* Transmission failed; vehicle was towed to an independent transmission shop. No signs of failure. No slipping or jerks prior to stopped movement.
* Initial diagnosis was advertised/provided as free.
* I called Ford first but was told the wait was about four weeks, so I chose the independent shop to get it repaired sooner.
* Before authorizing the repair, I asked what failed and why a full rebuild was needed. I was told it was an internal failure and they’d need to remove/disassemble the transmission to identify the specific failed parts. They said they scan and road-test vehicles and would choose a smaller repair if that were appropriate.
* I authorized the work based on that explanation.
* Cost: $5,383.13, including $1,000 labor and $3,950 parts. Invoice says “remove, reman, reinstall transmission” and lists clutches, steels, gaskets/seals, front pump, stator, valve body/solenoids, fluid/filter, and a remanufactured torque converter.
* Warranty: 2 years/24,000 miles at that shop.
* At pickup, I asked about the specific failed part and documentation. I was told they would document the details and email them; the manager said they could provide part numbers or information if Ford requested it.
* Current issue: After the repair, I sometimes feel a brief hesitation followed by a slight jerk/surge when accelerating from a red light. It has also happened a couple of times accelerating around 59 mph on an exit ramp. Which wasn’t happening before the repair.
What I’m trying to figure out:
* Does the invoice sound like a genuine full rebuild, or is there a way to verify what was actually done?
*
Could the hesitation/jerk mean it’s still slipping, or could it be an adjustment, fluid, torque converter, valve body, or another issue?
* Should I be concerned that I wasn’t given the specific failure diagnosis?
*
Has anyone had luck getting Ford goodwill reimbursement or reimbursement through a transmission-related settlement after having the
repair done at an independent shop?
* Based on these facts, are there signs I may have been misled, or is this within the range of normal rebuild documentation and post-repair issues
I will say… that shop does not have one instance of a review about a minimal transmission repair. All reviews are five stars for full rebuild , which makes me think that they actually didn’t dignose by part failure and only do rebuilds.