Just bought 2011 Malibu LS 2.4L mid-January with less than 12 miles. Today, after fighting off the denial and disappointment, I had to drop it off at the dealership because of what seemed to be a major problem with the transmission. When I put the car into D it felt like it didn't catch as I accelerated the car did not move until the RPM's were almost above 2, at which point the whole car hick-upped and shook as it went into gear.
It was driving ok after that until I came to a light. I came to a complete stop, tried to accelerate once the light turned green - the car rolled backwards!!!, and the engine just revved and again the RPM's shot up until the car finally caught and shook before driving forward.
Luckily the dealership was on the way. This is my second malibu. My first was a 1999, and i bought it used with 53,000 miles. I didn't have a single problem with the 99 until well into the high 70,000 mile mark. My first payment is not even due yet, and the Brand New Mailibu is in for repairs?!?!?! Any advice or insight would be much appreciated.
A similar thing happened to a new vehicle my day bought about 40 years ago. It died about 25 yards from the dealers lot. I remember they gave my dad a loaner and the next day the salesman and the owner of the dealership delivered the vehicle to our driveway and picked up the loaner. I don't remember having any other problems with that vehicle as long as my dad owned it. This was the car I learned to drive in and even took my road test with it.
So, the dealership is sticking to the, "that's what the warranty is for" line. This is turning into a total disaster. The car has been in the shop 3 days now. No complete diagnosis, just that they think it might be the main seal. I don't want this car - and the dealership is acting like I am crazy?!?! Not even 3000 miles, I just made my first payment while my new car is currently disassembled in the shop. Is it nuts to think they should get me a new car to replace this one? I would think they would rather a satisfied, repeat customer, rather than forcing me to pursue Lemon law which will make nobody happy. This is my second Malibu from this dealership - what chance do I have for a replacement? Do you have any recommendations for other avenues to pursue?
So, the dealership is sticking to the, "that's what the warranty is for" line. This is turning into a total disaster. The car has been in the shop 3 days now. No complete diagnosis, just that they think it might be the main seal. I don't want this car - and the dealership is acting like I am crazy?!?! Not even 3000 miles, I just made my first payment while my new car is currently disassembled in the shop. Is it nuts to think they should get me a new car to replace this one? I would think they would rather a satisfied, repeat customer, rather than forcing me to pursue Lemon law which will make nobody happy. This is my second Malibu from this dealership - what chance do I have for a replacement? Do you have any recommendations for other avenues to pursue?
If this is the first issue you have had with the car, I do think you are going a bit overboard wanting the car replaced.
Issues happen with cars they are very complex pieces of technology, especially transmissions. If they are fixing it that is a good start. If you have more issues with the transmission and they can't or won't fix it then you might have a lemon law cause as it is right now you don't.
Yes we all want a perfect car when we buy it and most of the time we get it other times things happen just as it can with anything.
I think most states' lemon laws require 3 tries and a certain number of days in the shop to trigger. They're not going to give you a new car on this one; worst case, they'll replace the transmission. Not a big deal. But they should be providing you a loaner in the mean time.
I bought a 1984 Pontiac Firebird new. I got it home, and there was a big puddle of transmission fluid under it. Took it back, got a loaner. They called and said it was ready. I picked it up, got it home, big puddle returned. Took it back, told them I was paying to drive a new Firebird and I expected one for a loaner. They gave me the dealer's wife's demo ( much nicer car than mine!) which I drove for about 5 days. Turned out the transmission had a porous casting, and they replaced it. Never had any more trouble with it.
No way are they going to take the loss of value on that car when they can get GM to pay for a new transmission.
Thanks - I appreciate each of your perspective's. The dealership is certainly determined to push back and they are really showing their true colors. I have found a rare few instances where the dealership is concerned enough about their customer (particularly repeat customer's) that they step-up and allow a switch. I fully understand the concept of warranties as well as the risks I took in making a new car purchase - that being said, the dealership should take the reins and handle the problem with GM, rather than tell their customer "it's not our car, we just sold it to you."
I do have a nice loaner. I also would not be making such a request if I had more than 2800 miles. But, in this situation, they are not owning up to the seriousness of the problem - 3 days in the shop, towed to a transmission specialist, still no complete diagnosis after 3 full business days! Also, they have disassembled my entire car, less than 45 days after purchase - this is unacceptable to me - as a customer.
I will keep posting updates to help document the process and Chevy's handling for those interested. The dealership has maintained, "worst case scenario you get a new transmission" (awesome, a new tranny to replace my brand new tranny). Ultimately, I feel GM needs to make this right, they certainly can afford to fix this type of problem when they are selling such a bogus car. 2 months ago, I would have told every single person I know to buy a chevy. It doesn't take much for one's reputation to be diminished so I am going to keep playing hard-ball and hope they act like customer satisfaction matters.
I understand being upset, but I guess I am missing the reason you think they should replace the car.
Is the dealer not trying to fix the issue? If they are then they are doing what they are required to do. They supplied you a loner and I know at least here they are not required to but most do to help out the customer. I can see wanting a replacement if they are not doing anything but it seems to be that they are.
I am not trying to argue but I think you need to give them the time to fix the issue. I think you might have gone crazy dealing with the brake master cylinder leak that the 05 and 06 mustangs I had got, and the grinding brakes and the other issues it ran into within 100 miles .
There are thousands of parts on a car it is honestly more amazing if you don't have issues then if you do. I know I rather see the issues show up when it's under warranty than when it's out.
I too can completely understand how upset you are with your new vehicle and the dealership. I have read further down the thread that you have mentioned "lemon law". Have you set up a "lemon law" case as of today?
Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service
I too can completely understand how upset you are with your new vehicle and the dealership. I have read further down the thread that you have mentioned "lemon law". Have you set up a "lemon law" case as of today?
Sincerely,
Michelle P., Chevrolet Customer Service
I have not yet started a lemon law case. I am documenting everything. I have every name and contact and time and conversation very well noted. I am not ready to bail on the dealership, yet, but the next step is, unfortunately, pursuit of the Lemon Law.
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2011 Malibu Transmission Issue Major Bummer
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