws vary, but most require a finding that the same symptom was subject to complaint by the consumer to the dealership an “unreasonable number of times” and the symptom “substantially impairs the vehicle’s use, value or safety.” If you let us know the state of purchase and registration, we can forward your question to a lawyer who is licensed to practice in the state involved.

Filed under Pontiac, Questions. Tagged , , , , , , ,
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Steering Defects and Water Leaks a Common Problem with General Motors Vehicles

Posted by  on 28 October 2009, 8:41 am

A concerned consumer, Art, recently asked this question:

I have just brought my 2008 Saturn Aura to the dealers for steering box “knocking” which he wrote up on the service ticket. The service person noted to me a mildew odor in the car and this turned into the “discovery” of a real serious water leak. The service person went immediately to the source; He quickly revealed standing water under the front passengers side carpet!

Now Saturn is going to locate and fix the problem? and replace all carpeting.

My concern is…CAN this type of problem really be fixed? Is this not a serious health issue?

Thank you for your inquiry. In fact, GM is having a major problem with both of the described conditions in many of it’s products. Hundreds of my clients are undergoing multiple repairs for steering defects. Repairs range from lubrication to replacement of end links, steering gears, steering shafts and steering columns. Many clients indicate the noise and sometimes looseness or binding just keeps coming back.

The same can be said for water leaks. I have hundreds of GM clients who experience repeat water leaks and resultant mold and mildew in their vehicles.

The best advice I can give you is to aggressively return your vehicle under warranty for repairs for both issues. Of course, if the conditions are successfully repaired in a “reasonable” number of attempts or in a “reasonable” number of days in the shop, GM did what it is supposed to do under the warranty.

On the other hand, if GM goes through an “unreasonable” number of repair attempts or there are an “unreasonable” number of days in the shop and the conditions remain, e-mail us back and we will put you in touch with a lawyer who may be able to help you free of charge.

Also, feel free to check out www.lemonlaw.com/breakmold.html for more information on leaking and moldy vehicles.

Bob

Filed under Defects, Questions, Saturn. Tagged , , , , , , , , ,
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General Motors Shutting Down Saturn

Posted by  on 6 October 2009, 12:18 pm

General Motors announced that they are shutting down their Saturn division after a deal with Penske Automotive Group fell through. Penske Automotive Group couldn’t find a manufacturer to supply it with new cars once General Motors’ current contract runs out in 2011. PAG had been negotiating with General Motors since early June.

General Motors chief executive officer Fritz Henderson issued a statement of deep regret on September 30th, saying:

Today we learned that Penske Automotive Group (PAG) has decided to terminate discussions with General Motors to acquire Saturn. This is very disappointing news and comes after months of hard work by hundreds of dedicated employees and Saturn retailers who tried to make the new Saturn a reality.

Production has ceased on all Saturn vehicles and GM expects the remaining stock of about 12,000 vehicles to be sold off within four (4) months.

While there was speculation that French automaker Renault had negotiated a deal with PAG to manufacture Saturn vehicles, the deal was ultimately rejected by PAG’s board of directors, fearing U.S. competition.

General Motors issued a statement:

As a result of PAG’s decision, we will be winding down the Saturn brand and dealership network, in accordance with the wind-down agreements that Saturn dealers recently signed with GM. Pursuant to the terms of those agreements, the wind down process will be determined and communicated shortly.

What does this mean for Saturn drivers and their warranties? According to the following statement by GM, current Saturn owners will be able to get parts and service at other General Motors dealerships:

Saturn customers and owners will continue to be able to purchase and have their vehicles serviced at Saturn retailers during this process. Once the wind down is complete, Saturn owners will still be able to have their vehicles serviced at other GM dealerships. We will be communicating with our customers very soon to explain the next steps in this process.

In addition, it’s important to note that all Saturn drivers still under manufacturers warranty are entitled to consumer protection under State Lemon laws and Federal Warranty laws if their repairs cannot be fixed despite repeated repair attempts. For more information on your State’s Lemon Law, click here.

Filed under General Motors, Saturn. Tagged , , , , , , ,
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Rough Running Engine on a Pontiac G6

Posted by  on 22 September 2009, 4:57 pm

Mr. Macari writes:

I purchased a new 2009 Pontiac G6. I went back to the dealer with around 500 miles on it to get a recall done and complained about the engine running very rough and missing. When I picked up the car they said they couldn’t find anything wrong and no engine missing no running problems. I drove the car down the block and it was running rough again and missing. Had to make another appointment when they get the recall parts in. Again they found no problems. They put a monitor in the vehicle and as soon as i drove it down the block its missing and running rough. Even my wife is complaining about it and is scared to drive the car in case it dies on her. Even my passengers in the car complain about how it’s running bad. We got a new car not to have the problems and not to have the worry of getting stuck or fear of breaking down. Now she wont drive the car. she scared it is going to brake down. Car has 2030 miles on it and it going back in again to the dealer to fix it and also the back seat is defective and deformed and steering wheel stitching coming apart too. I want it fixed right. if it comes back again and runs like sh*t can I get it lemon law’d? Please get back to me ASAP with help and a number I can call to speak to GM. Thanks Mr Macari

Thanks for contacting us Mr. Macari. From what I read in your comment, it looks like you are currently either in for your 3rd repair attempt or are driving around with a data recorder, and will shortly bring the vehicle back for the 3rd repair attempt. Although there is no “three strikes you are 100% out” in most Lemon Laws, three unsuccessful repairs are very strong evidence General Motors was given a reasonable chance at repairing the car.

Once you suffer through this 3rd repair attempt, drive the car a bit and see if it acts up again. If it does, e-mail us back again and we can either give you further advice on the lemon law or refer you to someone who can (depending on what state you purchased and registered the car in).

Hopefully your car will be properly repaired the 3rd time. If it is not, visit the Lemon Law Lawyers page to find a lawyer in your state and contact them for a free consultation.

Filed under Pontiac, Questions. Tagged , , , , ,
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GM Announces a 60-day Money Back Guarantee

Posted by  on 22 September 2009, 8:26 am

This Monday, General Motors launched an unprecedented initiative which covers 2009 and 2010 model-year cars from GM’s surviving brands, Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC. The program will offer a 60-day money back guarantee and will run through Nov. 30 as part of a “May the Best Car Win” campaign aimed at convincing consumers to return to GM.

Some details on the GM guarantee:

  • Offer covers 2009 and 2010 model-year Chevys, Buicks, GMCs and Cadillacs (except medium-duty trucks).
  • Customers (one per household) can return their vehicle between 31 and 60 days with less than 4,000 miles.
  • Customers will be informed in writing before they buy the vehicle of the terms.
  • Customers must take delivery by Nov. 30.
  • The satisfaction guarantee covers the vehicle purchase price and sales tax, but not other add-ons such as accessories, negative equity on a trade-in or other fees; other restrictions apply.
  • Leased vehicles are not included.

Read the full story here as reported by AutoWeek.com: General Motors Announcement

Filed under Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, General Motors, GMC. Tagged , , ,
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