2019 Malibu transmission problem

[R18Civic]

What would you all do in this situation?

So I bought my 19 Malibu in November of last year. In Jan the transmission began slippping. Money is tight so I waited for tax return, took it to a dealership I trusted about 20 miles away and paid 175 for a diagnostic. Here's what they found,

"Found per diagnosis, TCC slip speed is excessive on test drive after trans is warm as well as intermittent harsh gear changes. Checked fluid in transmission and fluid is very cloudy and burnt as well as full of metal. Recommend replacing transmission due to metal and fluid from faulty torque converter causing metal contamination in transmission system."

I made an appt to bring it into the dealer that sold me the car to begin with. I take it in tomorrow morning. I have called a few times inquiring about a loaner car. This last time I called they said they have to re-diagnose the vehicle and see if it falls under warranty before I get a loaner. If not I'm stuck with a paperweight. 6400 to fix.

I've been very calm up to this point but I'm worried they're setting me up to screw me. Any advice on next steps I should take and what I should do if they deny warranty claim?

 

[brages]

What are the terms of the warranty, and does the car fall within them?

 

[cptbarkey]

You mentioned its under warranty, so you really have no choice but to trust their diagnosis. I would really not expect any issues other than taking up a large amount of your time for the repair. Does your car insurance policy cover a rental car?

My last Uber ride from the airport told me a similar story with a similar year Malibu but they were out of warranty and they were borrowing a friends car.

TBH, after you get the car, I would trade it in and get a more reliable Toyota or Honda and move on with life.

From a transportation standpoint, that is more financial advice but maybe think out of the box, such as a bicycle, moped, etc depending on your commute distance.

 

[R18Civic]

The warranty is a limited lifetime powertrain warranty. It covers hard parts of the transmission, TC included plus things like lubricated parts etc. It wont cover fluid gaskets or seals. They said they can't go by another dealerships diagnostics.

 

[KrisZ]

Ho did they check the fluid without draining? There is no dipstick and no way to check for metal in the fluid without draining it. I think they’re trying to sell you a new tranny, even though you think you have a warranty for it. I doubt you do.

 

[Danh]

The warranty is a limited lifetime powertrain warranty. It covers hard parts of the transmission, TC included plus things like lubricated parts etc. It wont cover fluid gaskets or seals. They said they can't go by another dealerships diagnostics.

A problem with many CVTs (don’t know about yours) is that they aren’t really serviceable at the dealership level. Typically a problem requires a rebuilt/remanufactured/salvaged replacement. Not sure how this affects your situation but best of luck.

 

[R18Civic]

Ho did they check the fluid without draining? There is no dipstick and no way to check for metal in the fluid without draining it. I think they’re trying to sell you a new tranny, even though you think you have a warranty for it. I doubt you do.

They drained a small sample out for examination.

 

[KrisZ]

They drained a small sample out for examination.

Ok that sounds plausible. Since you have an extended warranty with the dealer that sold you the car, you have to deal with them unfortunately and rely on their diagnosis.

 

[R18Civic]

Ok that sounds plausible. Since you have an extended warranty with the dealer that sold you the car, you have to deal with them unfortunately and rely on their diagnosis.

That's why I'm worried. They quoted me $1800 to fix one axles worth of warped rotors. This included new calipers.

I took it elsewhere and they fixed both axles for 400 including labor without any new calipers.

 

[KrisZ]

That's why I'm worried. They quoted me $1800 to fix one axles worth of warped rotors. This included new calipers.

I took it elsewhere and they fixed both axles for 400 including labor without any new calipers.

You have no choice. That’s part of the aftermarket warranty business. I’m pretty sure people expressed that concern in your buying thread.

 

[Chris142]

What does a local transmission shop want to fix it?

 

[R18Civic]

What does a local transmission shop want to fix it?

There's only one and the owner retired. Shop has gone downhill since then.

 

[IndyIan]

I guess see if your warranty will work, but those guys seem to be bad news?
Have a look here for what a good low miles used trans goes for.
https://www.car-part.com/
Your car should be nice to work on since its newer and it will be 8-9-10hrs for a shop to punch out.

 

[BHopkins]

Does the warranty allow for any way to appeal, if you aren't satisfied with their decision? Arbitration? If yes, I think I'd get another independent diagnosis, so you would be better prepared to counter any claims by the dealership, that it is just the first diagnosis vs theirs.

 

[Nukeman7]

There's only one and the owner retired. Shop has gone downhill since then.

An independent Honda Master Mechanic that I trust implicitly refers all his transmission work to CAR-LIFE Transmission, which I believe is located in your area. However, I haven't personally used them, so I cannot vouch for their work.

 

[R18Civic]

Does the warranty allow for any way to appeal, if you aren't satisfied with their decision? Arbitration? If yes, I think I'd get another independent diagnosis, so you would be better prepared to counter any claims by the dealership, that it is just the first diagnosis vs theirs.

Not that I'm aware.

 

[R18Civic]

Not that I want to be that guy but a lawyer that did me a big favor back in 2019 said he would refer me to a civil lawyer if they don't come through on their end. I owe 9k on the car, the quote for the transmission replacement is about 7k. If they don't honor the warranty they'll give me no choice but to lawyer up. I've got 3k I can put down on a the right now.

 

[brages]

what I should do if they deny warranty claim?

You need to read and understand the details of the warranty.

Sounds like you will have to take it back to the "bad" dealer for them to diagnose. A failure like this is IMO exactly what the warranty is supposed to cover. So I wouldn't worry about it until the "bad" dealer tries to deny the claim.

 

[Chris142]

There's only one and the owner retired. Shop has gone downhill since then.

There has to be another shop somewhere close by.

 

[R18Civic]

You need to read and understand the details of the warranty.

Sounds like you will have to take it back to the "bad" dealer for them to diagnose. A failure like this is IMO exactly what the warranty is supposed to cover. So I wouldn't worry about it until the "bad" dealer tries to deny the claim.

I know I know, I'm just stressing the heck out. Not a single person in town has had a good thing to say about this dealer.