Lemon Law News – Leaking Brake Hoses Lead to MCI Recall

Motor Coach Industries (MCI) is recalling more than 1,000 motor coaches following the discovery of leaky front air brake hoses.

The manufacturer notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on June 2, 2017 about the air brake hose problem. The manufacturer’s safety recall report said 1,100 2014-2017 MCI J4500 vehicles equipped with the ZF front axles manufactured between April 22, 2014 and May 9, 2017.

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MCI stated over-torqueing of front brake hose routing clamps on some of these vehicles may distort the brake hose, damaging the hose wall’s reinforcement. If the brake hose wall’s reinforcement is damaged, the brake hose can leak. Brake hose leaks could cause delays in brake activation, increasing the vehicle’s stopping distance and crash risk.

The company said they first received reports of leaky front brake hoses on March 2, 2017. Later inspections found other vehicles in the field with the same problem. They determined, after sending samples to the part supplier, that over-torqueing damaged the brake hose wall reinforcement. MCI was unable to determine how much brake fluid could be lost via the leaks, or its exact effect or brake timing.

The company revised manufacturing procedures to ensure proper torqueing in future production.

MCI will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the clamp tightness, replacing any damaged brake hoses, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 16, 2017. Owners may contact MCI customer service at 1-800-241-2947. MCI’s number for this recall is SB 454. Owners can also visit the NHTSA’s website and enter their VIN to see if their vehicle is included in any recalls.

Your vehicle’s manufacturer 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 laws vary from state to state as to what protection they provide owners of motor coaches and motor homes.

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.

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