Current Events in October 2023

Brakes are among the most important equipment on a car or truck but it seems lots of car owners are reporting brake problems in recent weeks.

A ConsumerAffairs analysis of car owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) indicates the problem is showing up among various makes and models.

It’s especially a problem for various Toyota models, including the 2018 Toyota Corolla, 2010 and 2012 Toyota Prius and the 2020 Toyota Highlander. The reported defects appear to be related to the ABS brake booster and brake booster pump assemblies, which can cause accidents due to difficulty operating the brakes.

While those cars are not yet subject to recalls, other recalled vehicles are still unrepaired because of a shortage of needed parts, especially for airbags and fuel systems. Among the recalled vehicles that still have no remedy are the GMC Acadia models, Chevrolet Traverse models, 2016 and 2017 Buick Enclave, and 2022 Ram 1500. 

Safety experts say the unavailability of parts poses a potential safety risk and has led to complaints about the manufacturer exceeding a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

Owners of 2018 Chevrolet Malibus. 2019 Honda Odysseys, 2017 Ford Expeditions and various Jeep Compass models have reported instances of stalling and unexpected shutdown – an obvious safety risk.

Chevy had the most complaints

Chevrolet led all brands with the most complaints in late September with 19. The most common safety defect reported is related to the 2018 Chevrolet Malibu, with the “Shift to Park” message frequently appearing.

This issue has been reported in multiple complaints and poses a significant safety concern as it can potentially lead to the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly.

Jeep and RAM both collected 18 complaints. Various Jeep models have reported stalling and shutdown complaints. The most common RAM complaint is related to the 2018 RAM 2500 model. 

Owners have reported the failure of the ABS and traction control systems, which intermittently stop working, causing the corresponding warning lights to flash. This defect has been reported to occur at various speeds and times, and can sometimes be temporarily resolved by restarting the vehicle. 

While these vehicles have yet to be called, NHTSA collects months of owner complaints before asking a manufacturer to issue a recall. Owners who are experiencing repeated problems with their vehicles can report the problem to NHTSA here.

It may only be early October, but people are already putting pressure on travel inventory in both flights and rental cars, and demand is expected to be higher this year because of Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on the weekend. In other words, book now or pay the price!

ConsumerAffairs can’t cut you a good deal, but we have found some interesting insights from travel experts, and if you pay attention to what they have to say, it might work to your advantage.

When to travel

Let’s get this pain point out of the way before we go any further: According to Priceline's data, Friday, December 22nd is set to be one of the busiest travel days of the year so prices – and headaches – will be large and in charge. 

According to KAYAK’s data, you’d be smart to book domestic flights for the Christmastime holidays about 61 days in advance to snag a good deal (mid-October). For Thanksgiving, you don’t have 61 days of leeway, so you better do it ASAP. There are still some good deals that ConsumerAffairs found on Google Flights – like Cincinnati to Phoenix – for $175, but you have to leave on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and come back a week later.

KAYAK’s best time to travel planner suggests that if you do the Cincinnati - Phoenix trip for Christmas, you might be better off going on December 19th and returning on Christmas Day.  

If you’ve got enough holiday bravado to make international stops for a holiday celebration, Priceline told ConsumerAffairs that unique destinations like Montreal and Budapest top its most affordable and most popular international getaways.

At $901 round trip, international holiday flights are around $100 dollars cheaper than last year. Plus, returning from your international travel between December 26th and 29th can help you save 25% on airfare, all while avoiding the busiest return day, December 31st.

What airports to avoid

Holiday weather is always a problem – either coming or going – and AirHelp did some homework on what airports have the highest percentage of flight disruptions. Topping the list are two in Florida: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with 42.63% of flights disrupted; and Orlando International Airport (MCO) with 42.11% of flights disrupted.

“Flying to Florida, the West Coast is the best coast,” a spokesperson for AirHelp said. “Every airport along Florida’s east coast experienced issues with nearly 40% of their flights. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) are more reliable options. RSW is right next to Naples and only a 2-hour drive from Miami, the airport delivered 70% of its flights on time this summer. ECP, right next to the beach and only 2 hours from Tallahassee, delivered 73.76% of its flights on time, without disruption.”

