Hey all,

Hope you guys don't mind me starting a new thread, but I'm just too overwhelmed with joy that I'd like to document a How-To to help anyone else who's gone through my footsteps regarding transmission failures.

My original thread has the details of my mishaps (2 transmission failures). This particular thread will document my steps in the month-long battle to get my reimbursement!

Of course, you have to be within reasonable range to ask for a reimbursement. In my case, my transmission #2 gave out at 104,000 miles, and luckily while the car was still at the shop getting repairs I received the In re Chris Collins v. American Honda Motor Company letter which extends our warranty to 109,000.



First, The Homework

Prepare all the information you think you'll be needing to file your claim. In my case, that included:
- Failure history (dates, locations, mileages.. etc).
- VIN
- Repair invoices (from transmission shop and service tow truck)
- Credit card account/payment summary


Once ready,


Start by calling 1-800-382-2238, which is Acura's Claims Service Department.

State your case and file a claim.

You will be assigned a case manager, and receive a case number.

The Claims Department will then ask you to submit hard copies of your documents for verification.

This can be done either by good 'ol fashioned mail-in or by fax (which I opted for).

Be ready for some Q&A by Claims. Know your car and it's history. The more you can say, the stronger your claim will be.

Rest is up to Acura to see how the gavel falls. As said, it took me a month of phone tug-o-war to finally get this thing through.


Good luck all!

 

March 21, 2007

American Honda
PO BOX 2964
Torrance CA, 90509
FAX: (909) 664-9009



To Whom this may concern,

RE: [case number]
For reimbursement of transmission #3 repair cost.



2002 Acura TL Type-S
VIN: [secret ]

Transmission #1 Failure 5/24/03
36,998 miles
Repaired at Oakland Acura under warranty

Transmission #2 Failure 10/5/06
103,923 miles
Denied warranty at Serramonte Acura

Transmission #3 (Rebuild) 10/6/06 - 10/16/06
Bryant Transmission Center
660 Bryant Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Phone: 415-543-9789 (George)
Received letter In re Chris Collins v. American Honda Motor Company during this time.
Realize extended transmission warranty is now 109,000.

Cost for Transmission #3 - $2886.06

2 road service tow truck receipts.
$100 and $135 respectfully. Excluding tip.
(Site of failure to Serramonte Acura, Serramonte Acura to Bryant Transmission Center)


Total Cost for Transmission #3 = $2886.06 + 100 + 135 = $3121.06


Page 1 of 6

RE: [case number]
For reimbursement of transmission#3 repair cost.



Attached documents
- This letter
- Bryant Transmission Center invoice - $2886.06
- Discover Card Account Summary - Payment of $2886.06
- Photocopy of 2 Tow truck receipts - $135 + 100
- Photocopy of returned check for $135 ($100 payment with cash)



Thank you very much for your consideration,

 

Nice

 

Good work!

Bob

 

Hmmm...does this mean we have to fight to get reimbersment now?

I am on my 3rd transmission. Both times I took the car in Honda replaced the transmission free of charge, no questions asked, no paperwork required.

The only reason why I asked is because I am on the fence about selling this car. If my transmission fails again, I'm not looking forward to haggling with Honda over it...

 

Hopefully Acura's claims department will be speaking to those dealerships who are not honoring clear-cut warranty services. I really hope my tranny doesn't go someday. I only have 43k miles and realize this is where many ppl start having problems.

 

Its important to know what your rights and warranty are before ever setting foot in the dealer. In this case the Serramonte service writer was probably ~unaware~ of the extension on the warranty from 100k to 109k and just said no coverage.

Buyer Beware in everything in life