2 New Transmissions for my 2001 Acura TL - Help
Has anyone out there had transmission problems for new TLs? At 20,000 miles my transmission started to slip and just rev. when it was switching gears. Took to dealer and they said it was a bad transmission. They ordered new one from Honda and replaced it. Very poor service at dealer, would not call to inform me of when to expect car. A week went by and I called and they said it was ready. Drove car one mile and check engine and TCS light went on. Drove back to dealer and they tested it on computer and said bad clutch in transmission. Car has been there 6 days still again no call. They called today to see how service was last week and they got an ear full. Service Manager called and acted like no big deal and said they just ordered me another "new" transmission. I don't think I have any recourse regarding this problem do I? I'm extremely frustrated and want to sell the car immediately. I don't believe they are putting a "new" transmission into car. Any advice on what to do or how to sell car after it has had these problems? Thanks, Shirley
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
Some will argue that once they've rebuilt it from scratch, it's as good as new. Well, I suppose it has to be better than the one that just failed! We had a '90 Civic that needed a tranny transplant, and the "new" one had problems too, just different problems! So I certain know how you feel about wanting to sell the car.
I confirmed through comparison of the part number used in the transmission replacement that, in fact, a “new” transmission was not used in the replacement operation, even though the vehicle had only xx miles at the initial failure. A “remanufactured” transmission was used and several points come to light on this issue:
- A remanufactured transmission uses a transmission housing from unknown origin, application of vehicle and mileage on the “donor” vehicle.
- A remanufactured transmission’s internal components are usually only replaced if they are “out of specs” with a certain requirements - obviously not the same wear and tolerance specifications as a new transmission.
- A vehicle with a remanufactured transmission, especially a newer vehicle such as this, bears the burden of “not being in original condition” and subsequently assumes a loss in value of at least 40% - considering there are no other contributing factors as is not the case on this vehicle.
An educated consumer or used car manager, upon having the ability to compare this vehicle to one that is similar but is equipped with the original transmission, would choose the original vehicle. Even if the mileage on the vehicle with the original transmission was more than on the remanufactured unit, a buyer can be certain the original transmission is built to tighter tolerances and constructed by the vehicle’s manufacturer – not an “aftermarket” transmission-rebuilding factory.
IMO though, that 40% loss in value seems high for a car with only a rebuilt tranny. Also, on resale, I don't think you have to disclose to a buyer that the car has had a "new" tranny, unless he asks specifically.
As a dealer, I would fear someone check ing the warranty history (easily done) and walking around the car. Looks bad from a reputation standpoint, too. (That dealer is selling junk/lemon cars!)
Now if the car was advertised as a "lemon buy back" and had THAT stigma on it, you would be required to divulge that, and even if you explained that it was only for a reman transmission, that might hurt the value more.
Similar situation is a car that is "totalled" because someone stole the interior out of it. So interior is replaced, car is good as new, but it's still branded as "salvage" and that hurts value.
It's not up for argument since it's only my opinion. My opinion is the only one that counts when I'm on the witness stand. If I choose to devalue an Acura 40% because most other Acuras are perfect, then that's just the way I think.
From the consumer's perspective, try selling a car at anywhere near book value after disclosing the true history of the car in question.
It seems defense attorneys are under the impression that a dealer HAS to give you book value for your vehicle (they don't as we all know) and that all vehicles at an auction sell for the same price. Were that the case, they'd sell vehicles as a lot purchase instead of individually.
But that's true, every used car needs to be looked at individually.
Personally, by my own ethical standards, if it takes the dealer ten tries to find a good transmission, and the trans. finally works perfectly for a reasonable amount of time, I would feel under no obligation to reveal this to the new buyer, as they are receiving a good car and are thus not an aggrieved party.
The way the story here has been revealed makes me suspect that the dealer is not putting his full attention and resources into solving the problem.
Another opinion of mine:
"Based on the intent and purpose, (manufacturer's) factory warranty has been proven ineffective given that some of the conditions and complaints raised by (the owner) still persist today. The fact that these complaints and service visits are now registered on the vehicle’s warranty history, which is available to any consumer, detracts strongly from the vehicle’s value.