But if you’re headed to Tampa or thereabouts, AirHelp says that Sarasota/Bradenton Int’l Airport (SRQ) is more reliable and less than an hour’s drive away from the city center. Compared to Tampa International (the nation’s 10th worst airport this summer) SRQ delivered 73.84% of its flights on time.

Next in line are:

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): 39.19% of flights were disrupted. Use LaGuardia instead, AirHelp’s analysts said.

• Baltimore/Wash International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI): 39.10% of flights disrupted  

• Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW): 36.28% of flights disrupted

• Denver International Airport (DEN): 35.02% of flights disrupted

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): 34.6% of flights disrupted

• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS): 34.26% of flights disrupted

• Miami International Airport (MIA): 34.23% of flights disrupted

• Tampa International Airport (TPA): 33.2% of flights disrupted

Road trippin’

Elie Michaels, vice president of Operations at Advantage Rental Car, told ConsumerAffairs that booking a rental car comes down to dates just like air travel does. When it comes to deals, he said there are two steps he’d recommend: book early and shop around.

“Travelers will find the best deal by planning ahead and looking at a variety of different rental car companies. Price fluctuates depending on the number of passengers, time of year, length of road trip, luggage, and reason for travel,” were his suggestions.

He said that – depending on the time of year – there are deals to be had on vehicle rentals. “Slow periods in between holidays will likely be the cheapest time to book a rental car,” he noted.

“Searching more broadly can also help” Ludwig Schoenack, co-founder at Kyte, suggests. “For instance, getting your car in a city rather than at an airport can often save money and be more convenient. Prices are high where demand is high. The summer is the most expensive time to rent a car in most cities in the U.S., and this is especially true in tourist destinations around holiday weekends and around major events. We encourage booking your trip to land outside of those times and during the week.”

We asked Schoenack if car rental agencies offer discounts – either in-app or online – and he said that no matter who you rent with, it’s worth asking them if they offer any “early bird” specials. The worst thing they can say is “no,” right?

'Oh, I didn’t know about those fees'

The fight toward getting rid of legit – or not-so-legit – fees isn’t over, but those fees haven’t been kicked to the curb completely.

Airbnb is still trying to fight the good fight on the accommodations side, and on the car rental side, Michaels confirms that there are still fees there, too. He notes that before you click “book” or sign your name, it’s important to read the terms and conditions of the company you’re planning to rent a car with to ensure there are no surprise fees at the end.

“By doing this, you’ll be able to plan out how much to spend as it’s disclosed ahead of renting the car,” he said.

Here's one not-so-nice thing about car rentals that you should know. about. It is “All-Inclusive Tolls,” a new rental car company scam that could cost you $140 per week. Gary Leff of “View From the Wing” said that toll tracking is one of the more annoying fees that rental car companies impose. Leff names names and suggests how you can get around this ugliness, here.

The price of gasoline is tumbling and you can credit the bond market. As the yield on U.S. Treasury bonds has risen in recent days, gas prices have fallen.

In a post on X, Patrick DeHaan, head of Petroleum Analysis at GasBuddy, notes the connection.

“The surging cost of borrowing and bonds are pushing oil off a cliff… and that’s good news if you’re a fan of falling #gasprices with RBOB (Reformulated Blendstock for Oxygenated Blending) down a staggering 16c/gal!” he wrote.

DeHaan notes that the price is falling, even though GasBuddy data for the first part of the week indicates U.S. gasoline demand is up 2.8% from the previous week.

Rising interest rates on government bonds are seen as an indicator that the economy may slow and reduce demand for oil. As oil prices fall, so do prices at the pump.

AAA reports the national average price of regular gas is $3.74 a gallon, nine cents a gallon less than seven days ago and six cents less than a month ago. A number of states have seen prices fall even more.

The 10 states where gas prices have fallen the most

Despite the big one-week drop, California still has the most expensive gas in the nation. Georgia has the cheapest.

Mani… pedi… scarry? Recent research into nail dryers might make you wonder whether regular gel manicures and pedicures are worth the risk.

