Have you purchased these autos?

Consumer Action is sharing updates about potential class action litigation. If you purchased the products described below, contact the law firm listed below for further information.

BMW. Owners/lessees and certain prior owners/lessees of certain BMW vehicles should be aware of a potential design defect that allows water to enter the vehicle’s trunk and potentially damage electronics.  Because of the design of the vehicles’ drainage system, as well as certain other design issues, water may enter into and collect in your trunk, damaging vital electrical components. In addition, BMW did not warn owners that liquids should not be transported in the trunk because sensitive electrical components are located there. In many cases, BMW has refused to cover the cost of repairs. The defect appears to affect the following vehicles: 1999-2006 X5 series vehicles; 2003-10 X3 series vehicles; 1999-2006 fourth-generation 3-series vehicles; 2006-11 fifth-generation 3-series vehicles; 2006-11 5 series vehicles; 2004-10 6-series vehicles; and MY 2002-08 7-series vehicles.

Ford Fusion and C-Max Hybrids. Owners/lessees of Model Year 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid and C-Max Hybrid vehicles should be aware that independent testing performed by Consumer Reports indicates that the Vehicles’ EPA-reported gas mileage far overstates the actual mileage achieved by the Vehicles. Ford marketing materials assert that the Vehicles have an EPA-reported gas mileage of 47 miles-per-gallon on both highways and city roads.  Independent testing conducted by Consumer Reports concluded that the Vehicles’ mileage ratings actually vary by as much as 10 miles-per-gallon.

Ford Ecoboost. Owners/lessees and certain prior owners/lessees of 2010-2013 Ford vehicles containing a 3.5L V6 Ecoboost Engine should be aware of a potential engine defect may cause the vehicle to suddenly limp or stall. Ford’s Ecoboost engine utilizes a “Charge Air Cooler” to cool the engine and conserve gas.  As moisture collects in the cooler, the moisture may be pulled into the engine, causing the engine to shudder, shake violently, lose power or stall.

Jeep Liberty or Jeep Cherokee. Owners/lessees and certain prior owners/lessees of 2005-2007 Jeep Liberty or Jeep Cherokee models should be aware of a potential window mechanism defect. There appears to be a defect in the window regulators, lift plates and related mechanisms that causes the windows to bind, stick, tip forward, chatter and fall to the bottom of the door frame. Often, this occurs suddenly and when the windows are partially or totally closed. The defect also causes the window to get stuck in a closed, partially closed and totally open position. The defect occurs while the engine is off or running, while the vehicle is standing still or being operated at any speed. Any dealer repairs involve simply replacing the defective Window mechanisms with similarly defective mechanisms.

MINI Cooper. Owners/lessees and certain prior owners/lessees of the 2007-2009 MINI Cooper R56 (“Cooper Hardtop”) and 2008-2009 MINI Cooper R55 (“Cooper Clubman”).  A defect with the timing chain tensioner can cause sudden engine failure at even high speeds. The Timing Chain Tensioner is a component that maintains proper tension of the guide rails against the timing chain. It ensures that the timing chain maintains proper synchronization between the camshaft and crankshaft. If it is defective, synchronization brakes down, the crankshaft may be impacted, leading to more serious engine problems. Symptoms: an engine knock occurs, indicating a problem with the tensioner. If there is a complete failure, there is a loss of power to the car.

Contact:
Bryan L. Clobes
Cafferty Clobes Meriwether & Sprengel LLP, Philadelphia, PA
Email: BClobes@CaffertyClobes.com
Phone: 215-864-2800 (office)
Website: www.caffertyclobes.com