Insight for bud with jeep drive troubles?

Maintenance/Repairs
1

I need your opinion for a bud.

About five months ago, I took my 2014 Jeep Cherokee to a mechanic I hadn’t used before (I’m new to the area). They told me the transmission needed to be replaced. They said they sourced one from a parts dealer and that several other components had to be removed or replaced to install it. The total came to a little over $4,000.

Since then, I’ve barely driven it due to health issues. Last week, I tried to go to church. When I shifted into reverse, it was very rough—just like before the replacement. Then I put it in drive and it got stuck in neutral.

I called the shop. I was told there was a two-year warranty on the transmission. The mechanic’s wife later said her husband believes it needs to be replaced again—but that the parts company is refusing to honor the warranty. She said they would do the labor, but I would need to buy another transmission for about $900.

That didn’t sit right with me.

I found my invoice. Before I left the shop five months ago, she highlighted a section stating their shop warranties all parts and labor for one year or 14,000 miles. Neither limit has been reached.

I told her I would not pay for another transmission. They chose the supplier, not me. She has also refused to tell me the name of the parts company, which concerns me. It makes me wonder whether a used or junkyard transmission was installed and marked up—but I can’t confirm that.

When I asked three separate times whether they would honor the warranty and cover the cost, she avoided answering and said she would “call around Monday.” So I still don’t have a clear answer.

For those who don’t know me, I’m a 100% service-connected Desert Storm veteran with Gulf War Illness and other serious health issues. My Jeep is essential for medical appointments and basic errands. I don’t drive much, but I need a reliable vehicle.

If they refuse to honor the warranty, here are the options I’m considering:

Filing a complaint with the Michigan state licensing board.

Filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Contacting a local newspaper or TV station.

Taking them to small claims court.

Consulting an attorney about possible fraud or other legal claims, if applicable.

If you have experience with something like this, I’d appreciate your thoughts. Thanks, everyone. ■■■ bless.

1 Like
2

They probably didn’t spend any time verifying the repair, fwiw

Anyways . . .

I’d talk nicely to the shop again, expressing your concerns, while also making it clear you are NOT spending any more money, as they promised you a working transmission and haven’t yet delivered on that

It wouldn’t hurt to mention your veteran status and that you’d like to give them a chance to make it right before exploring other options

4 Likes
3

+1

The Better FOR Business Bureau is 99% worthless, as they have no enforcement or punitive powers. If the business is a member of the BBB, the most severe action that they could take is to refuse to accept the annual dues from that company–and they rarely do that. If the business is not a member, all they do is log the complaint in their files. Other than those two actions, there is nothing that they can or will do.

My suggestion is to lodge a complaint with your state’s Office of Consumer Affairs, as it is affiliated with the AG’s office. As a result, they do have both enforcement and punitive powers. A complaint with the state’s licensing board might also be a good idea

1 Like
4

Tell the shop to make this right, or you’re going to file a complaint with your states department of commerce.

These are the people who provide the business licenses to operate the state, and frown upon businesses who try to pull this kind of ■■■■.

Tester

1 Like
5

I might agree, but they gave car shield an f as wife wanted to buy it for daughters car! Showed her that and she jumped off the bandwagon.

6

And what action did the BBB take against Car Shield? :wink:

A bad rating can help people to avoid a business in the future, but it does nothing to help customers who were already bilked.

2 Likes
7

Wondering if a differential or transfer case might present the same problem,

8

Here is some recall info that might pertain to your vehicle and problem.

Jeep Recall S55: Transmission May Shift Unexpectedly To Neutral — 2014 Cherokee | CarComplaints.com

RCLRPT-19V447-3749.PDF

RCONL-19V447-7832.pdf

1 Like
9

Someone usually objects to people posting “legal” situations, different policies for different forum members.

To validate the warranty, used parts suppliers usually require the installer to replace the radiator and/or transmission oil cooler, input and output seals and filter(s). Without proof: no warranty.

Read the fine print to see if the warranty applies to used parts.

He can’t make a decision on where to have the vehicle repaired until he gets an answer. If they are willing to perform the repair, there will be no need to sue the repair shop for the cost of repair.

10

Get yourself a lawyer….

Steve Lehto comes to mind. He specializes in this type of complaint and is a lawyer licensed to practice in Michigan. His law office is in Southfield.

His office web address is http://lehtoslaw.com/

Click on “Contact”

Good Luck

2 Likes