A study published by Nature Communications reveals findings that nail dryers emit radiation that can harm DNA and lead to cancerous changes in human cells. Ultraviolet A (UVA) light is commonly emitted by UV-nail polish dryers with recent reports suggesting that long-term use may increase the risk for developing skin cancer. UVA is also the same type of light that causes wrinkles, sun spots, and other types of premature aging.

Who knew? Well, as it turns out, some skin doctors did. They argue that these findings are not surprising when it comes to concerns about ultraviolet (UV) light from any source.

In reality, these results confirm why some dermatologists have altered their nail care habits or stopped getting gel manicures completely.

Dr. Julia Curtis, a dermatology assistant professor at the University of Utah, but not part of the study, told CNN, "The findings add to existing data on the harmful effects of UV radiation and demonstrate direct harm to cells and tissues that can result in skin cancer." She compared UV nail lamps to miniature tanning beds for your nails.

“The findings contribute to data already published regarding the harmful effects of (ultraviolet) radiation and show direct cell death and damage to tissue that can lead to skin cancer,” Curtis said. 

The UV light used in nail dryers is almost identical to the UV light in natural sunlight, but it can penetrate the skin at a deeper level. Researchers exposed human and mouse cells to this UV light, and even a short 20-minute session resulted in 20% to 30% of cells dying.

However, longer exposure caused up to 70% of cells to die, and the remaining cells suffered damage to their DNA.

Real life or lab life?

It's important to note that the study's main limitation is that it used cells in a lab dish, which isn't the same as studying the effects on living humans or animals, dermatologist Dr. Julie Russak said.

“When we’re doing it (irradiating) inside human hands, there’s definitely a difference,” Russak told CNN. “Most of the UV irradiation is absorbed by the top layer of the skin. When you irradiate cells in the petri dish directly, that’s slightly different. You don’t have any protection from the skin, from corneocytes or the top layers. It’s also very direct UVA irradiation.”

Taking precautions

Nonetheless, the study, along with previous cases of people developing skin cancer linked to UV nail dryers, highlights the importance of being cautious when exposing your hands and fingers to UV light.

To keep your hands safe from UV damage, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a broad spectrum sunscreen 20 minutes before a gel manicure. Despite this precaution, it does not prevent subungual (under the nail) squamous cell carcinoma, a rare but potentially aggressive form of skin cancer that has been known to show up in cats as “mouth cancer.”

If getting a regular manicure, your safest bet is to let your nails air-dry naturally – totally avoiding the drying lamps – or use an air blower or fan without UV lights.

Dr. Curtis also recommends applying broad-spectrum sunblock around your nails and wearing UV gloves with the fingertips exposed during the nail-curing process. Some salons use LED lights, which emit little to no UV light.

A report of a new scam has surfaced in Louisville, Ky. – one that should make any homeowner a little nervous.

Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) emailed their customers that the utility companies have received numerous calls from concerned customers reporting door-to-door “solar installers” claiming to work for LG&E and KU. 

As part of a fevered sales pitch, these scammers promise “free solar panels” or “free energy” as part of signing up to do business with them.

“While there are many legitimate solar installers across our service area, please know that LG&E and KU do not market or sell residential rooftop solar panels and are not affiliated with any residential solar installers,” the utilities said, pointing their customers to their website where a list of reputable, renewable programs and resources were available to help consumers determine what is best for their situation.

“Just as you would do with any significant investment involving your home, we encourage you to always do your homework and secure quotes from several reputable businesses before signing any contract or agreement and making a significant financial investment,” the companies said.

Never let your guard down

In Scamland, all it takes is one new and nifty idea for every wannabe scammer out there to start doing the same thing. And, this one could spread quickly, so be vigilant.

“Never let your guard down when it comes to scammers, as they will say and try to do many things to take your money,” LG&E/KU recommended, and no matter where you live, you should do the same. 

Just remember, that utility companies will never:

• Tell you that if you do not make an immediate payment, you will be cut off from your service

• Request payment through a live or automated call

• Demand payment by sending someone to your home

• Ask you to provide your credit card number or bank account number

• Request that you pay with a prepaid debit card or gift card

If someone claims to be from a utility company — and you have to be very careful here because scammers can trick Caller IDs – and demands immediate payment, just hang up because it’s an outright scam.

