| |
Merle of Manassas writes:
I purchased a 1995 Dodge Grand Caravan LE in April 1995
from John Gunning's Manassas Dodge. With only 500 miles on
the vehicle, I suspected transmission/transaxle problems and
had the Manassas Dodge service department check it out on
28 April 1995. Again on 09 June 1995 I had problems with the
shifting of the transmission/transaxle and again took it in
for service. The transmission control module was replaced
at this time. The van had only 2,770 miles at this point.
On August 1997 at 27,798 miles, the transmission/transaxle
failed to shift into high gear and locked up in second gear.
The Manassas Dodge service department removed and completely
rebuilt the transmission/transaxle at this time. I was informed
that the rebuild transmission/transaxle would be better than
the original and I should not expect any more problems with
it.
The transmission/transaxle continued to operate normally until
07 October 1999 with 55,505 miles. Just 5,000 miles over the
warranty period. At this time the transmission/transaxle again
locked up in second gear. I was informed that a part had broken
within the transmission and the cost of repair would not be
covered by the dealer or Chrysler Corp., because the van was
over the warranty period.
I informed them of the past history with this vehicle and
was basically told tough luck. The repair of the transmission/transaxle
cost me $1,755.19 which was for a total replacement with a
remanufactured transmission/transaxle.
I contacted the head of Manassas Dodge Service dept who indicated
he would go to bat for me on this issue. However, all I have
been given is a stall tactic time after time. I contacted
the zone manager who totally refused to talk with me but stated
their decision to not cover any of the cost was final.
I then contact a Mr. Andy Love at the Chrysler Corp in Auburn
Hills, Mr. Mr. Love was even rude when I asked about assistance
in covering the cost of repair/replacement. He informed me
that since the transmission/transaxle had operated with no
problems for an approximate additional 27,000 miles since
the last failure, they would not cover its repair.
I asked about what basis did the company utilize to determine
what would and would not be covered in an instance such as
mine. It was then that he became defensive and offensive and
refused to discuss the matter further.
I stated that I was informed by the Dodge service department
that the average preventive maintenance for transmission was
to be performed at 35,000 mile intenvals, and that in my case,
I would never be able to perform preventive maintenance, as
my transmission/transaxle had failed prior to obtaining that
mileage.
I feel totally used by the Chrysler Corp. for not supporting
the customer. I have purchased eight (8) Chrysler vehicles
over the past 25 years and have been a faithful customer.
However, after this experience, I will never purchase a Chrysler
product again.
|
|
