Tag Archives: warranty

Lawsuit May Keep on Trucking

Engine defects

According to a recent judicial decision, a class action lawsuit against General Motors may continue in court. Various customers allege that their 2011 Chevy Silverado pickup trucks consume excessive oil, which contributes to subsequent mechanical or electrical issues. Despite a motion filed on behalf of the automotive company, a judge did not agree with GM’s argument that the customer engine complaints were rejected under a manufacturing defect warranty. Rather than admitting that customers were experiencing complications from a defect or faulty component, the company attributed the issues to the 5.3L Vortec V8 engine’s design. Continue reading →

Apple Reaches $375 Million Preliminary Settlement in iPhone 4 Antenna Dispute

Smart phone

In 2010, Apple release its much-hyped iPhone 4, the latest in the succession of popular smart phones.  Early users soon found that the phone suffered poor reception when held normally due to the ill-chosen placement of the phone’s internal antenna.  When notified of the flaw, Apple offered the stale solution of “holding the phone in a different way”.  Users scoffed at the lame response, as reception was only lost when holding the phone in the usual manner, which has been the norm of cell phone usage for decades.  Incensed users brought the company to a class action lawsuit, alleging consumer fraud in that the company misrepresented the device’s ability to function in order to increase sales.

The terms of this settlement apply to any purchaser of the iPhone 4, which early numbers indicate may be 25 million people.  If you are eligible to benefit from this refund, Apple is obligated to contact you via email by April 30th, 2012.  After that, purchasers have 120 days to claim their refund.  If you have not been contacted by April 30th and think you are still eligible, contact Apple’s customer service.