Tag Archives: automatic transmission problems

2021 Jeep Cherokee Transmission Leak

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transmission hose leakIn March 2021, Chrysler / FCA USA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance (VSRC) organization received information about a potential trend in engine fires in certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.

The investigation found the problem to be that certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUVs were manufactured with transmission oil cooler (TOC) hoses with rubber that had been incorrectly cured. The suspect period began on January 19, 2021 and ended on March 8, 2021, when all suspect TOC hoses were removed from vehicle production.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, incorrectly cured rubber could allow the hose to weaken and rupture. Transmission fluid leaking from the ruptured hose could contact an ignition source and lead to a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury to occupants, persons outside the vehicle and could result in property damage.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the TOC hoses inspected and replaced as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is Y18 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-310.

Jeep Cherokee Transmission Wear

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Chrysler will be asking owners of certain 2014-2017 Jeep Cherokee SUVs to return to their dealership to repair a problem affecting the two speed power transfer unit (PTU) in their vehicles. The suspect period began in April 2014 when more robust differential input splines were used to manufacture PTUs.

According to the defect report, movement between the differential input splines and the transmission output shaft may result in the input spline teeth wearing. Eventually this will cause a loss of engagement between the transmission and the differential, and torque will not be transferred to the wheels. The vehicle will loose motive power and there will be no “Park” function while the vehicle is stationary.

Dealers will perform a software update that will maintain vehicle propulsion by engaging rear wheel drive and prevent rolling in “Park” by activating the electronic parking brake if a failed input spline occurs. FCA’s number for this recall is W47 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-343.

2020 Audi Q8 Transmission Fluid Leak

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Volkswagen will be contacting owners of certain 2020 Audi Q8 SUVs, regarding a potential problem affecting the transmission in their vehicle.

Due to a manufacturing error, the flanges of certain gearbox oil pipes were made from an uncertified material. Because of this difference in material, a permanent connection could not be created during the welding process and a transmission fluid leak could develop between the transmission oil pipe and the flange. A loss of transmission fluid will result in oil marks on the ground beneath the vehicle and a warning lamp indicator, once the fluid goes beneath a certain level.

Dealers will correct the problem by inspecting the transmission oil pipe welds and replacing it as necessary. Volkswagen’s number for this recall is 38C7 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-272.

GM Transmissions & Difficult Shifting

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The eight-speed automatic transmission found in certain 2015-2019 Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC vehicles have a defect that makes the vehicle hesitate and jerk when accelerating or slowing down. Owners say that the 8L90 and 8L45 transmissions experience hard shifting and eventual engine damage.

According to a class action lawsuit filed last year, “Drivers attempting to accelerate or decelerate feel a hesitation, followed by a significant shake, shudder, jerk, clunk, or ‘hard shift’ when the vehicle’s automatic transmission changes gears.” The shuddering, shaking, jerking and hesitation is believed to be related to friction within the transmission and/or torque converter causing metal shavings to be circulated throughout the transmission.

The vehicles affected by this problem include:

  • 2015-2019 Chevrolet Silverado
  • 2017-2019 Chevrolet Colorado
  • 2015-2019 Chevrolet Corvette
  • 2016-2019 Chevrolet Camaro
  • 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac ATS and ATS-V
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V
  • 2016-2019 Cadillac CT6
  • 2015-2019 GMC Sierra
  • 2015-2019 GMC Yukon and Yukon XL
  • 2015-2017 GMC Yukon Denali and Denali XL
  • 2017-2019 GMC Canyon

Air conditioning problems are another common complaint affecting certain newer Chevrolet, Cadillac and GMC vehicles. Owners say the system is not strong enough to withstand the internal and external pressures. Leaks eventually occur causing damage to compressors and condensers and expensive repairs.

The vehicles affected include:

  • 2015-2017 Cadillac Escalade
  • 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • 2015-2017 Chevrolet Suburban
  • 2015-2017 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • 2014-2016 GMC Sierra 1500
  • 2015-2017 GMC Yukon

 

If you purchased or leased a defective Chevrolet, Cadillac or GMC in California and it turned out to be a lemon, contact us now and we can help you get rid of it… Fill out the above form or call us now for a free case evaluation.

Ford Focus And Fiesta DPS6 Transmission Problems

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The owners of certain Ford Fiesta and Focus cars have been receiving notices regarding an extended warranty coverage on their Dual Power Shift (DPS6) transmissions. The extension gives owners a 10 year or 150,000 mile warranty on the vehicles transmission control module (TCM). This customer satisfaction program (14M02) affects certain 2011-2015 Fiesta and 2012-2015 Focus vehicles, although owners of 2016 models have received notices as well

The Problem: There is no denying that Fords DPS6 transmissions has problems. Intermittent loss of engagement while driving, lack of power and a no-start condition are common complaints, but the problems are amplified by driver expectations. Ford calls their DPS6 an automatic, when in reality, it is a manual transmission that shifts automatically. Owner expecting it to behave in the same manner as a regular automatic transmission have resulted in an even larger number of consumer complaints. Continue reading →

Chrysler Transmission Unexpectedly Shifts To Neutral

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Chrysler will be contacting the owners of certain Chrysler, Jeep and RAM vehicles, about a problem affecting their 9-speed automatic transmissions. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, some vehicles may have been built with a trans-axle wire harness with insufficient wire terminal crimps. These crimps could result in a high resistance which will cause the on board diagnostic system to set a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) and shift the vehicle into neutral. Continue reading →

2011 Kia Forte Transmission Fluid Leak

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Kia will be contacting the owners of certain 2011 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with automatic transaxle, about a problem affecting the power train system of their cars. According to the defect report, that automatic transmission fluid cooler hose may have been improperly cured during the manufacturing process and could leak. If sufficient fluid is lost abnormal transmission shifts with noise and/or illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will occur. The problem could result in complete loss of vehicle movement. Continue reading →