The transmission allows the engine to power the wheels that move the car. A properly working transmission enables the vehicle to efficiently speed up and slow down, giving the driver predictable control of the vehicle. When transmission problems occur while driving, a driver may not be able to control the speed and acceleration of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Vehicle manufacturers and dealers may be aware of transmission problems and defects but do not tell consumers about the problems. After reports of problems with the transmission, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) may force the manufacturer to issue a recall to correct the problem. If your vehicle has defective transmission, the California Lemon Lawyer may be able to help you get compensation, a replacement vehicle, or vehicle repairs.
Transmission Systems in Motor Vehicles
Transmission systems in motor vehicles generally involve connecting the engine to the wheels through a clutch, transmission, and driveshaft. Most transmission systems include manual, automatic, or continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Any problem with the transmission system can impact power to the wheels. Transmission problems can also cause damage to other parts of the vehicle and lead to expensive repairs.
Some common areas of transmission-related problems caused by design defects and manufacturing defects in cars, trucks, and SUVs can include:
- Transmission fluid leaks,
- Corrosion in the transmission system,
- Welding defects,
- Substandard materials,
- Electrical problems,
- Software problems,
- Cracks in the metal,
- Manufacturing defects, or
- Faulty designs.
Common Transmission Problems
Many drivers cannot diagnose a vehicle's problem and have to take the vehicle into the shop to get an idea of what the problem is and what needs to be repaired. Some signs to look for that you may have a problem with your transmission may include:
- Low transmission fluid,
- Transmission fluid leaks,
- Burnt transmission fluid,
- Jerking when shifting between gears,
- Whining or clunking noises when shifting,
- Delayed response when accelerating,
- Slipping of power between shifts,
- Car will not respond to pressing the gas pedal, or
- Making noises when in neutral.
A problem with the transmission could be normal wear and tear but even newer cars can have problems with the transmission. This may indicate a defect with the vehicle. If you're having repeated transmission problems with your vehicle in California, you may have a claim against the vehicle manufacturer for selling you a lemon.
Transmission Related Recalls
There have been many complaints and recalls related to transmission problems. Transmission related complaints and recalls have been reported in:
- Ford,
- Jeep,
- Mazda,
- Ram,
- Fiat,
- Honda,
- Acura,
- Range Rover,
- And others.
Slipping from Park to Neutral
Actor Anton Yelchin was killed when his Jeep went into neutral, rolling down his driveway and crushing him against a brick mailbox. The Jeep was later recalled related to an issue with the shift knob. A number of other injuries were reported related to the shifting transmission issue. The shift knob can be placed in neutral when drivers believe the gear was placed in park.
Hundreds of thousands of other vehicles were also recalled by the transmission manufacturer. This may be related to a faulty crimp in the wiring harness attached to a sensor. The issue reportedly also caused rough shifts, acceleration surges, delayed downshifting, and vehicles going into neutral after drivers placed the vehicle in park.
According to the NHTSA Campaign Notice, “In the event that a clutch becomes stuck in the transmission, the transmission software may shift the transmission to neutral.” As a consequence, an unexpected shift to neutral could result in loss of drive and increase the risk of a crash.
California Lemon Lawyer for Transmission Defects
California's Lemon Law provides protection for vehicle owners with faulty transmissions or defective transmissions that could cause a safety hazard. Contact The Lemon Lawyer today to help you understand your rights and options, including getting a refund, returning a faulty vehicle, free repairs or replacement, or other compensation for a defective car, truck, van or SUV.