The complaint and repair history of this vehicle is considerable. Recurrent failures are documented as well as the manufacturer-authorized repair facility’s inability to correct the issues. Attempted repairs have not been long lasting or successful.
The future performance of a vehicle is usually a direct reflection of its past. Based on my experience as a service manager, and given the substantial history of malfunctions, this vehicle will continue to fail."
unrepaired
AND
serious
this could certainly deter a potential buyer; however, you would have to presume the above before considering a diminution of value.
If the complaints are about rattles and a "thumpedly thump" and the left rear speaker, well, I don't think that constitutes anything serious enough to affect value. And if the dealer successfully completed the repair,then I don't see any loss of value either.
Again, my opinion, and the only one that counts to me, considering I get paid for my opinions.
See what I'm getting at? What I see as a consumer is "Accord transmission problems" that affect the entire line of cars--at least from my limited perspective on that used car lot.
the only time I see diminution of value is when the car has been literally diminished in some way, in safety, performance or cosmetics.
This Accord finally got a good trans installed, so it's just as good as the other one. What's the difference now? Maybe the car with the new trans with fewer miles is the BETTER buy!
In my line of work, I do not even consider damage and other cosmetic factors. I deal with vehicles with gross, massively negative warranty histories - cosmetics are not a factor.
It's very simple - I don't look at a vehicle (or its history) in order to do a used car eval - the normal, carpets, seats, paint, tires, windshield - none of that matters - I deal with the difference in value between what the consumer paid and what the consumer got. If you wish to continue this discussion, we can do so off line - I prefer not to argue the very basis for my job in a national forum - I don't evaluate used cars for trade in - it's different!
How many miles are on your car and how many were on it when the transmission problems started?
I too have had transmission trouble with my 2001 Acura TL. It has really concerned me because it almost caused me to have a bad accident when it failed. Also, an acquaintance of mine who has a CL just had his transmission replaced about a month ago with only 18K miles. If you go to the Auto Safety Hotline website (www.nhtsa.dot.gov/hotline), you can log a complaint with NHTSA and also see the complaints of others. I was told by the dealer that they don't rebuild or refurbish, but they completely replace the transmission. I also contacted Acura Client Services and asked that they extend my warranty on the transmission, and they did. Hopefully, Acura will fix this problem in the near future and do a recall on the models affected. Surely, they can't ignore this issue for long...and eventually they will get tired of spending so much time and money on replacing transmissions!!
Frustrating at best, considering what I paid for this quality(?) vehicle.
I was informed the first time that Acura had no replacement parts, so a new one had to be installed. However, when I got my receipt, it shows they installed a "re built" transmission.
"Automatic transmission and torque converter - EXCHANGE. Use only with A/T rebuild program."
This tells me Acura is well aware about problems, and actually has a "program" in place to deal with it. I'll update this when my 2001 TL is returned to me, meanwhile, I'll drive my Pontiac Grand Am rental, which has no problems.
Can anyone tell me about what warranty concessions Acura has extended to them?
Because Acura does the reman/exchange thing doesn't mean they're aware of any devastating series of problems or are part of a conspiracy.
It also doesn't excause them from getting hammered over having to replace transmissions in such a nice car.
There has been a continuous problem regarding the V-6 transmission produced by Honda. This is a pattern that began in 1998 when Honda changed suppliers.
Go over to Honda Accord Quality Insurance Issues topic and you will see what I mean.
rbruehl....that's a good one. Where is isellhondas?
In addition I recieved a very cheap Chevy Malibu as a loaner and the dealer refused to cover insurance charges on the loaner. Another guy had problems on his A4 and Audi placed him in another A4 loaner.
Used to think very highly of Acura, now I just think that it is CRAP! Never again will I buy this garbage brand.
It's disturbing to watch the MB/BMW/Audi guys in court. It's a shame.
My friend told me about an article he read week of Sep 9-13, 2002 about the transmission problems on late model acuras/ hondas. To access , go to "WWW.LATIMES.COM" and click on "highway 1". Article is titled " Honda's UNexpected Gear Shift". The more Acura/HOnda owners know about this, the sooner Honda/Acura may do something about it.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20020914/1036070.asp