Binding pre-dispute arbitration provisions are nearly ubiquitous in consumer contracts. Most consumers do not even know that such provisions are in the lengthy boilerplate contracts presented to them by credit card companies, mobile phone providers, and manufacturers. Arbitration has statistically verified as a less favorable forum for consumers and a more favorable forum for large…

When you are stuck with a lemon and the manufacturer has failed or refused to repurchase your defective vehicle, you may be tempted to trade in the vehicle toward the purchase of a new vehicle. While you don’t need to still possess your vehicle to bring a lemon law claim in California, a recent California…

When you are stuck with a lemon and the manufacturer has failed or refused to repurchase your defective vehicle, you may be tempted to trade in the vehicle toward the purchase of a new vehicle. While you don’t need to still possess your vehicle to bring a lemon law claim in California, a recent California…

It’s no surprise that the leading auto makers in the world are making so much money that the average consumer has to count the commas in the profit numbers to read it.  That’s right — three commas means billions, not just millions.  Twelve of the world’s auto manufacturers are in the Global Fortune 500 list…

Defective 7 Speed Dual Clutch and Defective Transmission Control Module Model years 2016 and 2017 Hyundai Elantra Eco, Sonata Eco, Tucson, and Veloster Turbo have defects in the transmission control module (TCM) and the 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission (DCT) that impair your use, value, and safety.  The TCM and DCT defects causes, among…

Most of us have experienced that sinking feeling when your car starts acting up after the warranty has expired and you realize you’ll have to pay out of pocket for the necessary repairs. Or worse – when you bring your car in and unexpectedly get the bad news that the needed repairs “aren’t covered by…

Brake Booster Pump Assembly Defects Several model years and models of Toyota hybrid vehicles have brake defects that may impair your use, value, and safety.  In particular, the 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Toyota Prius and Prius PHV, and the 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015 Toyota Prius v, and the 2012, 2013, and…

Excessive Oil Consumption Model years 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 Jeep Cherokee, Renegade & Compass have defects that may impair your use, value, and safety.  These vehicles are equipped with a 2.4L Tigershark inline 4-cylinder engine and may experience excessive oil consumption – reported by some drivers as one quart of oil every…

Under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, known as California’s Lemon Law, a consumer does not have to keep a defective vehicle to pursue their rights. In Martinez v. Kia Motors America, Inc., (2011) 193 Cal.App.4th 187, the Court of Appeal definitively ruled that current vehicle ownership is not a requirement for relief under the California…

Excessive Oil Consumption Model years 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 Chevrolet Avalanches, Silverados, Suburbans, Tahoes, and GM Sierras, Yukons, and Ukon XLs have safety defects.  Several drivers have reported that the safety defects in these trucks and SUVs cause the vehicles to lose power while driving.  These vehicles are equipped with the Generation IV Vortec…