Category: Auto Repairs

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander and Lexus TX Recalled Over Airbag Issue

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Toyota is recalling approximately 145,000 Grand Highlander and Lexus TX SUVs due to a potential issue with the curtain-shield airbags, which may not deploy correctly during a crash. Here’s what you need to know about this important recall.

Details of the Recall

Toyota has identified a problem with the driver’s side curtain-shield airbags in the 2024 models of the Grand Highlander and Lexus TX. The defect could prevent the airbag from deploying properly if the driver’s window is rolled down during an accident. This malfunction increases the risk of injury as the airbag might not offer adequate protection.

Affected Models

The recall includes the following models:

  • 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander
  • 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid
  • 2024 Lexus TX350
  • 2024 Lexus TX500 Hybrid
  • 2024 Lexus TX550 Hybrid+

Notification and Next Steps

Toyota is currently working on a solution for the airbag deployment issue. Owners of the affected vehicles will receive notification letters by mid-August 2024, specifically between August 5 and August 19. Until a fix is in place, Toyota recommends driving with the driver’s window rolled up to mitigate the risk.

Ongoing Efforts and Solutions

Toyota has acknowledged the problem and is actively developing a repair strategy. While the specific fix is not yet determined, the automaker assures that all repairs will be provided at no cost to the vehicle owners.

Recent Toyota Recalls

This recall adds to a series of recent recalls by Toyota, including issues with defective camera displays, loss of motive power, and doors opening while in motion. These recalls and owner notices highlight the importance of staying informed about vehicle safety.

Advice for Affected Owners

If you own one of the affected vehicles, it is crucial to follow Toyota’s guidance and keep your driver’s window rolled up until the airbag issue is resolved. For further details and updates, you can visit the official Toyota recall website or contact your local dealership. Stay safe and ensure your vehicle is up to date with all necessary repairs and recalls.

How Vehicle Owners Can Take Back Control

While recalls have been announced, many continue to be unhappy with the solutions provided by automakers. These problems have the potential to escalate into further legal action – underlining the importance of protecting consumer rights.

If you struggle with vehicle troubles and feel cornered against big vehicle brands, remember it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!

Volkswagen Atlas Recall: Over 270,000 Vehicles Affected by Airbag Defect

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Volkswagen Group of America has issued a recall for more than 270,000 VW Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport vehicles due to concerns over defective front passenger airbags. This recall affects certain 2021-2024 VW Atlas models and 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport models across the United States.

History Behind The Recall

The recall centers around a potential fault in the passenger occupant detection system (PODS) of the affected vehicles. According to Volkswagen, this fault could lead to the front passenger airbag being deactivated while the seat is occupied. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has warned that a deactivated airbag significantly increases the risk of injury during a crash. An acknowledgment letter from the NHTSA states, “A deactivated passenger airbag increases the risk of injury during a crash.”

Repair Plans and Notification

To address the issue, Volkswagen plans to replace the PODS sensor mat and wiring harness in the recalled vehicles at no cost to the owners. Recall notification letters are expected to be mailed to affected vehicle owners by August 16, 2024. Owners with additional questions about the recall can contact Volkswagen at 1-800-893-5298.

Previous and Related Recalls

This is not the first time Volkswagen has had to recall Atlas vehicles over airbag issues. In April 2023, Volkswagen recalled more than 140,000 Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport SUVs from the 2018-2021 model years. This recall was due to a defect in the passenger-side front airbag system, where the passenger occupant detection system could erroneously deactivate the airbag, even if a passenger was present. The issue was particularly concerning for vehicles with a passenger occupant detection system integrated into a heated front seat.

In those instances, the NHTSA advised owners not to allow anyone to ride in the front passenger seat until the defect was repaired. The problem was attributed to a fault in the wire connecting the detection system to the seat’s heating system. A new cable with a shield was introduced to production in October 2022, which has helped mitigate this issue in newer Atlas vehicles.

Ongoing Safety Measures

Volkswagen will notify dealers and affected vehicle owners about the current recall. Meanwhile, owners are encouraged to check the NHTSA recalls website to determine if their vehicle is part of this or any other recalls. The NHTSA report mentions that an instrument panel light and an audible warning should alert owners if the airbag deactivates due to this fault.

The safety of Volkswagen Atlas owners remains a priority as the company works to resolve these recurring airbag issues. Vehicle owners need to observe recall notices and take action to ensure their vehicles are safe to drive.

If you own a 2021-2024 VW Atlas or a 2020-2024 Atlas Cross Sport, be aware of this significant recall. Ensure your vehicle’s airbag system is checked and repaired as needed to maintain the highest safety standards. For more information, contact your local Volkswagen dealer or visit the NHTSA website.

How Vehicle Owners Can Take Back Control

If you struggle with an automaker who has failed to successfully address a safety recall, it is always better to have experts with you. With extensive experience and successful cases at hand, The Lemon Firm is your best bet. With the dedicated team members always at your disposal, the package becomes too good to be true. So, if your car is giving you a headache, don’t hesitate to reach out!

Call 833 Lemon Firm and speak with a case analyst today!

Time to Take Your Vehicle to the Shop

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By: Brian T. Murray

For almost a week, Californians have been subject to a shelter-in-place order in response to the world-wide outbreak of the Covid-19 virus.  A silver lining to this unexpected quarantine is that it has allowed us the opportunity to spend more time with our families and focus more attention on chores and other household projects.  For many of us, maintaining and repairing our car is one of those tasks that is easy to put off because of the hassle of bringing our car into the dealership. Further, most of us use our cars to commute every day, which only leaves nights and weekends to keep up with these repairs.  Meanwhile, those nagging issues with our car continue because we simply don’t have enough time to address them. 

 

Now is the time. Executive Order N-33-20 directs all residents to stay home until further notice except as needed to maintain operation of essential services. (https://covid19.ca.gov/img/Executive-Order-N-33-20.pdf)  However, automotive repair and maintenance facilities are considered essential services. (https://covid19.ca.gov/img/EssentialCriticalInfrastructureWorkers.pdf) Despite this unfortunate situation, many authorized dealerships remain open to diagnose and repair vehicles.  Therefore, right now may be the best time to have your vehicle repaired especially if the issue is an unverified or intermittent issue that may require extra time and attention from the technician. 

 

If your vehicle has one of those problems that the dealership just can’t seem to fix, then you may have rights under the law. Your only obligation under the law is to present your vehicle to the dealership for repairs.  The Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, better known as California’s Lemon Law, requires automobile manufacturers and distributors to promptly repurchase or replace an automobile when they are unable to conform the vehicle to the written warranty after a reasonable number of repair attempts.  In California, a reasonable number of repair attempts requires that a repair facility must be given at least two opportunities to fix your vehicle. 

 

If you are experiencing problems with your vehicle, now is the time to present the vehicle to the dealership for repairs.  If the dealership is unwilling or unable to repair your vehicle you may have rights under the law. If you would like to discuss whether your vehicle, or former vehicle, qualifies as a “Lemon” please contact us at (833) LEMON-FIRM [(833) 536-6634] or www.thelemonfirm.com.