Kimler Adventure Pages (http://randsco.com)

2nd Chrysler Transmission Dies

Lonely Deserted Highway - Returning from a family vacation last weekend, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, the Kimler family noticed something awry with their 1993 Chrysler Grand Voyager mini-van. Coming to a stop light, the car began to jerk and lunge.

"What's that?" asked Rachel, sitting in the passenger seat.

"I don't know," said Scott, his voice filled with dread, "it feels like the transmission."

Pulling away from the light, the transmission bumped and skipped, but managed to come up to speed. They limped along for another 15 kilometers, stopping by a friends house to pick up their four baby chicks, which were being looked after, while they were away. Pulling out of the driveway, the transmission made a horrible grinding sound.

"It sounds like we're dragging a branch," said Rachel.

Scott stopped the car and Rachel got out, looking under the car to see if, indeed they were dragging something.

"I don't see anything," said Rachel, climbing back into the car.

Scott put the car into 'drive' and the grinding started. Scott put the vehicle into 'reverse' and grinding was heard. Stepping on the gas, the Chrysler mini-van lunged, skipped and bumped, the transmission not quite catching.

BOOM. Just like that, the transmission died.

The van was towed to a nearby transmission shop, where the news wasn't pleasant.

"You're going to need another transmission," said Steve, the owner of the shop.

This is the second transmission failure since the couple bought the car in April of 2004. The first transmission failure was shortly after they bought it, and the replacement transmission cost $3,500. It was a genuine Mopar transmission, which came with a 3-year / 35,000-mile warranty.

Unfortunately, that doesn't do the couple much good. The first transmission was put into the car in May 2004, when the van odometer read: 75,027 miles. The car was just over 10 years old. The second transmission failure occurred at 95,691 miles.

"The transmission replacement lasted 3 years and 4 months," said Rachel, in a disgusted tone, "But what's worse, it lasted only 20,000 miles ... well under the warranty coverage miles."

Rachel called Chrysler Canada, to determine if they would shoulder any responsibility for the failed transmission.

A customer service representative said, "No, we're sorry. We won't cover the failed transmission because the warranty time period has passed."

Rachel appealed to the woman, by saying, "Twenty thousand miles on a genuine Mopar transmission replacement is horrible performance. Surely Chrysler will step up the plate, given such poor performance on a genuine Mopar part?"

The representative said, "Chrysler's responsibility is only for honoring the written warranty agreement."

"With all due respect, I disagree," said Rachel, "Chrysler's responsibility is to manufacture quality automobiles and stand by their products."

Without any sort of financial relief from Chrysler, the future of the mini-van is uncertain. It is presently sitting at the transmission shop. The value of the vehicle, not even 15 years old and in superb condition (leather seats, tow package, electric everything, air conditioned, never been in an accident, no rust, 3.3L V-8 engine, etc.) went from $3,500 to $0 in one day.

"I can't believe that a vehicle should require a new transmission, which costs $3,500, every 20,000 miles," said Scott.

"This is, without a doubt, the worst vehicle that I've ever owned and I've owned a fair few," the 48-year old added.

Though the couple are uncertain what their next move might be, both are extremely disappointed and frustrated with the recent turn of events. They've sunk a fair bit of money in a Chrysler mini-van that's currently un-drivable.

"The sad part is that it's in great condition," said Rachel, "It's got YEARS of life left in it, were it not for needing a transmission."

Although the disposition of the van is uncertain, Scott has indicated that he'd follow up with letters to Chrysler and a voice on the Randsco website.

"I'll definitely warn others about our poor Chrysler experience," explained Scott, "A company such as Chrysler should make and stand behind quality products, not shirk responsibility and hide behind corporate double-speak."

Scott summed up his feelings.

"Chrysler sucks," he said.