Lemon Law News – Modified Vans Recalled for Brake Mix-up
Vantage Mobility International (VMI), a vehicle modification provider, is recalling certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vans for problems incurred during modification.
Vantage notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on May 25, 2017 they will recall 371 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vans they modified for wheelchair accessibility. Vantage’s safety recall report stated the vans’ rear brake lines became crossed during the modification process. This can cause the vans’ anti-lock braking systems to incorrectly read rear wheel speeds during hard breaking and misapply. No proper wheel speed input can deactivate the ABS, leaving the vehicle without anti-lock brakes.
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Vantage’s report state they first noticed the problem during a routine inspection for brake line clearance. They inspected their inventory vehicles and found an 80% failure rate on May 9, 2017. They identified the problem as a “production issue” and changed the production process for all vehicles made after that date. Vantage resumed shipping modified Pacificas on May 12.
The corrected brake lines will cross each other as they run down the firewall with line separators keep the lines clear from any other object.
Vantage Mobility will notify owners and dealers will correct the rear brake line attachments free of charge. The recall is expected to begin July 7, 2017. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082. Vantage Mobility’s number for this recall is Pac-20170525. Modified vehicle owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov for information.
Your vehicle’s manufacturer, or the manufacturer of any modification, is legally required to fix any recalled problems for free. If the dealership refuses to fix the part or tries to charge you for the repair, contact the manufacturer immediately. The Highway Safety Act of 1970, which created the NHTSA, requires car manufacturers to pay for the recall and replacement of a defective part.
If the manufacturer fails to repair, replace, repurchase, or provide your recalled vehicle’s loss value, they are violating the warranty and a lawyer may be able to assist you. Lemon law attorneys help their clients by dealing directly with the manufacturer on the clients’ behalf, working to promptly resolve the issue and get their clients back on the road. Thanks to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, attorneys can seek their fees directly from the manufacturer, meaning a client can obtain legal counsel without having to pay attorneys’ fees directly out of pocket.