When someone shows up at your house and claims to represent a utility company, demand to see the employee or contractor identification card issued by the company. The front of an authentic identification card typically features the utility company's logo, the employee's name, and a color photograph of the employee.

It looks like the next six months won’t be anything like the last six months for travelers trying to get their passport processed or renewed.

The State Department has announced that processing times as of October 2 are running eight to 11 weeks, and expedited applications five to seven weeks. 

“Processing times begin when we receive your application at a passport agency or center and do not include mailing times,” the agency explained.

“It may take up to two weeks for us to receive your application after you mail it to us, and up to two weeks for you to receive your completed passport after we mail it to you.”

No mea culpa necessary

While it would be easy to point fingers at the passport office, this wasn’t their doing as much as it was the high demand that Americans created when we came out of the pandemic and wanted to travel internationally.

Between October 2022 and September 2023, the State Department issued more than 24 million passport books and cards, the most ever in our nation’s history.

The agency says now that everything is going in the right direction, it’s addressing the increased workload through a number of efforts. 

“We are aggressively recruiting and hiring across our passport agencies and centers. Our passport team members nationwide contribute tens of thousands of hours of overtime a month to issue the millions of passports sought by traveling Americans,” the agency said.

“We have opened a satellite office to help process the large number of applications we are receiving.”

Need an update or going somewhere within 14 days?

The agency’s phone lines are pretty jammed and wait times could be long, so rather than phoning, you’d be better off checking the status of your passport application online or signing up for updates via email.

However, if you’re in a semi- or real tight squeeze, two suggestions:

1. Many post offices, libraries, and local government offices are hosting passport acceptance fairs to assist you. Most events are for first-time customers and children using Form DS-11 to apply. A full list of October and November acceptance fair dates can be found here.

2. If you have international travel within 14 calendar days, call 1-877-487-2778 to make an appointment

Spotify is making a play for audiobook fans, adding 150,000 titles to its premium level of service that will be available at no extra charge. The addition is rolling out first in the UK and Australia and will be available in the U.S. before the end of the year.

As a start, Spotify is offering each Premium individual, as well as plan managers for Family and Duo accounts, 15 hours of listening per month. They can listen to as many titles as they want, skipping from one to another, as long as the only listen to 15 hours per month.

At a press event in New York, Spotify founder and CEO Daniel Ek made no secret that the move is a direct challenge to Amazon subsidiary Audible.

“Audiobooks today have one big dominating player,” Ek said. “And just like in music and podcasting, we believe that many more consumers want to consume audiobooks and want to listen to audiobooks.”

Spotify Premium plans start at $10.99 a month. Audible Premium Plus includes a 30-day free trial, then charges $14.95 a month. In addition to audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio features, Audible Premium Plus members can download one audiobook a month to keep.

One-stop listening

“We believe that offering personalized music, podcasts, and audiobooks on a single platform gives you a superior way to connect with your favorite artists, podcasters, creators, and authors—all in one spot,” the company said in its announcement. “Not only can you listen to some of your favorite authors’ works, but you can also tune into podcasts where fans dissect the most minor details of a story and find the hidden meaning in every sentence, without leaving the app. 

Spotify got into the audiobook business in a big way a year ago when it purchased audiobook distributor Findaway. Audiobooks make up only 7% of the total book market but the segment is growing, notching about 20% growth year-over-year.

Life Raft Treats is expanding its earlier recall of its “Not Fried Chicken” 64-oz buckets, 2.5-oz bars, and Life Is Peachy 6-count boxes of ice cream products.

The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

No illnesses have been reported to date.

A list of the recalled products, which were shipped by www.Goldbelly.com online directly to consumers located in Alabama, Arkansas. Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi Montana, North Carolina, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington and Wisconsin, may be found here.

What to do

Customers who purchased the recalled products should not consume them, but discard or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Consumers with questions may contact the firm at (843) 695-9806 Monday through Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm EST or by email at recall@liferafttreats.com.